kids design

lecanotrouge

We love good design. Functional pieces that inspire creativity, look great and live long.

Paul & Paula finds the best new products, design classics as well as true must-haves for every day family living.

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All about Easter Bunnies!

easter for kids

 

To finish this week, I would like send you into the Easter Mood. With rabbits, eggs, lots of mellow yellow, and Spring inspiration.

And since Easter will be very early this year, in fact it is only 4 weeks away, you may want to start getting your Easter Eggs in a row…

Do you have any plans? Sounds like a stupid question with the pandemic, but here in the UK we might be able to see another family by then. Outside that is! Which is cool, and I am crossing everything I have for brilliant weather and lots of delicious picnics. Little things to look forward to.

And why not getting the kids a quirky bunny print shirt or even funky socks? A super soft knitted rabbit will be a friend forever and that pencil drawing too.

Hopefully the Easter Bunny will not be too cold. Here is some inspiration for a fun Easter week end:

1. Rabbit swaddle. (various colours available)

2. Bunny ears beanie in mint or rose.

3. Beautiful pencil drawing of a little rabbit.

4. Baby alpaca knitted bunny.

5. Bunny teether.

6. Funky socks.

7. Quirky and organic bunny print tee.

8. Cool leggings. Will make for a cool Easter Egg Hunt!

9. Mellow Yellow. Super soft muslin cotton jumpsuit! I love it and there are other beautiful colours available too.

10. Wooden figurine.

 

Happy Easter and have a look for some Spring Vibes for big and for small!

 

All links are affiliate!

 

21jolly things for an awesome start into 2021!

paul paula blog 2021

Hi everyone. Now, I hope you are doing great. After the little bummer of being in lockdown over the holidays we just got the news that schools will not re-open next week either. It does not come as a huge surprise but resilience is written in B I G letters over my head now.

The days are short, cold and my motivation for another round of home schooling is more than low. I admit!

Still being positive and seeing the situation as a ‘it is what it is’ kind of thing I can feel my limits a bit more clear these days too.

So wherever you are, I really hope that you are ok and walking around with your chin up. I am sending you a virtual hug because we all need one.

Please enjoy some things, reads and finds to get into 2021 with a little skip… or tow:

wooden rainbow montessori
Great shop with wonderful Montessori toys that may make homeschooling a tiny bit easier!

10 Family-Friendly Things You Can Do at Home This Winter That Don’t Involve a Screen. Dwell.

 

fish stuffed animal handmade
Unique and very cute soft friends*!

The best things for ourselves and our families that made an unbelievably weird year just a little more manageable.

 

star moon coffee mug
Beautiful ceramics and I basically want them all. New year, new tea mug… :)

2020 celeb scandals.

 

oversize cashmere scarf
Spoil yourself ladies! With these luxury knitted items. Because home office means comfort and we want it chic.

I will join this ‘Ready to Crush’ 21 days challenge starting next Monday. You too?

 

linen tablecloth
I cannot even remember when I put a proper tablecloth on. But this year I bought one to make the holidays a tiny bit more festive. And I have to say – it is so lovely and make a great difference when it comes to atmosphere.
Meaning: I will get one for Spring too because the one I got fits more with the Christmas Mood.
My eyes are on those because nothing can beat linen*!

The simple knitted ensemble in subtle colours is T H E thing for adults right now. This is the perfect baby version*!

 

vegan aubergine cauliflower lentil harissa
I love herbs and spices and made this delicious vegan recipe recently. With lots of harissa!

How was 2020 for Chloe and Darshana? Read their interviews…

 

soor plom-velour-corduroy-overalls
New Soor Plom* collection available.

I am a huge fan of Ren Skincare and this is one of my favourite cleansers.

 

RAINBOW-VASE DIY
Great DIY. A paper mache rainbow vase.

It is cold outside baby. And this cream* will help to keep your skin in check.

 

ceramic palette and brush rest bunny
For the little artist: Bunny palette and brush rest* in ceramic!

OMG. This minty lip balm* is the best!

 

playroom mural sun
Very cool mural, all DIY and rather easy to copy!

2021 will definitely be the year of sneakers. (again)
What else would you wear with your comfort chic ensembles???
And these never go out of style…

 

lorna murray
These beautiful (sun) hats* are now available in Europe as well! Adult sizes are available as well.

 

Happy 2021 everyone!!! Lots of love, health, and resilience…

 

*affiliate links

23 merry things for your December!

paul paula blog

This time I am sending you into the last month of the year. 2020 is close of being over and even so we have no idea what 2021 will bring, I am assuming everyone’s expectations are rather low. Therefore, it will be good! It has to be!

Over here, I did not manage to get this list out on the last Friday of the month as I am usually aiming for. But… just in time to start December – tomorrow- all merry, jolly and inspired.

Below, my finds, bookmarks and everything `I want to share with you. Full of gift ideas, beautiful things… and more.

Enjoy, have a wonderful festive time and remember: Love is the answer.

 

chunky knit blanket
Cosy Christmas Days with these chunky blankets in various sizes and colours!

Part puzzle, part immersive diorama construction kit

 

oyoyoyoy
OYOY has some lovely new items in their collection. Sweet tapestry, rugs, table ware…

THAT colour. I am in love. And so perfect for a cool festive outfit and that you will wear many times in 2021. Guaranteed!

 

wooden beads garland
A different, and oh so pretty, kind of garland. Love it! Very Scandinavian Christmas!

Fabulabox concept allows children to create their own streetscapes and cities from panels that can be easily assembled and disassembled.

 

simple folk 2

simple folk
The Simple Folk.

For my teenage daughter I got a few cute beauty products for Christmas, like this amazing body butter.

 

wooden christmas baubles
Wooden baubles* beautifully hand painted.

Goorin Bros!

 

vintage kids room
Cool vintage kids room.

Treat yourself mamas!

 

BATMM+Cover
Reading in December: Bartholomew and the Morning Monsters

Handmade robe bowls* for fruits, accessories, toys…

 

rainbow crochet baby blanket pattern
How about taking up crochet over the holidays? And make this gorgeous rainbow baby blanket*?

Three great baby fashion brands!

 

modern kids roommodern kids room
Sculptural shifts in ceiling heights with clever spatial proportions!
The absolute best workout leggings, especially for running are these. I love them and never wear anything else when doing my laps.

 

bunk bed self made
Loving the colourful stairs going up to the uber cool bunk bed. Family home in Denmark.

And another very cool family space in Paris.

 

linen dress girl
Handmade, sustainable children’s clothing*. Lovely linen dresses, rompers and accessories.

Fantastic prints, posters, postcards and more from various London neighbourhoods. Gorgeous illustrations* that make wonderful gifts!

 

book filled living room

scandi kids room
A room filled with books and a kids room with a view. I am moving in!

 

Sweet wishes from London to wherever you are…

 

*affiliate link

The best Advent Calendars!

best advent calendars

Ho Ho Ho! Christmas is getting closer and I am sure we are all in need of some love, little surprises and down time.

And if you read here for a while you must know that Advent Calendars are a must during Christmas Season in my house. The children already asked if we do it the same way we usually do. Let’s see… (I will share more at the end of this article)

Nonetheless, the day the first door will open… it is definitely time to countdown till Christmas and get a little more festive day by day! Do you agree?

I put together a lovely list of some excellent calendars for this year and there is something for everyone. DIY calendars, something for the minimalist, heirloom pieces as well as for Harry Potter fans.

The best Advent Calendars for 2020:

 

christmas advent calendar

Reusable Advent Calendar

What a beautiful fabric Advent Calendar* is an ideal alternative to the traditional boxed calendars. It can be used year after year and passed down through the family. Each pocket can be filled with your own small gifts, chocolates or little messages making it the ideal family Christmas keepsake.

 

hygge village advent calendar

Minimalist paper house advent calendar

Very sweet DIY advent calendar to shorten your wait for Santa. It consists of 24 houses in four different sizes. Once put together you will enjoy a Swedish village that is delightfully understated and makes every minimalist heart skip a beat.
All you need are scissors, a bit of glue and some treats and little gifts to fill the houses.
Pssst, there is a forest version as well!

 

fabric advent calendar

Fabric Advent Calendar

Each pocket of this Calendar* is beautifully embroidered with a number and is the perfect place to pop a little gift or message, creating a magical moment each morning. The pockets are made with gussets so they are big enough for a couple of smaller gifts or one a little bigger.

 

santa advent calendar boxes

Santa shaped Christmas advent boxes

Cute Santa advent calendar. Simply pop up the boxes and fill them with sweets and other little treats. Overall, each pack includes 24 boxes and 1 sticker sheet to assemble your own advent calendar.

 

christmas tree ornament advent calendar

Advent Calendar with small Christmas ornaments

The Christmas Ornament Advent Calendar can be used year after year. Simply hang the cotton twine under your mantle, down the stairwell or anywhere you wish to spread some Christmas cheer. Place one ornament in each cotton bag, and then tie the bags. Each day, open a new bag and hang the enclosed ornament on your Christmas tree. For a child you may want to add a little chocolate or candy in the bag as well. I love the idea of decorating the tree a little every day. It adds to the sparkle.
The set includes: 25 Hand-Stamped numbered cotton draw string bags, 25 wooden ornaments, 25 lengths of Bakers Twine, and 10ft Natural Cotton Twine to hang.

 

harry potter advent calendar

Harry Potter Advent Calendar

Every day you will get one Harry Potter* item like magic socks, a pencil, badge pin, phone stickers, or tattoos. And many more cool things. This Advent Calendar has been developed under strict adherence to the Warner Bros license.

 

cookie advent calendar

Cookie advent calendar

Yes! This is an edible calendar. And it can be personalised and it exists as a gluten free option too. Beautiful, different, and definitely sweet!

 

wooden heirloom toy advent calendar

Waldorf Toys Advent Calendar

With that wooden advent calendar kit* you might just have the most amazing thing in your playroom this Christmas. Children will enjoy playing with this set for years to come and it will brighten up any mantel or coffee table during the winter holidays when it is eventually outgrown, before being enjoyed again by the next generation.

 

digital download print advent calendar last minute

Printable Advent Calendar

A digital download and perfect for a last minute decision. (make sure to have high quality paper like thick white card stock on hand though!)
All in all, this cute Advent Calendar contains 7 different illustrated house shaped boxes. And is adorned with beautiful winter elements and patterns for your Christmas village.

 

embroidered advent calendar

Embroidered Advent Calendar

Made up of 25 individual embroidered designs each having an embroidered number and cute design as well as backing pieces. This is a DIY calendar.

 

advent calendar bags

Advent Calendar Bags

And these cute linen advent calendar bags can be filled with candy, small toys or lovely notes. You can choose from various linen colours like white, blue, or rose. Next you can choose between stars and Christmas trees prints and between silver and gold colours.
Furthermore, you can also request more bags, different sizes or even get the colours mixed.

 

ornament advent calendar

Ornament Advent Calendar

Unique ornament advent calendar! Comes with 24 laser cut birch ornaments, each hidden behind a red paper door. Simply lift the paper door each day until Christmas to reveal the ornament underneath. Pop and wiggle the ornament out from the surrounding wood, and hang on the tree.

 

Looking for ideas on what to hide in the calendar?

How about: A small chocolate, little box of raisins, a good wish for the day or a silly Christmas joke. Tiny Lego figures or small rubbers and paperclip packs. Small books, glitter glue, hair clips or a clementine…

This year I will take out our Heirloom calendar and fill each day with four little chocolates. Usually I buy tiny gifts and the children take turns. And they each have a chocolate filled calendar as well. But this year is different and with the shops closed I decided to go for chocolates. Easy!

Altogether: I am wishing you a beautiful and relaxing Advent time!

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Past articles about Advent Calendars:
*affiliate links

Space saving storage solutions for tiny children’s rooms

Space saving storage solutions for tiny children's rooms

Tell me, how often were you thinking about moving to a place with more space over the last months? Probably more than once.

But you are still in the same spot? Moving into a bigger home is not always the first solution. Because of friends, the school your child is loving so much, the commute you may have to do again one day, and other factors. They all make you want to look into space-saving solutions instead of moving.

And figuring out lovely and practical storage ideas for your kids’ rooms can be a challenge. The confrontation of making the most of toys and kids stuff can be called a design challenge. That is why I am sharing some space-saving storage solutions for tiny children’s rooms with you today.

You probably did some de-cluttering already during one of the rainy weekends. And that is a great starting point to get the storage situation off the ground. Kids room storage solutions will help you to maximise floor space for play and to give the most beautiful things room to shine.

Here are great as well as practical storage solutions for your kids’ rooms that you can re-create in your own home straight away:

simple-kids-room
Image: Minishow

Keep it Simple

The beginning of a good and organised room is a simple layout. Bright, neutral colours will open up any small space and make it more welcoming. Do not overthink and over-design, but make sure it is functional for a child. And what does it really need? Keep storage containers low and easy to access. And give everything a dedicated spot to make it easy to get tidied up.

 
kids room shelves
Image: Rafa Kids

Shelves

Shelves are excellent for displaying your child’s most beautiful possessions. Be careful: Too many open shelves can make a room feel chaotic. It is better to use some great, coordinating boxes and containers on shelves to unify the look, or use shelves with doors.

Low shelves are easily accessible and great for toys that are played with often. Alternative book storage comes in the form of picture ledges, which are fun to line a little reading nook with.

Here are 8 ideas for children’s bookshelves!

 

multifunctional furniture
Image: Cuckooland

Invest in multifunctional furniture

Every little thing can make a big difference in a small room. And some pieces of furniture can actually do several jobs. A desk can be a bedside table and a stool can include a storage function for example.
A bunk bed is the best space saving thing there is for shared rooms. But, not only. It can also be very useful for small rooms in general. Underneath you can create a desk area or play corner, creating more free space for the rest of the room. Elevated beds with built-in storage are excellent as well.

Great children workspaces

 
kids room storage solutions
Image: Apartment Therapy

Make the most of the height of the room

All you want in a kids room is to have some floor space so the little ones can play. Remeber the first points about keeping your room simple and investing in multifunctional furniture. Now: We go up!
Put shelves all the way up the wall, there is always something you do not need every day and can be stored on the top.
However, keep things simple here as well. And do not overload your shelves or the room will look cramped and unorganised, not something your child will feel inspired in.

More storage ideas for children’s rooms

 

under window seat and storage kids
Image: Project Nursery

Dual utility

Window seats perfectly utilise the small space underneath a window and offer seating. Now how about combing that with some storage space? A wall-to-wall window seat doubles as an easy-access bookshelf and is looking neat.

5 smart ideas for small children’s rooms

 

woven baskets toy storage
Image: Studio McGee

Baskets, boxes & co

Woven baskets can be a great way to keep a variety of toys or books in order. They also look fabulous and add texture and warmth to a room. Alternatively, there is often room for a toy box or trunk at the end of the bed and could be used as a chair or table sometimes as well. And a child-sized clothing rail is a fun way of storing and displaying dress-up items.

Have fun organising!

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