cement tile

from top left - Ace Hotel in Panama City via DOMAINE   -  source unknown  -  via Coco & Kelley  -  Alhambra Kitchen by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design  -  via THE MADE SHOP  -  via Cement Tile Shop  -  via Apartment Therapy  -  via Desire to Inspire photo by Alexander James

Cement tile, also known as encaustic or hydraulic tile, is made of cement, marble powder and natural pigments. The process requires no firing but rather uses a hydraulic press and mould that is then air dried. The crafting of these traditional tiles hasn't changed since the 1800's and is considered quite environmentally friendly as so much less energy is used compared to fired ceramics. Cement tiles are extremely durable, easy to clean, non-flammable, non-polluting, recyclable, naturally insulating and beautiful! I am pretty obsessed with them and would love to use them in a kitchen or bathroom or maybe both!

new pinterest board

Lately, we have been doing a lot of nursery/kid's room designs at work. They always make for fun projects and in my short time working on them as a non mom I have learned a few key lessons for nurseries in particular.

1. Skip the crib skirt - As the baby grows you will be adjusting the height of the mattress so they only work for a short period.
2. Use washable or indoor/outdoor fabric- This rule applies for any upholstery in a kids room.
3. Mix styles of furniture or shall I say avoid the "set" - Getting a bedroom or nursery set will end up making your nursery look like it belongs in the pages of a catalogue. 
4. Buy multiple sheet sets
5. Incorporate fun art
6. Think ahead - A baby will not be a baby for long and having to completely redo a nursery when a child transitions to a toddler or big kid is a hassle and can be very expensive. Design a room that has pieces that can evolve with the child. 
7. More than one - If you plan on having more than one child consider keeping one room as the designated "nursery". Move the older child to a different room when the new one comes along. In this case, you will want to keep the nursery more gender neutral.
8. Use color - I tend to be a neutral kind of girl but I think in a kids room color is key. Make it fun but not juvenile or baby.
9. Multiple seating options - Nurseries in particular tend to only have one seating option for adults - the rocker or glider. This isn't very conducive to family time so if you have space think about adding a daybed or sofa so that Mom, Dad or whoever can enjoy nursery time as well.
10. Don't wait till the last minute - Furnishing a well designed room can be an involved process. Ideally, start thinking about the design of your nursery after the first trimester. You want to give yourself plenty of time to find pieces you love and for them to be delivered!

As with all my design work I rely heavily on Pinterest so I have started a new board designated just for kids and babies. Check it out here! Below are some of my favorite rooms for the little ones. 

The Animal Print Shop via Lonny

Molly Sim's nursery via Lil Sugar

Brigette McLendon's nursery via Lay Baby Lay

Kid's room via Lonny

dutch doors

from top left - via THAT KIND of WOMAN - RAGLAND HILL - design by JONES PIERCE architects - COASTAL LIVING - source unknown - design by Peter Dunham via House Beautiful - design by Miles Redd via Architectural Digest - home of Grace Happens via Elements of Style

I am going to go ahead and say its a necessity to have a good front door. It sets the tone for the whole house and is a powerful symbol for the home. As Jeremiah Eck (remember him from The Distinctive Home series?) states "A good entry isn't about show. It should have a graceful quality, be inviting, and be well proportioned to human scale" (The Distinctive Home). Personally, doors are sort of like stairs and fireplaces for me - I just love them. They are equal parts functional and aesthetic which is the perfect combo for my tastes. I am especially fond of dutch doors. It takes the right house to pull one off but when done correctly they are real stunners.