Robin Baron Design

As an interior designer, style is always of the utmost importance…but as a mother of two my kids ALWAYS come first! At this time of year, I am running around getting my kids ready to go back to school and of course this means getting their “back to school” supplies.

However, as a designer, I am thinking about how to inspire my kids to do their homework and excel in school…all through loving their environment. I have learned the best way to do this is to create a special space within your home, just for kids and created with your kids, where they can concentrate on work while having fun.

Here are some of my ideas to help you get started!

1. Always keep COLOR in mind! Fun, vivid colors will make your kids feel like their study room is a place they can happily escape to. Try a nice playful rug like this, to liven up your space! If your children are anything like my daughter, they will love reclining and reading in a comfy egg or bubble shaped chair. Just go with bold accent colors to add your child’s own style and flair.

2. Incorporate your children’s interests into the furniture. For instance, if your son enjoys baseball, purchase a comfy baseball bean bag chair! Freshen up the room with colorful modern furniture that you and your children will both enjoy. Shelving is a great way to get creative. If your child is a fan of skateboarding, they will love these funky shelves to rest their books and school supplies!

3. Turn up the tunes! As distracting as it may seem to us, some kids love to listen to music while doing school work (like my son). Incorporate what helps them focus into the room’s décor. Make the room fit their personality with a nice sound system and fun design! These cool iPod dock stations come in different styles and colors on speakal.com.

4. Encourage creativity. You want to create a space that makes your children focus on school without feeling like they are in school. Try wall paints that can turn a wall into a magnetic board or chalkboard that your kids can write on.

PB Teen has adorable colorful and patterned tiles that can be arranged into boards for your children to post their work and schedules in style. This would make a great addition to a study area and is available in patterns for both girls and boys.

5. Add accessories. They are important additions to any home décor, and it holds true here. Everything from notebooks and folders, to magnets can add stylish flair to a study area. Find patterns that rock your kids’ imagination, like this tote from Gallison.

6. Keep things in reach. When designing a work space for kids, remember that your kids may not be as tall as you! Everything should be accessible to your children and at their eye level, not yours. Even a hook to hang their jackets on or a cork board to post their homework should both be within their arms reach.

I know my kids can be a great source for design inspiration, so listen to what your kids like, and your end result will be fabulous! Happy “back to school” shopping!

I always say that accessorizing your home is a lot like accessorizing your clothes.  Here is a literal example!

I was shopping for a client at ABC Carpet and Home and came across these fabulous napkin rings by Kelly Wearstler for Sferra Brothers [left].  It was partly their elegant, organic shape that drew me to them, but I quickly realized that a great part of their allure was how much they reminded me of my favorite vintage Robert Lee Morris earrings from the 80s [right]!

I can’t think of anything better, or more interesting, than using jewelry on your holiday table.  Robert Lee Morris…you have a new world to explore!

If Louis Licari moved to China, so would I!  He’s been the only person to touch my hair color for more years than I’m going to tell you.  Being a red head definitely has its advantages, but getting the color right is an art…which makes Louis, the Michelangelo of hair!  Funny thing is, he really did start his career as an artist.  I had to be sure to stop in before my trip!

The front desk at Louis Licari

Yesterday, I spent the day at the home section of the New York International Gift Fair on Pier 94.  I was looking for all kinds of furniture and accessories with a client for her newly renovated apartment, which of course my team and I designed.  While on the “hunt”, my favorite part of the process, I discovered many exciting vendors—some new, some new to me.  Here are just a few of my finds:

• TOURMALINE Home, a fabulous new company based out of Laguna Beach, CA: You’ve got to love Karen, the founder and owner, for starting a company during this recession!  Her self-confidence shows through in her very first collection of spectacular pillows.  Each is beautiful in its selection of fabric, color, texture, and sophisticated embellishments.  The best part…she is moving her company back to her hometown, New York City!  Just goes to show that there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home…*Karen’s company is so new that she doesn’t have a website, but you can contact her via email.

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It’s almost the weekend that means we girls go shopping! Here are some of my favorite NYC spots:

Hem Boutique (155 Prince Street, NYC)
If you’re like me and hate shopping for pants then head to Hem!  You are guaranteed to walk out with a pair that fits like it was made for you…because they literally were!  This SoHo boutique is one of my secret weapons.  They offer everything from simple, classic looks to more fashion-forward, even eccentric statement pieces.  Even the store’s design is as hip as the selection, with pants casually suspended from big industrial hooks.  It’s the perfect end to your quest for flawless fit!

Brooklyn Flea Market (176 Lafayette Street, Fort Greene & 22 Water Street, Brooklyn Bridge)
It’s been a long time since I’ve found “hunting” so fun!  Brooklyn Flea, now at two locations, has fabulous vendors selling everything from antique furniture to local street food.  I have found vintage jewelry as well as interesting, used occasional tables that I refurbished to fabulous.  Plan on having a great day and eat at one of the cute bistros in the area.  It’s worth the trek over the bridge!

Last night I went to see one of my favorite performers, Chris Isaak, at the newly renovated and refurbished Beacon Theater in New York City.  He was fabulous!  He really puts on a terrific show–very warm and entertaining.  He gives so much back to his audience.  He even walked into the crowd with his guitar, up to the balcony and all!

I could go on and on about him, but I want to tell you how beautiful the newly renovated Beacon Theater was.  It’s always been a great venue for music, smaller, and more intimate than large concert settings, but the sheer beauty that has been brought out by the new work is breathtaking!  The attention to detail brings out a luxurious feel of days gone by.  I can only think of a few theaters remaining today that have every detail right…from the decorative painting to the fabulous (and “correct”) light fixtures.  Beautifully designed venue and a great concert…who can ask for anything more???

photos via my blackberry!

Here are some places I absolutely love (and hope you try!)…great ambiance and terrific food:

1. Zenkichi (77 N. 6th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn): With no sign and only a single light shining in its entrance, this “modern japanese brasserie” can be easy to miss.  Not to be overlooked are its sexy, chic interior and delicious Japanese tapas.  Follow the grey slate garden path past the bamboo walls to one of the private booths hidden by bamboo shades, where the wait staff comes to your table only when buzzed.  A truly romantic dining adventure.

2. Jacques Torres Chocolate (285 Amsterdam at 73rd St., NYC): Green-framed windows, a deep orange ceiling, dark wood paneling, mirrored columns, and bianco carrera marble table tops sparkle under crystal chandeliers.  Jacques Torres’ reinterpretation of an old-fashioned chocolatier is perfect for a quick chocolate fix.

3. Shalel Lounge (65 W. 70th St., NYC): Get lost with your beau amongst the Mediterranean stone grotto and waterfalls in this sexy basement lounge. It’s the perfect spot for a special date night or fool-proof seduction. Never underestimate the power of your surroundings to set the tone.

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Roberto Cavalli’s new Tuscan home is anything but Tuscan!  It’s modern design is innovative, spectacular, and just like his collections…bold.  From the lattice-leaf steel screen facade, which opens to allow for varying degrees of light, to the color-changing facade lights, it’s, well…Just Cavalli!

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