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 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!

The front desk at Louis Licari

Arsen, my fabulous hair stylist...he always gets it right!

Enid, ace makeup artist with her own great collection of cosmetics, Enid O.

Louis Licari, "the king of color", at work creating a masterpiece.

I’m loving my hair, but most importantly, I left the salon feeling like a million bucks.  It really is all about how you feel…

Are you attached to your colorist or stylist too?

• 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.

• Run Run Studio, designed and handmade in Maine: I loved their booth—interesting, artisan-designed home furnishings made from a mixture of steel, slate, and wood.  Each one of their beautiful handmade pieces has a modern, sculptural quality.  I thought any of these pieces would look wonderful in a contemporary home or as a highlight, putting just the right twist to a more traditional environment.

• Julian Chichester,  a case of a vendor who has been around, but is new to me: The company is based out of High Point, NC (furniture capital of the world!) and has been here in the United States for the last 8 years.  Julian, himself, has been designing furniture for the last 18 years out of London, England.  The company has an interesting “take” on furniture creating a wonderful, fun mix of contemporary English design.  I love the whimsical mix of the classic style chair quatrefoil upholstered back.

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!

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!

[The Moment]