There are lots of new designers using coral in their palettes… designers such as madelineweinrib.com, luludkmatouk.com, and osborneandlittle.com all have used this fun color to update their collections.

Thank you to Cheryl Johannes from  Casual Cottage Chic and Serendipity Antiques in Temecula. California  for supporting and hosting a book signing event for my book the Well Dressed Home. The night was truly inspirational. It was a great night filled with new friends and lots of good discussion about how to get inspiration from your closet and translate that into your home decor. The store Serendipity is filled with treasures and the gardens are truly beautiful. Thank you to Cheryl and her staff for working so hard to make this event lovely. Check out the stores website above as well as Cheryl’s own online boutique Casual Cottage Chic for lots of wonderful one of a kind items.

Eco is all about reusing, recycling and renewing. Every day we are being challenged to pay attention to our planet,  to our neighborhood and to the community in which we live. As the awareness bar becomes higher, we are seeing this shift now take place not only in fashion but in home décor as well. Sustainability and functionality are what we should be thinking as consumers. How does what I am wearing, using, and buying effect the environment? What can I do to “ leave no trace” when I am out in the world.  The beauty of nature is that it is perfect in every way. The possibilities for endless inspiration are everywhere… if we take a moment to look around.

Nature is an amazing colorist. Pay attention to the colors she chooses… they can be very inspiring for your own fashion choices or home. Check out Andy Goldsworthy and his amazing sculpture as it relates to nature and design.

Taking inspiration from nature always translates well into both interior and fashion design. Check out the eco section of my book The Well Dressed Home available here.

Sometimes one element alone in nature can have many translations. This study on the fern leaf leaves many desired choices.

The art of combining nature in fashion and design is full of opportunities for self expression. Just being outside can give you a whole new perspective on color, space and light.

Remember, being eco-friendly doesn’t always mean forsaking style for being green. I encourage you to open up your eyes to all that nature’s designs have to offer and make room for them in your fashion footprint.

There are many places in fashion, product design and home décor where details of  pattern  help to define shapes and objects in a room.. or even creates the theme of the entire room.

One of the most dynamic ways to use print is to “blend” elements with pattern. Cover the room or the “muse” to let pattern fill a space. Create the opposite effect… with too much pattern.. there is never enough of a good thing.  Fashion steps boldly out with new patterns and scale, while interiors take on a whole new look when “covered” in color and print.

Changing the point of view to a room or a “look” can be fun. Everywhere or just as an accent, patterns and adornment can make the “outfit” or room. The use of pattern in tile on a floor can set the stage for the room , or just as a dynamic a one of a kind chair covered in bold pattern can act as center stage. Like the jewel in the crown adding pattern as a “detail” creates a treasure like element to a room. Wrap your room in print and layer patterns to create a new look all your own.



Sometimes the child creates a whole new space within the existing room décor… she creates a little cocoon. A favorite child pastime, camping out in their own room!

Art work from your child.

Wall decals that are fun and funky…

Walls that use unique materials such as wall fabric or even chalkboard art can bring a surprise creative element into a space.

Another way to add some unexpected elements to a room is with the help of textiles I love this headboard and the childlike motif that is also wonderfully bohemian. Sweet dreams sleep here!

I was thinking this week about what to write about for my bi monthly blog entry for Project Nursery and realized that I seem to have adopted this new attitude of …”what is the rush.” It suddenly dawned on me the reason I am getting this feeling of slowing down is because the beginning of summer is upon us. My children are winding up their class schedules. My eldest daughter is home from college and Memorial Day found the whole family along with their cousins at the beach. Time to step outside and enjoy the coming months of sunshine, late dinners and long walks.

I also recently finished a new collection of fabrics for Little House that I call Soleil that was inspired by the beaches from the South of France. St. Tropez, azul waters, hot pink skies and the summer solstace all have lent heart to my new fabrics. Due out this July check out some of the new prints that you will find in our new crib bedding collections.

I love that summer is here and it is time to travel and explore. I find that not only do my children need the outdoors more that ever on summer breaks, we as adults need it too . Welcome to the start of summer… I hope to spend mine outside enjoying the sunshine.

Thank you to Designing Moms for taking the time to interview and feature me on their blog!  I love having the opportunity to share what keeps me inspired with other amazing women!

I am always looking for inspiration to create one of a kind, sophisticated children’s room. Margaret Russell, the editor of Elle Decor magazine has captured amazing child-like rooms in a charming chapter in her book Style and Substance published by Filipacchia Publishing.

I love the idea of this young person’s room.  Fantasy and beauty from India serves as a great backdrop for a nursery.  I have often referred to Indian tapestry, culture and arts when designing my own children’s line of bedding.

Visit annettetatum.com

Keeping a nursery creative.  I love the idea of patchwork tiles on the floor for fun. Flor.com has great new motifs.  This room is all about fun!

Color, color, color.  Mixing vibrant color with soft pastels creates a punch in room decor.  Small accents keep the room childlike and playful.  Try using pale lilac with a strong orchid… or melon with orange.

Boy color palettes are often better with some off-beat colors.  Olive, orange, ochre, and steel blue all add a sophisticated twist to a boy’s life.

Pink & blue can often work together.  You don’t always have to avoid blue in a girl’s room.  Turquoise, French Blue, and Royal Blue all compliment pink.  Add  a hint of exotic in textiles and ethnic rugs.

Children’s rooms with subtle themes are just as inspiring.  Down playing can actually create a more interesting overall feeling to the room.

I love rooms with a style that is unique and one of a kind.  Explore Margaret Russell’s book Style and Substance for more ideas for decorating both your child’s room and your home.

Thank you to both Erika of blulabelbungalow.com and Diana of onecraftyfox.blogspot.com for expressing their love for our book The Well Dressed Home on their fantastic blogs! Check out Diana’s own inspired style on here and see Erika’s fresh take on interiors here. You can purchase your own signed copy here!

Thank you to Absolut Anna for writing about our book The Well Dressed Home on her lovely blog. You can purchase your own signed copy here!