Big-Boy Rooms

Aside from my recent detour to all the new finds of Market, my focus lately has been on children's rooms. I am currently working with several moms to transition their nurseries to big boy and girl rooms. There are so many directions to take in making this change that it can be overwhelming.  I always like to have photos of inspiration at my finger tips to show clients what can be done in an effort to define their goals. Luckily, I have files and files on hand in anticipation of such projects.

Here are some of my favorites for big-boy rooms.

Alessandra Branca's book, New Classic Interiors.

Twin beds are always my preference in children's rooms. There are so many things you can do with them. This photo is from Alessandra Branca's book, New Classic Interiors. I love the canopies, toile wall paper, and striped fabric. A wonderful throwback to Mary Poppins.

Another inspiration from Alessandra Branca's book New Classic Interiors. This English look is timeless. Notice the shades on the floor lamps are made to look like drums. And the sconces are tin Napoleonic hats!

 From Margaret Russell's book Style and Substance (one of my favorites!)

Every child seems to love bunk beds. And for those lucky kids that get to share a room, they are perfect space savers. The design team of Nathan Egan Interiors helped a New York City family save a bit of space all while adding entertainment with the bunk bed puppet theater!

From Style and Substance

This little boy's room is decorated with a extra large size world map by Hammacher Schlemmer. This is also a great way to disguise boring closet doors, as well as learn geography! I wish I had one of these when I was growing up.

From Style and Substance

This nursery can definitely grow with the little boy. The wall paper is a photograph taken by the little boys father, photographer Pieter Estersohn, while in India. I love the antique rug and light.

Domino, the book of decorating

This urban cowboy themed room by decorator, Vesta Fort, is a fun mix of vintage items. The cowboy curtains set the stage for the old west decor. I like the unexpected zebra headboards, the dark wood floors, and vintage twin beds.

At the end of the day, there are lots of possibilities for your little man.  Make it a fun project -- use your imagination, factor in his interests and let be inspired!

The vanCollier Debut Collection

Katie Koon, myself, and Beth Collier of Van Collier.

 It was two years ago that my dear friend Katie Koon introduced me to her childhood friend, Beth Collier. The three of us sat in my conference room discussing the direction of my family business and vanCollier's development as a wholesale furniture design business. I had been itching to move Eatman's into a more designer-centric showroom, where designers would showcase their work.  My vision was that Eatman's would be a destination where designers and homeowners alike would come to be inspired.   About this time, Beth, a seasoned interior designer and art major, and Chris, her husband, himself an antique and furniture aficionado, had decided to start designing furniture to the trade. She needed a platform - a store to display her new designs and ideas. I needed something unique, exclusive and exciting to display in my store.  It was a perfect fit.

We sanctioned off an area for vanCollier to display all their beauties in my family's store. With the help of this blog and your loyal following, we began to get the word out of the new furniture/accessory designer. While Beth and Chris painstakingly went through the process of finding manufacturers for their designs, I welcomed any and all prototypes to our store.

After two years, vanCollier made its official debut last week at the High Point Furniture Market as a wholesale design business. I am so proud of them and excited for their future that I can hardly contain myself.  What a testimony to hard work, perseverance, friendship and being inspired!

Feast your eyes on these creations and enjoy.  All pieces are available in Raleigh exclusively through Eatman's Carpets & Interiors.

All of Van Collier's designs are made in the U.S.A.

One of the original designs from the Ginkgo Collection.

My all-time favorite vanCollier item, the Ginkie Martini Table. This collection was inspired by a magnificent Ginkgo Tree on the lawn of the Collier's home.  I have ordered one for my new sitting room, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. The prototype still sits in our store, but the finished product is on its way.

Jeannie Ottoman from the Kontouris Collection

The Malcolm Collection is made up of tobacco sticks from North Carolina tobacco fields.  I love the coffee table, chandeliers, and chair & ottoman.  I am ordering a coffee table in gilded gold finish for my showroom. Any finish and any size available.

                           

Candy Colored "Silver" Tray

 I love the above candy colored "silver" tray. Available in red, blue, black and clear. An original and exclusive design from vanCollier.  I predict it is destined to become one of the next "IT" items, following the over dyed rugs and piece tables.

Longchampe from the Cy Collection.

For the equestrian lover, a leather side table/stool complete with horse stirrups. This can open up for storage too.

Ginkgo Lisabet console and Hawes sconces, Evan mirror and the Mary French Chair with triangle pillows.  Tres chic! 

Original Paintings by Marcus Reichert.

Ginkgo Bren wall brackets flank original work by famed artist Marcus Reichert. Beth met the artist when she was working at a North Carolina museum where his art was on display. They became great friends, and she has a collection of his amazing artwork.

Chris Collier chats with new buyers at the market.

A sampling of the vanCollier's upholstered  Cy Collection. Shown here, the Mere Sofa and Beck Arm Chair.