I admit, I’ve never thought too much about stairs. When they’re amazing, I can’t help but notice them. Otherwise they sort of just blend in and I take them for granted. Not anymore. We have to pick what we want to do – from the riser to the tread to the stringer. (My new appreciation also comes with new vocabulary).
There are some seriously bold options available, but again, the practical side of me is kicking in. I don’t want to worry about gaps between steps or kids’ fingerprints everywhere. For the large part, I’m choosing safety over aesthetics. With a young daughter (and babe #2 on the way), I just don’t want to worry every time I climb the stairs. And, trust me, there will be lots of climbing.
That being said, there’s no reason I can’t share some photos of some pretty stellar steps.
We’re starting to make some progress. The framing has started on our house. We’ve selected windows and tiles. We’ve chosen our brick and HVAC system. We’ve bought our kitchen appliances and the layout is being finalized. We’ve now started to talk about floors.
I’ve done previous postings on some looks that I love, but when it comes down to it, we’re going to go with a wide plank, durable wood. We’ve chosen white oak. The stain will be done on site.
If we can get our floors to look anything like the photos below, I’ll be awfully happy.
I love the designs and story behind Fine Little Day. Some of the products are designed by Otto, the 8 year old son of founder Elisabeth Dunker. How great is that? (discovered via Design*Sponge)
Well, I got my NYC fix. Sadly, I didn’t even make it to the ICFF show – which was one initial reason for going to town. There was just too much going on.
In any event, now that we’re back, I need to finalize our tile selection. I’ve taken a bit of a detour, however. While the master bath and kids bath are squared away, for the powder room I’ve actually opted to not use tile at all. I think wallpaper will add a nice touch, instead. The only issue is that there are so many incredible designs out there – how to choose just one?
I really love the hand-drawn wallpaper collections by Madison & Grow.
Sandberg is a Swedish company that produces beautifully hand-crafted wallpaper.
Also check out the work of designer Rebecca Elfast. Her prints can be seen at Rebelform (or directly below):
Back to business. The next thing on my list is to pick out tiles for the entire house. This is no small feat, considering we haven’t designed any of the bathrooms. But, it’s got to be done, so let’s start with the master bathroom.
Again, I seem to be drawn to grey and neutral tones. Here are some looks I find inspiring:
Above: Designs by San Francisco Studio, Aidlin Darling Design
Below: Adam Rolston home featured in Metropolitan Home
It’s no secret that despite all the super charged toys we can buy our kids, you can make your little ones very happy with some simple household supplies. With that in mind, here are some fabulous items made from 100% recyclable cardboard.
MakeDo is an Australian company that provides the reusable connector system and lets your child do the rest. Everyday household objects can be made into imaginative toys.
On that note, here’s a bit of cardboard inspiration care of Milk Magazine
When it comes to playroom furniture, I’ve tended to go the Ikea route. Here are some pieces that are tempting me to reconsider:
Above: Table and chairs by Bloom, Eco Tots, Nume
If you really want to stir that designer instinct from an early age, check out some modern classics from Little Nest – including Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair and their Little Bert set. (Cole Haan ad care of The Selby)
French designer Ludovic Renson is also redefining contemporary kids space with his felt and wood Playtime collection. Photo care of Minor Details.
I’m Katherine Yaphe, the founder and designer behind Oliver Yaphe, Inc. This business was an idea in my mind for a long time. I knew that I wanted to build something, I just didn’t know how. I worked in the corporate world dreaming of what to do next. Then one day I decided to just start. I launched with rugs. Branched off to artwork. Paper came next. We’ll see what’s to come. What I do know, is there will be more.
Oliver Yaphe Blog
I love being inspired to create. It doesn’t matter how big or small the undertaking, it’s more about this feeling that drives so much of what I do. This blog is my space to instill a bit of that energy to my readers. It’s a lofty goal. I might fail horribly. But every once in a while, something might click (or at least I hope so).
