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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17 cool things for your September!

PAUL PAULA BLOG

Hi there! How are you?

Just before we are heading straight into September I have some cool stuff ready for you. This time on a Monday so you get a good start into a new week as well.

Here in London we had some ‘fresh’ days and got a glimpse into Autumn (way too early if you ask me!) and then we have one more week of summer break and I am really wondering how it will be once the kids go back to school.

Are you ready? 17 cool things for a great new week and an even better month of September:

 

april-vase tse tse
If you want something special for your home, look no further than Tse & Tse.

100 years of baby fashion.

 

animal face masks kids
Want to swap the boring mask for something cute*? how about a koala or pug version?

Not vegan. Not tried. But if you are in for a very mean chocolate cookie, I think you should try this.

 

lion crochet animal head nursery
Fantastic lion head* for the nursery and kids room. Such a great decor item and beautifully made to order as well.

Whoa! Coolest backpacks* around for sure…

 

sunna studios lounge wear
If this lounge wear would come in my size I would totally wear it…

Until then, I will find something pretty in this shop*.

 

origami back linen dress women
That dress* had me at ‘Hello!’. I mean… that back…

Humans of New York. Always good!

 

french family home reims

french family home reims
A home full of life

90s kids versus today’s kids! So fun!

 

ruffled-sweater
I might be slightly jealous that this gorgeous jumper* is for kids! (but, of course, so so pretty!)

Pretty socks*!

 

linen playmat leaf
Cute playmat*.

If your kids’ school stays closed or you decided to homeschhool for the time being, have a look at this kids workspace inspiration.

 

Hugs and kisses…

 

PS: This week I will also share our two weeks break in Kent! Stay tuned…

 

*affiliate links

Children workspaces that are perfect for home school and inspire imagination

Children work spaces that are perfect for home school and inspire imagination

Since we are far away from being done with Covid but summer breaks will eventually come to an end I thought it would be great to look a little more into workspaces for children.

Here in the UK, we are planning on sending children back to school in the 2nd week of September. Fingers crossed! However, I know that elsewhere schools will stay shut until next year. And that means doing the work from home and therefore a good space is needed.

Making a designated study space where kids feel comfortable, productive, and can concentrate is key and I will show you some great ideas, share some tips, and give you inspiration for your own four walls.

Welcome to this children workspaces that are perfect for home school and inspire imagination guide:

kids desk home school

Image: Ikea

Creating a desk space

Having a special and comfortable space to study is crucial when you need to concentrate and to focus. And a dedicated desk is way better than working around the kitchen table. Plus this way you can keep all your pencils, erasers, and other school utensils on your desk – ready every time you continue to work. And I am sure your child will love to organise their own space.
Furthermore, a  great feature to have in a desk is adjustable height. Otherwise, you can also have an adjustable chair. That way the years of use are adding up.
I know that space can be an issue, so why not having a desk under a bunk bed or go for a small version with a drawer and the essentials can be kept in there.

I put together some great children’s desk to give you a head start:

 

kids' desks

 

1. Flexible desk*! The surface can be set to 3 different levels. I think it is great to be able to change up a little when you need it…

2. Cute desk* that comes in two sizes and a lots of colour options. Simple and cool!

3. Boho rattan desk*.

4. Perfectly combining design and functionality and the two compartments under the top can store everything. This desk* is available in white and celadon and has a groove for pencils on the top.

5. This desk* won the Red Dot Design Award and you can also add some drawers if you wish. (available in green and pink too)

6. Adjustable desk* with storage under the table and a great design. I love the natural version but there is blue and white as well.

7. Vintage style desk* that is available in different colours and has an accompanying chair* too.

8. This is a very stylish desk & chair set* that will look fantastic in any corner of your home.

 

kids workspace

Image: Apartment Therapy

Personalise the children workspace

Hang their artwork, add some time tables, and/or put a magnetic panel up to stick papers, notes, and drawings. Just make it fun, colourful, and inspiring. Have a look at my coolest art prints for kids’ rooms article to find great posters and more.
Colours are super important because they can turn a room into a great space and really help you to be creative. A room that screams happy and fun is so much better than a boring ‘classroom’ don’t you think?

 

kids space organisation

Image: Rachel Parcell

Organisation

Think about your own desk or office. I am sure you are much more productive when it is clutter-free and tidy. And when you are creating a healthy learning environment for your kids it should be orderly as well.
Take a bookshelf and fill it with school books, paper, and art supplies. Provide little baskets for pens, glue sticks, scissors, etc. That way you will avoid a busy desk and leaving more space to do the work.

Don’t forget for the perfect children workspace:
You will need a bin, stock up on supplies, and keep healthy snacks in the pantry!

 

 

*affiliate links

26 sizzling things for your August!

paul paula blog

I have been a bad blogger over the last months but I guess you all know why. To make it up a tiny bit I managed to gather a Friday List so we can all start August in style.

And wherever you are, whatever you do… I really hope that you are OK and that things are more calm and manageable.

We are staying in this cute little cottage in Kent at the moment. And I can tell you, it is sooooo nice to be out of the city and see something else for a bit. I will share more about our stay and cottage very soon!

Here are your 26 sizzling things for a sunny month of August:

 

macrame weaving loom diy kit
Great range of DIY Knitting, Crochet, Weaving and Macrame kits*.

If you are looking for something special for your home.

 

sozo diy kits
More DIY: From funky cushion cases to embroidered wall art, let your creativity take hold with these kits from Sozo DIY*.

Great interview with Simone Biles in Vogue. To add you should also watch the Netflix Documentary about the US Gymnastics Team system.

 

natural body soap
French inspired natural skincare. Which looks very glam and chic too. Just like the French… (And they make great gifts!)

Also DIY, but outdoors: Eco-friendly container gardening kits*!

 

yellow maxi dress cotton
For me please! Fantastic yellow maxi dress* that will always put a smile on your face whilst wearing it. (you should check this shop out in general by the way…)

On my recipe list: Raw Nutella Bars.

 

hand embroidery pattern
I am on a roll today, more DIY kits: These hand embroidery hoop patterns* are so gorgeous!

This print just screams summer.

 

A+Colorful+Bohemian+home
What a house!

One of my favourite decor brands.

 

white peach summer drink
Adult drink with white peaches. I actually got a blender to crush ice (Ours broke just before our last move) recently and collect yummy summer drink recipes…

Remember:  Colouring Pages to print out during rainy days!

 

child bonnet
Handmade baby and child bonnets*.

I made a very simple and yet delicious focaccia a few weeks back. Nothing compared to the very arty ones going through the net…

 

le-toy-van-pull-along-wagon-cart
An old-fashioned favourite for little ones to easily transport their toy collections from room to room with this pull-along wagon cart*.

Hmmmmm…. roasted berry sorbet!

 

Toy Beauty_makeup-bag-pretend-play
My youngest is really into makeup and hair. She basically begs me to put on lipstick (my already very minimalist approach to make up is literally nonexistent since Corona started) and to do my hair. It is her birthday in September and I think that I will get this Toy Make Up Bag*. No need to worry about make up on furniture or skin problems…

Another adult drink, with grapefruit. Something I re-discovered over the last weeks as well.

 

mini me clothing design
Very cool and minimal clothes for the whole family – dada, mama & mini!

Something pretty for us mums!

 

woven throw blanket etsy
Time to get yourself a great gift that will make the extra time we spend in our homes even more worthwhile. In love with these throw blankets*….

More for the home: These rugs* are amazing, affordable and super fun!

 

stay close to people who make you feel like sunshine
Just wanted to give this to you!

Last one: If you are looking for a very special dress* for your child. Look no further!

 

Have a great month of August everyone. Stay Safe! Stay Healthy!

 

 

* affiliate links

22 jolly things for your July!

22 jolly things for your July

Two weeks ago I realised, with horror, that I missed a Friday list for this June! One of my favourite articles and I missed it. And this probably is the a good proof how the current situation took over my days…

And even so I did not manage to prepare a Friday list right on the ‘correct’ day, it is ready and here for you to enjoy just before July starts!

As usual packed with fashion, reads, news, interiors and more for the whole family.

22 jolly things for your July:

home office
So much inspiration to take away from this place.

Out of ideas on how to entertain the kids? Try one (or more) of these downloadable limited series Kids’ Activity Packs.

 

 

white-the-bear-restaurant-
Isn’t this a fab restaurant for families?

White Privilege! (please read it!)

 

 

linen culottes
Summer staple – linen culotte*! (many colours available)

Magnetic map of the solar system*.

 

 

Modern-Playhouse-Build
Genuis! This playhouse is a dream!

How to talk to your children about the pandemic.

 

 

fruit-toy-set-in-wood
They look as delicious as real fruits but will last forever! Wooden play fruit set*.

How about some yoga?

 

 

maternity lounge set
Are you pregnant right now? I think you would love and live in this lounge set, so perfect for your postnatal weeks as well. And if you decide to leave the house, this basics bundle is pretty cool as well.

One special shop*! Cute accessories, pretty dresses – for women and children.

 

 

sorbet coloured candles
Loving these sorbet coloured pillar candles*!

Add some instant fun with these cute ceramic plant pots. My favourite must be the pigs and elephants.

 

 

balloon-music-box
Balloon music box* for the sweetest of dreams…

Perfect summer wardrobe!

 

 

scandinavian living room
Another house where I could move right in!

Everyone is on zoom calls, incl. celebrities. Some of their great and not so great homes.

 

 

numero74 woman dress
New styles and colours. For the perfect (mix & match) Mini Me look.

I don’t wear eye shadow but these eye pods are the beauty talk of the moment.

 

 

scandinavian bedroom
Scandinavia in Sydney!

How will tourism get out of the crisis?

 

 

reversible baby blanket flowers
Cutest baby set* – floral blanket, cushion, as well as a lovely bunting!

Or how about some delightful rainbow pots?

 

Wishing a wonderful month of July and I hope that I will manage to write a little more often here again… xoxo

*affiliate links

18 things for a better stay-at-home May!

18 things for a better stay-at-home May!

Technically I am late. Because I am usually sharing my monthly list the last Friday of the month. But since things are just a bit different right now (and I actually totally did not notice that tomorrow is the 1st of May until right now), the first of May is just as good. Yes?!

And last April definitely was very different from any other April and I think I never wrote that little here on Paul & Paula. Admitting that I never thought that having the kids home and doing the whole school thing would be that time consuming. The days fly by and boom, it is 8pm and all I want to do is hang on my couch.

What drives me, and keeps my going, is running. And I added a lot of km to my weeks these days!

How are you doing at the moment? I actually wrote on our kitchen calendar, usually decorated in many colours and handwritings, SAME SAME SAME in bold letters all over the week. And that is how I feel mostly: Same. Every day is the same. Therefore we want to make it a bit more fun, inspiring, and fresh with this new list today.

And of course, I added some things that will make the current situation more bearable. Enjoy:

 

yellow kitchen
Starting with a yellow kitchen to give you the best start!

I want these boots*!

 

bonnie and the gang baby romper
Ine de Haes launched a new brand. For little people!

Entertain the kids: Cool craft ideas or colouring sheets. Or both!

 

embroidered hoop sequins
So many adorable things, especially the embroidered hoops*! Big love!

Pajamas!

 

Rudloe-Road-London-SW12
Lovely London house.

I know, the C word is everywhere, but this article is interesting: All the things COVID-19 will change forever!

 

play roll kids colouring roll paper
PLAY ROLL*! Keeping the kids entertained just got a bit easier…

Pretty mugs* make for good starts into a day.

 

quincy mae
A great collection* of poetic and timeless wardrobe staples for the tiniest of tots. At very reasonable prices too.

Truly loving this London-based skincare brand. All organic, simple, and natural. And right now is a good time to give our beauty program a little more attention and love I think!

 

mix of chairs kitchen table
Loving the colourful chairs around the table.

Everything* for the most enjoyable home. In the best colours and made from soft fabrics.

 

kids desk harto

white bunk bed
Such a well designed space in my home town!

Great book that encourages children to go play outside and discover what nature has to offer. Perfect timing!

 

soor plom dress
Quintessentially cool kidswear* from Brooklyn!

Another practical and pretty necessity to make the current times more pleasant: Desk Organisers*

 

Wishing you all a good month of May, that hopefully ends with good news…

 

*affiliate links

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