The other day I came across a sock monkey. Totally cute. Timeless, really.  I thought how such a simple item with universal appeal could be interpreted in so many fun ways. Really, just by changing the fabrics, even within the same color story, you can create a wide range of rooms.  From traditional to modern, from cottage-y to sophisticated, even with the same crib, chair, ottoman and paint colors, by selecting fabrics that speak to you, you capture the essence of your inspiration yet make it totally yours.

Take this cute guy:

With these paints…

And see what different stories the fabrics evoke:

Traditional boy

I see this in a brick, center-hall colonial with ivy growing on the sides. I love the cozy chenille with the weighty linen.

Neo-trad girl

Love the earthy tones combined with the super-textured fabrics. Animal prints are so fun and really can read as a neutral when balanced with appropriately sized motifs, like the floral here.

Modern preppy

The velvet stripe becomes playful when partnered with the subtle paisley and sophisticated geometric. Something about this set reminds me of like the coolest college dorm ever. Maybe Oxford. Or at least how Hollywood would show it.

Classic calm

So no red here in the fabrics, but don’t forget we have the wall paint for that. This palette would be great for a boy or a girl, or for boy-girl twins.

Modern, Bold Geomterics

I’m in love with this red floral. So crisp and fun, and partnering it with the geometrics keeps it from looking too kitchen-y. I’d keep the walls in the neutral side of the paint palette. Red walls would be way, way too much.

Glam (with an edge)

So not for every client, but for the right house — think Hollywood regency meets industrial chic — these super-statement swatches would be right at home. Again, no red in this  family. The fabrics are enough.

Sophisticated Country

And for the total opposite of the above, this sweet set is timeless. The gingham stays fresh with the strie-like look in the cream linen. I picture a river house. With a sprawling porch. And a tire swing.

Totally fun, huh? Pretty diverse looks for our little sock monkey friend.

What’s inspired you?

Let’s make a work space for this room that I love, designed for the daughter of a client.

For the desk, let’s keep it simple. I like for the simple lines of a white parsons desk echos the window seat.

Now, just like the pillows in the window seat bench make it a warm, welcoming nook, let’s find some accessories that would woo you to the work space.

First, a nice customizable lucite tray to catch clutter and hold school supplies:

Then some fun accessories that are functional and add color. Love the Kate Spade iPhone case. Fresh flowers make a happier environment, and the julep cup doubles as a chic pen and pencil holder when flowers aren’t on hand.

And even with all of the gadgets, it’s still nice to have paper handy for note-taking and to-do lists. This popsicle will be extra cheery in the dreary months of winter.

Should make studying at least slightly more enjoyable.

Of course you know the wonderland that is Etsy. Unique, handmade treasures, in seemingly endless supply. You can find a piece that will work, aesthetically and financially, you just need to think of what sort of imagery works for you.

So for example, let’s talk nesting. The nest motif is just so perfect for a nursery. These pieces give nod to nature and conjure the sweetness of babyhood in a way that isn’t, well, babyish. And the media options are great – from photography to pen & ink to acrylic to collage, there really is something for every style of nursery and kids room.

And the best part? Such impact, all at prices that don’t break the bank. Don’t believe us? Everything here is less than $100; most are less that $50. You could go crazy with custom framing and still not bust the budget.

THE NATURALS

So sweet, calm and soothing, we love the dreamy feeling these evoke. Really beautiful photography that ethereal and airy would work in so many nursery settings, either alone or styled in a cluster.

We love the watercolor, glassy tones in this one, and the dichotomy with the mechanical black frame.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51947057/empty-nest-fine-art-nature-photography 8x8, $30

The gray-greens in the background would work in so many color stories.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60579997/birds-nest-fine-art-photograph 7x10, $25

The white setting of this little nest would provide a great contrast on a painted wall, and the pops of blue are fresh and eye-catching.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69378629/spring-fine-art-photograph 8x10, $14.99

THE GRAPHIC POPS

Bold graphics are so fun. These aren’t so out there that they couldn’t be added to a more traditional space. Little pops like this bring just the right amount of whimsy for a kid’s space.

We love how this tree can be customized for your own family…a meaningful, sweet keepsake that could work in the family room, playroom, mudroom, etc.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62406601/housewarming-gift-with-love-birds-in-the 11x14, $24 (other sizes and colors available)

Love this because it’s reminiscent of Charley Harper. More on him in future posts.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70516131/nest-no-42-original-fine-art-watercolor Nest No. 42. Original Watercolor painting, 8.5x11, $95

BLACK & WHITE

A classic color combination, but one not often thought of for a nursery. Simply add another color and you have a clean, modern palette.

They say classical music is great for babies! Yeah, yeah, we know they don’t mean sheet music, but we love the juxtaposition of the delicate, intricate ink drawing of the nest atop the structured bars of the music. This could be matted and/or framed to be at home in boys’ or girls’ rooms.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70516494/free-shipping-worldwide-nest-on-a 8.5x12 print on vintage music sheet page from 1910, $10

Below is a hummingbird nest…who knew that even their nests were cute? There is something about the lighting in this one that is dramatic yet calming. It would look so cool over a modern crib with white linen bedding, or bedding that had a pop of bright color. Like a bold yellow stripe. So fun.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65243657/black-and-white-hummingbird-nest 11x14 photo, $40

COLOR & TEXTURE

Almost like luxe, nubby fabrics, the super-saturated tones and detailed, weighty strokes of these pieces bring an unexpected richness to the nursery, making it even cozier.

This two-egg nest is acrylic on a canvas stretched around a 1.5in box, so framing isn’t even necessary. We love the unexpected pops of red juxtaposed with the sky blue and warm browns.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70111070/two-egg-nest-original-painting-on 8x8, $55

Robin’s egg blue! Such a classic, vibrant color, we love how it plays with the golden straw.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63167496/original-modern-heavy-texture-acrylic 12x12, $69

We love the cheeriness of this nest. The strokes of white brighten the fresh, Spring-y color palette, and the leaves reinforce the liveliness.  Can’t you just picture it in a baby girl’s room done with a modern twist on traditional patterns like turquoise gingham or yellow ticking? Oh, and the artist can do customs – one, two, or three eggs. Perfect for moms and dads of multiples.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68286831/robins-egg-nest-painting-the-perfect 6x6, $35

KID-FRIENDLY, DESIGNER-APPROVED

These are hip and playful and modern, but they are so not cheesy.

There is just something so happy about this little owl, perched so inquisitively in its nest. Sort of like a wide-eyed infant just up from a nap. Or, you know, wide-awake in the middle of the night. And even though the blue and green tones feel on-trend, the rusty brown and the artist’s style ensure that this guy would be so at home In a retro- or mid-century Modern nursery.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51710292/retro-owl-hatching-6x6-print 6x6, $15

We just ordered this one for a client’s boy-girl twin room. They have an eagle in the neighborhood, so it really resonated with them. Plus the collage just adds so much texture and interest.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64502670/large-collage-eagle-love-eco-friendly-by 12x12, $59

Ok, we lied, this last one is more than $100 – but there are three panels! It reminds us of a children’s book illustration.  It seems like the sort of art a baby would just stare at in wonder. And the lighting is so luminous, it would be perfect for a small nursery or one that that doesn’t have many windows.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70080183/custom-painting-just-for-you-hope-24-x 24x54, $350

So which is your favorite?

Boy's overall, www.shrimpandgritsclothing.com; girl's romper, www.nantucketreds.com; all accessories, www.littlechoux.com

 Happy 4th!!