COTE DE TEXAS: Baby Lust.

Baby Lust.

Now that my baby is almost all grown up and leaving for college, I just happen to discover a line of baby furniture that makes me want to hire a surrogate and have another child!!!  Notice I’d hire a substitute womb, as opposed to using my own.    God knows that at 55 I am incapable of actually carrying another baby.  Although there are 60 year old women who have somehow managed that feat, I barely made it through the nine months when I was 37.   The night I went into labor, I was so bloated,  retaining  fluid in every cell – especially in my face - that my father walked into my hospital room and seriously didn’t recognize the water filled balloon that was masquerading as his screaming-in-pain daughter.    Such wonderful memories, makes you want to really relive that event!   But still, seeing French inspired baby furniture certainly leaves me a little wistful.  If only!   Is it just a tad ridiculous to want a baby in order to decorate a nursery?   OK, it might be a little too obsessive.   So, I’ll settle for a granddaughter.  After all, Elisabeth is going on 19.   Realistically, she could get married at 23 or 24, have a baby at 25 – that’s just six years away!   I better start planning her nursery now!  And yes, it’s going to be a female, because this furniture is just too gorgeous for her not to have a little baby girl.  

 

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A picture from Elisabeth’s graduation photoshoot.  Notice how the photographer sat her in an antique French chair with exposed nails and muslin upholstery!  Of course I loved this picture with the antique prop (how did she know???!)   The photoshoot was at Found For the Home.  Karen Sachar Photography HERE.

 

This baby lust started innocently enough (my daughter will be so relieved to know that I am not actually sitting around planning her nursery when we still haven’t found a college for her.)   I got a phone call from a reader, which is a first.  Usually I get emails.  The reader must have somehow known how backed up my emails are right now and that I’ve spent the day apologizing to people who haven’t received a follow up in over a month.  (Seriously  you try reading all four books from the Twilight series in a week and run a business and write a blog!)   The phone call was from a woman who had recently discovered design blogs.   As you might imagine – we all fell under their spell at one time ourselves – the reader was giddy with all the photographs and design talk that goes along with blogging.   She felt a certain kinship with me, after all we certainly like the same things, and she wanted to share all this with me and just talk about her excitement.  I love that part of blogging, meeting people you never would have met if not for sharing a love of design.  Oh, and by the way.   She owns a company:  a baby and juvenile furniture company:  Art For Kids.   She also has a retail store although a large portion of her business is wholesale.  Would I mind looking at her web site?   Casually she asks this, waiting to hear my response.    She should known that her merchandise would overwhelm me to the point of thinking about giving birth again, or maybe just adopting a orphan from some impoverished country like Borat’s Kazakhstan, or selling my daughter’s virtue off to anyone who will just impregnate her with my grandchild!!!    

 

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 The Josephine Bed from the French Collection.

 

But, do you blame me?   I took one look at this bed, from the French Collection and my heart skipped a beat!   White cane, Louis XVI, silk bedspread, reaching to the floor.  Has a cuter bed ever been made for a little girl or a teenager just leaving home for college?  Immediately I am so sorry that didn’t see this bed before I redecorated my daughter’s bedroom.   After all, the pale blue silk would have gone so perfectly with her new decor, I know her curtains would look fabulous with this bedding!   I could have even make a little canopy – there’s a wood corona that matches this bed:

 

 

imageThe bed corona for the French Collection that would fit easily over the Josephine bed to make a faux canopy.

 

The same caned Josephine bed, painted in a soft aqua. Too beautiful!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

The brains behind this wonderful collection of baby and juvenile furniture is Gail Sedigh.  In 1982, newly married and pregnant, Gail started Art For Kids when she painted nursery pictures spelling out children’s names.  Today, the company is run by Gail and her husband and together Art For Kids sells everything for a child’s bedroom from baby to teen.   There are now ten furniture collections, ranging from the elegant French Collection to the fun, youthful Nursery Rhymes.   Located in southern California where the main office is, the flagstaff store is in tony Beverly Hills.   The furniture is exceptional – bench made -  and luxurious with carvings and appliqués.  It is hand painted in  California and each piece is made-to-order so that the client can choose their finishes and designs.   Gail is so enthusiastic about her product and it is infectious – she designs for the younger set because it is in her heart – a personal choice that can’t be easily explained.   Truthfully, I think some of the pieces would be beautiful in a master or guest bedroom despite their having been designed for the younger set.  

 

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The handpainted “names” signs that started it all in 1982.

 

 

This nursery shows the full range of AFK’s merchandise from the cribs to the changing tables to the rockers, including the bedding and mirrors. 

 

 

 

Twin cribs in the French Collection – what pretty striped skirts!

 

 

More of the French Collection showing the light pink and white bedding.   Oh, it’s just too beautiful!  I would have never left my baby’s nursery if it had looked like this!

 

 

The tufted Hollywood bed is part of the Upholstery Collection.    The side chest goes from nursery to tween.  The lamp and mirror are also part of AFT’s accessories collection.

 

 

Here is the Hollywood bed shown with just a headboard.  Custom bedding from AFK.

 

 

No, this is not a master bedroom, it is technically “Juvenile” furniture, showcasing the Courtney bed, handpainted.   All the chairs, tables, chest and accessories come from AFK.

 

 

This nursery shows the Madison crib with more furniture from the French Collection.  I love their trumeaus and that low, open bookshelf, perfect for little hands to put away her own books!

 

 

Aqua and cream handpainted pieces from the French Collection.

 

 

Though little girls are definitely favored at AFK, the boys furniture makes quite a statement too.

 

 

AFK is known for their round cribs – many of which show up in design magazines and books.

 

 

This child sized table with four chairs is just adorable!

Does it get any cuter than this chaise lounge for a little baby girl?  I don’t think so!  I would love to design an entire nursery around this one piece!!!

 

 

Well, this is pretty adorable too!

 

 

imageThe Josephine bed comes in a full size.   Here it is shown with the corona above and the matching armoire.  

 

 

The Charlotte bed, shown with a trundle for preteen girls.

 

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Naturally there are two bathroom vanities – one in pink and one in blue.  But, you can custom the color for any decor.

 

 

 

The flagship Art For Kids store in Beverly Hills.    On the web site HERE, there is a store locator to find a shop that carries this line in your area.   The Longoria Collection in Uptown Park is Houston’s best choice.

 

Thanks Gail for the phone call and for letting us all know about your wonderful company!   You knew I would fall head over hills in love with it – and I have!!!!

 

And, finally -

 

[French+vintage+school+poster+botanical+plant+french+wall+le+trip.JPG]

 

The new Skirted Roundtable discussion is up.  This week we talk about giveaways.  And as a tie-in to our talk, we are giving away this vintage school poster direct from FRANCE!!!!   Be sure to go listen to the new Skirted Roundtable and sign up for this fabulous give away!!!!!

To reach the Skirted Roundtable go HERE.

102 comments :

  1. Joni--your image of yourself just before you went into labor brought back memories....my feet were so swollen I could only manage flip flops and had to buy shoes three sizes up for an investor conference a week before my daughter was born. I think my husband was secretly embarrased to be seen with me unless I had pants on :)

    I so love the Art for Kids line. I actually have an account with them through my service. Wish I had found them before my daughter was born.

    Beautiful photo of your daughter!

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  2. Be still my heart! I am emailing this link to my daughter-in-law and son. They have been discussing another child-this will give her a huge push! Lovely!!
    xoxo Pattie

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  3. Wow. These images make me want to have a baby too! You are such a good story teller too - you had me laughing with your labor story.

    (P.S., I completely understand how Twilight can suck you in. I read all 4 books in about two weeks - completely ignoring my husband and reading until all hours at night. I'm not proud, but I needed to know how it ended!).

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  4. Joni,
    Your post is so timely for me. My baby girl is going to have a baby girl in a few days! So I'm anxiously awaiting the birth of second granddaughter. I am having fun helping decorate the nursery. Never thought I would like the whole grandmother thing, but I do! Your baby girl is absolutely gorgeous. The photographer really captured her beauty in that french chair. Yes, I noticed the French nail heads immediately! Take care! -Delores

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  5. Though I've been quite certain for some time that I am content with the size of my family, the hollywood headboard and bed have my head spinning! Beautifully crafted. Surely I must have a client who needs this pink tufted masterpiece!

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  6. I actually have 2 or 3 of these images in my save file...for inspiration hoping that I will one day have a client who would desire a nursery designed like this! Talk about longevity!

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  7. Sigh. Simply exquisite.
    Of course I did notice that Gail's own babies are dogs!

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  8. What a pretty picture of Elisabeth!

    When I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with my first, I thought I was looking pretty good. I look back at pictures and am grateful that I was in such denial, otherwise I never would have left the house!

    I must admit, I am a minimalist when it comes to kids' bedrooms and nurseries. I think Suzanne is going to step it up a notch with my kids' bedrooms in the new house, but the bedroom she designed for her own daughter has Ikea and Restoration Hardware mixed in with some nicer pieces, so I think she will do just fine!

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  9. I can understand why you were so excited. Absolutely beautiful!

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  10. I've never been that 'in' to nurseries and really dislike the whole 'theme' thing that many people do. This line, however, is just incredible and makes me change my mind. Wow~ that Charlotte bed and the image of the flagship store just make me swoon.

    Elizabeth is such a pretty young lady...her graduation photo is stunning.

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  11. I did the same thing with the Twilight series! I was bleary -eyed from reading all of them in a two week period!
    J'adore that line of tres chic furniture for children!

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  12. I love the aqua and creams ~~ so beautiful and soothing!

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  13. It is all too enchanting! Love the soft colors and the creamy whites. The boys room is so sophisticated.

    LOL @ hire suroggate!

    Cheers!
    Tina

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  14. I want that dark pink Hollywood bed for me! But where will my husband sleep, you ask? Hmm, I didn't think of that.
    Joni, the only thing better than one granddaughter for you would be twin granddaughters so you can decorate times two. Good luck with that!

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  15. Kids need to be surrounded by beautiful things, it is important to develop a sense of style at a young age, being exposed to good art, music, playful atmosphere. All this in our privileged part of the world so kids also need to learn to help less fortunate children. Our life should always be a fine balance.

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  16. this makes me both frustrated and glad that i have 3 boys!!! i'm certainly saving a lot of money!!

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  17. beeeyooootiful... just lovely... some of those pictures remind me of baby Megan's nursery in father of the bride part II

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  18. Really beautiful and I agree, so many of those pieces would be beautiful in rooms other than a nursery or a child's room! Thanks so much for sharing and I'm with you...here's to wishing for grandchildren to spoil with some of AFK's wonderful collection, just maybe not quite yet!

    Kat :)

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  19. Very beautiful bedrooms, and quite elegant ones. I totally agree with Brillante Home Decor comment.
    Cheers!

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  20. SQUEAL! I have a 9 month old girl and a thing for bed coronets. I have already planned to install one when she is big enough for a big girl bed. The Hollywood tufted bed has me thinking about a different bed than the antique I already have.
    I love the mini canape too.

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  21. What fun! I have a dear friend who would DIE for this furniture -- these pieces look so much like the nursery she has for her son (yes, a boy...she definitely wanted a girl though!).

    I love the Hollywood bed, especially in that bright, spunky coral.

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  22. Joni, you may start a new baby boom with this beautiful post!!! :)

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  23. I agree - baby boom here we come! Children's rooms are now so chic and part of the whole house decor - i love it! All those images are divine. Must go and check out this vintage poster now.........!KG

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  24. i am so saving this to visit when i have my
    grandbabies.

    so many beautiful ideas.

    thank you!

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  25. Joni you sure can make a girl laugh. I agree these pieces are amazing but I love what you did in you daughters room better than this bed,honestly I do. Your daughter is gorgeous,what a wonderful picture of her. You must be so proud. I was just on line to day looking at beds for a playroom but nothing of this caliber, more rough and tumble for a play room. I sure enjoyed all this softness. Kathysue

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  26. Beautiful post on a beautiful line. Their finishes are beautiful I saw them at market and pictures don't do them justice.

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  27. Love seeing all of these groupings, at 43, With my kids being 26, 24, 22, and step daughter 15, my husband of 12 years this July, together are expecting our first baby, total suprise!! (be careful what you dream of, it just might happen.) Thank so much for sharing, I have just got to keep praying the ecomony gets better so we can shop for the baby, and still pay for college! (LOL)

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  28. Joni, what fantastic nurseries and children's rooms. Heck I could live in one of those rooms or several of them. I can't wait till my daughter get pregnant, if she does, so I can help her with the nursery. There is just too many cute things out there now.

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  29. i think about my little girl (22 yrs) too.
    when will she marry, when will she have a baby????

    i love the nurseries you have chosen.

    i don't know...
    but i hope mine waits.
    xxx

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  30. Joanie,
    your Daughter is Beautiful,
    like her Mamma.
    I am so happy for you,
    Such fun and the memories will last forever. Lovely ideas you have.


    yvonne

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  31. LOVELY baby furniture! We are on the same wavelength, Joni...I just picked up a German educational poster and upon returning home could not find a decent place for this thing....so was also thinking of a giveaway. But I may find a spot....somewhere!

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  32. All so prety pretty!! I love the diamond pattern rug (where can I get that?), and the pink & grey striped dhurrie; fit for a princess!

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  33. oh dear god, now you're sounding like Scott Brown! poor lizzy!

    I remember those cute name signs, they totally inspired me. I made a few for some people I babysat for.
    These are all gorgeous. Very princess like.


    Come on Joni, if Nancy Grace can do it, you can.

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  34. the chandelier in the "twin cribs" photo has me SWOONING.

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  35. This is the line that almost made me start to carry baby furniture. It's so gorgeous, isn't it? Wait for the grandbabies, it's fabulous!
    xo Lidy

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  36. Gorgeous furniture! Truly lovely and every room is quite soothing! Thanks for sharing.

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  37. What fabulous bedding, furniture, and window coverings. Everything they sell is gorgeous! I love it! Perfect for my grands, the girls would think they were in heaven. I remember seeing her artwork several years back and I loved it then.

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  38. Joni,

    Such a beautiful daughter to complement the absolutely gorgeous post, as always, a delight to read. I need time, a cuppa tea and then I'm all set to go through some of your last posts with a fine tooth comb. Thank you for sharing, you are such an inspiring woman.

    Have a great weekend you and Mr. slippersock!

    Angela x

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  39. OH MY GOSH! You're KILLING me with the photo of the twin side by side cribs and those CRIBSKIRTS! - I LOVE IT! I have my little 3 week old laying by my side and a room across the hall waiting to be designed...I did her sister's room in lavender and raspberry (did you ever see it on my blog? Would LOVE your feedback)...and wanted to do the new sister's (Juliette) room in my Gustavian colors...sort of Gustavian meets Versailles.
    Mom (SavvyCityFarmer) is coming over tomorrow and hopefully we will hit the junk shops for some good finds...
    MERCI MERCI for the inspiration, I had some stuff going on in my head but I needed something visual to get me motivated!
    LOVELY!

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  40. Hi Joni, Beautiful! What a classic nursery line. It reminds me of all the English films I watched with my Mom and how I use to dream of living in a grand estate with gorgeous furnishings and a required tea time in the afternoon...oh wait, I'm still dreaming of that! Trina

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  41. All so beautiful! I used to wish that one of my four little darlings was a girl so that I could decorate at home like this, but now I am embracing black paint. And yes, even the beds have gone from cottage white to shiny black!

    Love the photo of your daughter! *Sigh* if only I could get the boys to sit still for a proper picture (although I would have to keep them away from fragile antiques like your photographer used!)

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  42. Joni,
    So funny...I was just thinking yesterday "what if" I have a granddaughter some day after having two sons, would I be asked to help decorate? Probably not, SHE would want HER mother to help. wah.
    These are beauties though and I too have a couple of these images in my files!
    xx

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  43. It was the advertisement featuring the two twin cribs with skirts that had me considering starting our family now. But I fear that to afford a whole room of AFK I may need a few more years. ;-)

    These are great- and so fun that you heard from her. Had no idea it was a husband/wife team. And of course, your daughter's photo is gorgeous!

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  44. Art for Kids is a wonderful company. We carried the line at our now closed store Sprout in Manhattan Beach since 2004. The finishes are gorgeous and the detail can't be beat. My favorite finishes are the Versailles Blue and the Provence Blue. http://www.artforkids.net/Category.aspx?id=38&cid=290

    Unfortunately if you select the more detailed finishes (such as my favorites mentioned above) , a crib alone can cost you over $2500. Definitely not for the budget conscious but if price is not an issue and you love the French look this is the line for you.

    They also have a wonderful selection of prints for wall decor that I recommend.
    http://www.artforkids.net/Category.aspx?id=86&cid=313

    Great post!

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  45. When I had my son it was during the sweltering heat of the summer. Then my daughter Dec 28th in freezing winter weather. Adore this furniture and nursery line, just adorable!!off to skirted rountable!
    Karena

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  46. Dear Joni,

    WOW! I am... speechless!

    Thank you for expanding our decor vocabulary, broadening our visions, improving our minds and giving us so many beautiful images to inspire... for free!

    I love CDT!

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  47. Joni:

    These rooms are so beautiful and for that glamor baby every mom with a little girl wants. I never had the chance to do such a nursery... I have a boy... now 15...rough & tough. He still carries my fabric & wall paper books to my car. He's great with color, sets a nice table but would never let his buddies know how much he's learned about design from his mom. The photo of your daughter is beautiful. Although we're the same age I still have 3 more yrs before my son goes to college. Hope you find a few kids rooms to decorate cause at our age taking care of a new born is unimaginable for me...LOL... Fay

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  48. ps
    Love the graduation photo of Elisabeth!!! So glam!

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  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  50. Joni, I really, REALLY enjoyed this post. However, let me tell you, as a 25 year old, I doubt Elisabeth is going to want to have a baby at that age! Maybe!

    Anyway, I really love the children's furniture, it's really exquisite. I have to say, that I find the little boy's room so gorgeous.

    By the way, I know quite a bit about about colleges and the key is always to pick based on an equal measure of academics and campus life. If you have an questions feel free to email me! If I don't end up being a designer, college counselor is a close second.

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  51. I'd do it all over again ...

    ... for now honored to assist parisiennefarmgirl ...

    let's chat

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  52. p.s. parieiennefarmgir'sl three week old is named
    Juliette Elisabeth


    proud gramma

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  53. Joni,
    A fantastic post!
    And the picture of your daughter is gorgeous!
    xx
    Greet

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  54. Wow -- unbelievable. My nursery for my boys was a (tasteful!) collection of furniture I already had, in addition to a new crib. I just love these pictures, all devoid of spitup and wayward Legos, and broken action figures... and two little boys who love talking about bodily functions, which I can hear them doing right now!

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  55. Joni
    The furniture is lovely. Does anyone know the source for the bright green and white fabric on the settee?
    Marion

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  56. forget all about the baby stuff. . .i would love some of the pieces for MOI :-)

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  57. Thank you for showing a boy's room. I am really pleased to finally see a boy's room, but it was still a bit campy. The baby cribs were really lovely.

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  58. HI Joni, I am sitting here drooling and getting depressed: first of all when I had my babies, (41 and 39 years ago), we had NO money even FOR a nursery! Now, my kids are grown and NO grandchildren. In fact my daughter is just getting married for the first time this coming Sept.! So, I doubt any grandchildren are in my future:( BUT, I have saved this to my favorites JUST IN CASE!!!!!!! I can always HOPE!!!! XO, Pinky

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  59. Your daughter is beautiful, you must be very proud of her.

    Sigh...I had such aspirations for decorating my child's room but once he popped out of the womb I realized he was in total control and he will have none of my fufu decorating in his room. I showed him the boy's room and he promptly told me I was nuts if I thought he would have anything similiar and to reinforce it, went out with his plethora of airsoft weaponary and spent the evening on Call of Duty!

    Bigger Sigh...I can't stream the SRT at work

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  60. Your daughter is beautiful. And this furniture is fabulous. Thank you for the source info. I've been so busy working I haven't had time to do a lot of new sourcing so this is great. Hope you are well. Much love,

    G

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  61. Hi Joni:

    I just did a post on wallpaper that included a baby's room...of course,thinking the same thing you were! Also, I've been lugging around an old French daybed for last few years for that same reason. Now I'm just ready to give it to my best friend for her little girl. But you never know, Sunday is Valentine's!

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  62. The picture with the lion reminds me of the nursery in "Father of the Bride II". Does anyone else remember that beautiful room?

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  63. Your daughter, what a beauty! Ditto those Hollywood tufted beds!

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  64. Joni! No wonder you had a fit over this. It's absolutely fabulous! Just the best. Thank you for sharing this with us. I think I'll head over there now and spy! ;-)

    XO,

    Sheila

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  65. Hi Joni,
    I need your readers's expertise. I have a decorating question about bathroom window treatment in my blog (http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com) and would love to have some feedback from your talented audience. I hope this is ok. I LOOOOOVE your blog. Maybe you can start a weekly segment on readers decorating questions.

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  66. I used the AFK crib in a mock up little girls room for one of my last columns! I'll email you the picture (maybe you'll respond next month ;)

    I LOVE their furnishings, and they were VERY nice to work with when I needed a hi-res photo from them. Very prompt and courteous, I would imagine that if I were purchasing anything from them, the customer service would be just as pleasant. I hope they get loads of business from this post!

    xoxo,

    Andrea

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  67. What a beautiful phtoto of your daughter...where does the time go? Mine are 20 and 22 now...eek...I'm old!! I've stopped by her blog, and can see where she gets her spunk!!

    If I would have had girls, I'd still be paying off the credit card...baby girl dresses are so addorable...and the nursery...well.

    Best,
    Michelle

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  68. i NEEEEEEED that poster!!!

    ok and seriously the mini chairs and chaise got me----m so amazing. and love the round crib.
    xoxo

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  69. love all the rooms but my fave thing was that huge lion... have a great weekend!

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  70. Beautiful nursery furniture, Joni.

    Xanti is just about a year older than Elisabeth. I'm looking forward to being a Great Grandmother, someday. Maybe in 5 or 6 years.:-)

    The senior portrait is gorgeous as is your daughter.

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  71. wow, this shop is amazing - again, wish it were over here in Oz!! I did a link to her website nonetheless, maybe someone local will try to import it after seeing it!!! hope so!! I still have time with my kids, don't have to worry about wishing for grandkids just yet !!

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  72. Gorgeous! I love designing nursery and children's rooms. Great post. Very inspirational.

    xo,
    cristin

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  73. Love the navy boys' room. When my twin grandsons were born there was no "nesting." I wanted to but was out voted. They were lucky to have two Ikea cribs joined into one. Later they were put back together as two single cribs. But one twin insisted at an early age of climbing out to join his brother. We ended up removing an end slat in each crib for easy in/out. Of course that meant at naptime they got out and trashed the room ... I mean every stuffed animal, every bit of clothing out of cribs, drawers and closet, stuffed behind radiators and under cribs. We stripped the room until they were civilized (about 3)! I look at and envy all the lovely nurseries but wonder how they hold up under kid mayhem.

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  74. Joni~Gorgeous picture of your daughter. I know it's a treasure for you. My daughter is 21 & interviewing for her first job as an xray tech. Last month I swear she was just a baby! Our decorating tastes are different but who said Grandmommy couldn't have a nursery someday for visiting babies. Thank you for your dedication...the Twilight Books & the business & the blog all at once. You spoil us ;-)

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  75. When I showed pictures of my new bedroom people were wondering if one really sleeps in it as it seems to come from a magazine.. I get the same feeling with all this gorgeus furniture ... I can't help tot think about all the little accidents small babys have and once they start crawling and hinding under the beds.. still there are some pieces I would love to take home even if I do not have little children anymore. You have a beautiful daughter.
    have a great weekend
    desiree

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  76. Like mother, like daughter. what a wonderful picture of a gorgeous young woman. Love this post - all of that French wonderfulness.

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  77. The blue room with the twin cribs looks exactly like what Jennifer Lopez did for her twins. Stunning furniture and accessories, absolutely stunning!

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  78. Hold on a minute...did I read this correctly - you are FIFTY-FIVE??? Forget the beautiful furniture, you look great!!
    Nancy

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  79. I'm not trying to be rude but your daughter is way too young for you to be talking about future grandchildren. It really irks me when mothers start bugging their children for grandbabies the second they turn 18. She hasn't even graduated from college, travelled, found a career, found a husband and enjoyed being married so please lay off on the grandchild talk. I'm sure everyone is going to jump down my throat about how you were just "kidding" but it's a subliminal message to your child that she needs to have kids even if she doesn't want them. I mean you actually even mentioned an age for her to marry and have children, it's all just a little too much. Let her live her life, don't bother her for grandchildren because she may decide she doesn't want them and God forbid she has kids just to make you happy.

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  80. um. being that I was 33 before I married and 37 when I had my first baby, I really don't need a lecture on the virtues of waiting for all that. my choice to marry late and have children later, was, my choice. i could have done it early but chose not to. of course, you should know this was all very tongue in cheek.

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  81. Joni, I wish my senior picture had been as pretty as daughter's! My daughter is 10 and the time is flying. By the way, I researched the nursery in Father of the Bride 2 and of course it was designed by Nancy Meyers (I should have known since Diane Keaton is in the movie!). Here's the link http://silverscreensurroundings.blogspot.com/2008/07/directors-cut-nancy-meyers-father-of_17.html

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  82. My daughter is 29 and got married last June--I am not bothering to be subliminal--have been collecting nursery pictures since she got engaged. I'm taking notes! Can't believe this all started with the name art. LOVE the round crib and the blue silk bedding. Thanks!!!

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  83. Joni, your daughter is beautiful. Such gorgeous eyes! I sure don't want to have a baby, and I kind of think the 4 grandchildren I have are probably all I'm going to have, but gosh, I want that darling little settee! I could say it was for my dog, but I sure wouldn't allow her on it! Very pretty children's furniture. laurie

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  84. JONI....I just LOVED this post. It must be a hormone thing...as I am craving these babies. I actually drive my husband crazy...well why not? his sister had twins at 50 (with a little help..) Instead, i spoil my clients toddler's...who else can i shop for? my boys are 18 and 21....so where ever i go, i am always on the lok at for the perfect gift for my girlfriend darling son Asher, or my favorite client Adrian, age 2...
    These furniture pieces are so perfect, thank you for introducing this designer to us. I have taken note of her company.
    As for your daughter....a little pressure don't you think? Whatever you do ...please don't try to find her a husband...my mom tried and needless to say it did not work (LOL) Francine

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  85. I have been lusting after this line for years. I LOVE IT!!!! I have photos of that room with the Charlotte bed and trundle in my files and the bed crown is on my wish-list for Kate's current room. Although to e hinest I am looking for a better priced one. I love everything AFK has....the only thing is the prices are really a bit lofty for everyone but a very few. I am not sure my hubby would ever approve one of these purchases for our kids rooms. Makes me sad.

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  86. Thank you everyone for your sweet comments about Elisabeth's picture!!!! much appreciated to say the least.
    JOni

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  87. Knew you were kidding......Elizabeth is so beautiful! francine

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  88. Forget pictures of furniture, I want to see Lizzy's photoshoot in its entirety!! You are so smart to have a pictoral diary of this milestone in her life.

    She's a lucky young lady, as is her mother. And she is so beautiful.

    Thanks for the joy you bring all of us. I save reading "Cote" until I have time to savor the whole thing.

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  89. Your daughter is beautiful and I love her shot.
    I love this furniture brand I have to hurry up to have kids, every piece is beautiful. Merci Joi for sharing

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  90. Ohhhhh YES..... I do want another baby buy hubby keeps tellin me I am too old!
    49 is not too old {ok well maybe this old body would not be able to carry another baby} But I want!
    I would adopt or seurogant....I am not fussy just give me a baby!
    Oh and this furniture would be absolutely perfect in our spare room!
    You are right...I'd probably never leave the nursury!
    Oh well a girl can dream!

    Thanks for all the beautiful pictures...love your blog!

    Hugz, Dolly

    Come visit

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  91. Sigh! I am exactly your age and I am lucky enough to have a 3-year old granddaughter. I have to confess I have had the most joyous time, pulling the old painted French furnitured out of storage which had previously been in the baby rooms of my two daughters. Somehow, as they got older they wanted dinosaurs, posters of snowboarders and horse ribbons. I guess I didn't raise them right! Of course, you are doing a much better job with your beautiful daughter who shows the good sense to get photographed in a decent chair!

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  92. I love this post - thank you for keeping it up. It's perfectly fine, and normal, to really note like thing sometimes.

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  97. Your daughter is lovely. She looks a little like Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.

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  98. Hi, You are post Very interesting Dress story!! Great work with this... Thanks for the post an important site.
    Thanks
    Amy Georgia
    "Taufe Kleid"

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  99. I love this blog! And your daughter is gorgeous! I love the ads and recommendations. I do not think AFK should be on your website.... Their quality is subpar.... Yes, they have great paint finishes but their product, meh. They don't manufacture it. And for the price, I would rather buy investment grade. Antique. Habersham, ZoyaB.... Or buy cheaper for the same level of product (Rh kids)
    I'm really getting tired of the "french knockoff look" with a matching price tag... I would rather buy the same thing... I have two daughters and every bday, my new thing is buying them an investment grade piece. They are toddler aged. I get to use it until they are old enough to appreciate it and by then, I hope to be living in a small beach flat somewhere.... I think this is such a great investment for them. My husbands thing is real estate. Mine is collecting/investing in usable assets.

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