Beautiful Children's Spaces

Favorite Kids Play Areas, originally uploaded by Heath & the B.L.T. boys.

I've been studying children's spaces long before Claire was born. Here are some inspiring photos I found when browsing through Flickr.

When designing an infant's nursery, I think a subdued room with lots of calm tones and shapes is important. The infant has already experienced an enormous and stressful transition into the world and gets plenty of stimulation from interactions with parents. The nursery should be a harbor of peace. It should promote rest and a feeling of safety. I think that mobiles that play all sorts of loud music and have flashing lights and bright bouncing shapes shouldn't be placed over the crib, but kept in a designated play area..Can you imagine having someone hang this over your bed, turn it on, and tell you to sleep?!

However, as the baby becomes a toddler, play is extremely important and I think it is appropriate to introduce a more colorful and stimulating environment. By balancing design, one room can be both a comfortable and calming place of rest and an exciting and interesting place of play.

With this mindset, I'm going to start a project in Claire's bedroom. Claire is now 1 year, 1 month, 3 weeks, and 5 days old so I think it is high time we add a little playfulness to her room! Right now her walls are a calming light blue-lavender hue. I want to liven up her space by painting a tree and flowers on the walls. I'm also considering installing a chalkboard and mirror on the walls for her to play with.

I'd love input..any other ideas on what to add to a toddler's room?
(I'll post pictures of Claire's room later today!)