Love this design for a writing desk by Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot Editions that was on display at this year’s Dwell on Design conference.

Photo via Dwell

Our girls would love a room like this.  One thing our kids need is a bigger area for crafts and coloring, I don’t think a desk can be too big.  I like the wooden ladder for animal storage (if we had that our girls would constantly need rescued from the top of it) , as well as the peg board for hanging toys and displaying artwork.  Acne Jr. is a Swedish toy company based out of Stockholm that gives traditional toys a modern makeover.  If you haven’t heart of them, pay their website a visit.

Via Family Living

Since its creation in 1972 by designer Peter Opsvik, The Tripp Trapp chair has been a dinner table icon.  At the time there were few options for children’s seating at the table, and none that would last as long or adapt as well with your child as they grow.   In fact there are few now that can.   Conceived after watching his child struggle to find a comfortable position at the table , Peter Opsvik’s design creates a fully customizable, yet amazingly simple solution.   Originally the chair provided only an adjustable seat and foot rest. While this was enough to accommodate toddlers through adults, the chair did not suit children much smaller than toddlers.   Since then many accessories and attachments have been added (baby set, table top, cushions, and a five-point harness) making the chair useful for any person six months to adult and up to 300 lbs.

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Established in 2006 by Henrik Thygesen and Sebastian Jørgensen, We Do Wood is based on the vision that eminent design and strict sustainability principles should go hand in hand.  I very much agree, and I appreciate the commitment to functionality, design, and sustainability in everything they do.   There isn’t a product they make that I wouldn’t love to have in my home.  Now that our girls are getting a little bigger, I would love a set of Lilly Chairs and Geo Tables for their room.  Besides looking fantastic, they are build to last.  The Lilly Chair is the perfect fit for ages 1-5, is easy to assemble, and available in three color variations.

Via Sodapopgirl, We Do Wood

Taking a brief break (until later today) from the product reviewing to post these fun rooms with chalkboard painted walls.   I have been toying with the idea to use chalkboard paint on some of our walls…  My only worry would be whether or not my girls would realize they can’t draw on every wall,  just specific ones.   If painting an entire wall isn’t a commitment you want to make, or if it just isn’t an option, then maybe a smaller scale/less permanent choice like these wall graphics form Firm Living would be better.  Printed on adhesive backed vinyl, these work with chalk and can be applied/removed without damaging the wall.

Images via NYTimes, Ferm Living

A great memory from childhood is standing with my back to the door frame, and my mom making tick marks with the year and my new height.   It was so exciting to see every inch of progress.  Keeping a growth chart is a great thing to do with your kids, but if you don’t own  your own home writing on the wall might not be the best option.  And if you move you can’t exactly take a chunk of drywall with you.   These over sized rulers are the perfect alternative to writing on kitchen walls and backs of bedroom doors.   The simple vintage style Ruler Height Chart is available through  Great Little Trading Co, or for something a little more colorful try the Measure Me Stick from Studio 1am.  Or there is always Amazon.  If you have the time and resources though, creating your own is a relatively simple undertaking and a great weekend project to do with kids.  You can pick up some birch or maple ply from a local hardware store, and they will typically be able to cut it to size for you.  Then all you need is some nice number stencils, finish, and you are off and running.  There are plenty of helpful tutorials out there, and I might end up doing one of my own here soon.   One important thing to consider is the height of the ceiling where you plan to put the ruler.  Our ruler is six feet tall ( the kids may get taller, but I doubt we will still be measuring them at that point).  Seven feet is also a good height, however not all older homes/apartments have bedroom ceilings that tall.    Be sure and plan a way to anchor it to the wall too, you don’t want a giant ruler falling on top of anyone!