N4 | Sunday, June 8, 2014 | SFChronicle.com and SFGate.com
HOME DECOR
Designing moms tackle kids’ rooms By Chantal Lamers
Bringing kids into the picture doesn’t have to translate into milk-stained sofas and childproof eyesores. There are thoughtful ways to create stylish, kid-friendly spaces that can accommodate a growing family. We asked designers Kendall Wilkinson, Janette Crawford, Tineke Triggs and Shelley Cahan for their tips on achieving layered spaces that consider the demands of family life and instill an early appreciation for good design.
Tineke Triggs Tineke Triggs, the founder of Artistic Designs for Living in San Francisco (www.adlsf.com), says that one of the biggest challenges with kids is getting rid of the stuff. “Kids love to hoard,” says the mother to Jaden, 11, and Ryan, 13, who shares some creative ways to battle the belongings. One of Triggs’ preferred places for a kid’s toy cache is under the bed. Her go-to: the Storage Drawer from Room & Board, which comes in nine colors. The wheeled drawer slides under most beds and is big enough to contain all kinds of messes. The desk is another one of those spots that tends to pile up quickly, so Triggs whipped up a smart way to lift the clutter from the desk. She used a rustic plank (which should be thick enough to hold a screw) and, using plumbing ties, secured mason jars to the board and hung it up.
Another trick for controlling messes: sheet metal. Triggs uses it to create magnetic walls, which she often paints with chalkboard paint, lending kids a space to both draw and display art projects. (Hint: Ask the fabricator to make a hole in each corner for screws for easy hanging.) Whenever possible, Triggs carves out “window seat niches and cozy spots for kids to nuzzle up and get away.” When it comes to color, she limits her palette to four, not counting black or white. Neutral colors are reserved for walls and, for the most part, bedding. The ceiling is a different story, treated to electric, vibrant splatter paint treatments or wallpaper.
J P E N T ER P R I SE S A San Mateo commercial & residential cleaning & home improvement service. (650) 458-4112 www.j-p-enterprises-sanmateo.com N O R TH A M ER IC A N C H EM D R Y Carpet Cleaning, Furniture Cleaning, Eco Friendly Cleaning & more. Call us today for more information. (855) 202-1270 www.north-american-chem-dry-sf.com O NE C A L L S ER V IC E S can handle almost any task. We are the choice for many homeowners, realtors and businesses. Give us a call today! (855) 408-4609 Local.sfgate.com/187781/
F IR ST S ER V E P R O D U C T IO N S Tennis Court Resurfacing Repair Now or Replace Later! 451 Starmont Ct, Danville CA 94526 (925) 965-0826 / www.firstservepro.com
TR A D EWA Y S TO R ES - Come visit our Carpet Warehouse for over 200,000 yards of carpet & vinyl in stock. (510) 230-0059 350 Carlson Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804 http://local.sfgate.com/180627/
A M BA SSA D O R U PH O L ST ER Y - Custom Upholstery, Frame or Style Modifications, Master Craftsmanship, & more. Pickup and delivery are available. Call for a FREE quote! Losaltosupholsteryfabrics.com /408.478.2167 IR O N H O R SE H O M E F U R N ISH IN G S SF Showroom offers an impressive variety of stylish home decor that is both high-end & affordable. (415) 525-3725
www.ironhorse-homefurnishings.com K C C M O D ER N L IV IN G Visit our our 7500 square foot showroom for contemporary home furnishings. 805 University Ave, Berkeley (510) 883-3833 www.berkeleyinteriordesign.com
Philip Harvey
Creative thinking: For the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, Tineke Triggs dreamed up a Lily’s Pad for an artistic preteen. Triggs started with a carpet from Niba Rugs that has the look of a watercolor and then carried that theme throughout the room, splattering paint on the ceiling and even designing a desk that looks as if it’s dripping paint. Mason jars mounted on a board hold art supplies.
NORMAN S. BERNIE CO. Carrying the finest furniture, drapery and upholstery fabric in the Bay Area (650) 539-5179 www.normanberniecompanyba.com PENINSULA PIANO BROKERS Buy, sell, trade, rent, tune AND carry new pianos from many different brands. 4333 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 492-4220 www.peninsulapiano-southbay.com TOM'S OUTDOOR FURNITURE Specializing in outdoor teak furniture, patio umbrellas & outdoor cushions. (650) 249-6828 www.tomsoutdoorfurniturebayarea.com W O R L D C L A SS P IA N O S Specializing in sales on high quality Pianos & piano rentals in Burlingame, on Burlingame Ave. (650) 340-8088 www.worldclasspianos.com
A 1- C A BIN ETR Y - Being family-owned & operated, we strive to offer the highest quality kitchen cabinet products & services to other families. (669) 444-1080 www.a-1cabinet-santaclara.com C TW D es i gn s Marin's Largest Inventory & Designer Showroom for the discriminating customer. 10 Hamilton Dr., Novato (415) 233-7742 www.ctwdesigns-marin.com
CREATIVE ENERGY Award-winning hot tub, hot spa & fireplace services for ultimate relaxation. Call (650) 295-0982 or visit www.hottubsanmateo.com BES T M A R BL E & G R A NIT E - High quality kitchen countertops for your kitchen remodeling needs. (510) 567-4255 2446 Teagarden St, San Leandro, CA 94577 www.bestmarblecompany.com
INTEGRATED RESOURCES GROUP Specializing in exotic & traditional marble, granite, limestone, and slate with two showrooms in Dublin & Brisbane. (415) 287-9844 www.marblecompany-bayarea.com
A L B E R T N A HMA N P L UMB I N G & HE A T I N G "The Plumber Referred by Your Friends" Call today and ask about our tankless water heaters. (510) 926-6081 Albertnahmanplumbing-oakland.com
Harry Clark Plumbing and Heating, Inc. All levels of repairs & maintenance from Trenchless Sewers to Water Heater Replacements. 3026 Broadway, Oakland (510) 250-3694 www.hcplumbing-ba.com
Local.sfgate.com/185269/ (408) 561-2935
A IR & H EA TIN G SO L U T IO N S Residential & Commercial, Family owned & operated, Certified Technicians... FREE In-Home Estimates. (408) 214-2756 http://local.sfgate.com/187825/ C ITY O V ER H EA D D O O R S – Manufactures All Doors On Site For Over 50 Years. 5976 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112 (650) 756-4226 www.cityoverheaddoors.com
N A TIO N A L B L IN D S A N D F L O O R IN G Your floors & windows are our top priority. Call for a FREE Design Consultation. 778 Brannan, San Francisco (415) 523-6043 www.floorrefinishingsanfrancisco.com REBARTS INTERIORS Extraordinary window fashion products & expert design advice for over 25 years in San Carlos (650) 508-8518 www.rebartspeninsula.net WIL SO N G L A S S works on most things glass, but we specialize in shower doors, stainless steel hardware, deck railings, storefronts, etc. Our glass is painted locally to match any color with a hard coat that should last forever. Call ( 510) 900- 8051 For A Quote!
G A R A G E M A ST ER , I NC . – Sectional Garage Door Specialist Since 1995 1024 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 759-8094 www.garagemasterinc.com
M-F 8:30am-4:30pm & Saturday by appt only
Se aL i f e A q u ar i u m M ai n t en an c e Our services include Aquarium Design, Installation, Maintenance & Overhaul for both residential & commercial spaces. Sealife-aquarium-ba.com / 408.514.5293 TALBOT'S TOYLAND Independent toy retailer with over 30,000 sq ft of toys for children. Visit us in San Mateo at 445 South B St. (650) 242-4128 talbotstoylandbayarea.com
1035 Murray St., Berkeley, CA 94710 http://www.wilsonglassca.com/
A L A M O TR E E & STU M P Tree removal, Trimming, Landscaping & more, Call us today for Tree Service! (925) 263-6834 www.alamotreeandstump.com
Live a greener life.
Blogger Cameron Scott brings you dispatches from the environmental battleground. THE THIN GREEN LINE.
H A U SER TR EE S ER V IC E - Comprehensive services for trees or stumps located on residential & commercial property in Silicon Valley. Call Us Today For a Free Estimate!
ON
/GREEN
H ID EF A U D IO V ID EO - Custom home theater and entertainment equipment, design and installation. Call us today for more information! (408) 329-9190 www.hidef-sanjose.com R A N C H TO W N R EC Y C L IN G "Recycle the Past to Protect the Future" 775 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 217-6205 http://local.sfgate.com/162538/
SFChronicle.com and SFGate.com | Sunday, June 8, 2014 |
N5
Peter Medilek
A guy thing: Marin designer Shelley Cahan turned a boy’s bedroom into a “little gentleman’s quarter” for this year’s Decorator Showcase. Cahan used shades of blue and gray and added pops of persimmon for warmth. Tailored elements combine with vintage accents and distressed furnishings for a classic look.
Shelley Cahan Shelley Cahan, of Shelley and Company Interior Design (www.shelleyandcompany.com), mother to William, 5, and Colin, 3, says two of the most important factors she considers when designing a room for young boys are durability and washability. Rooms should be designed with resilience in mind, says Cahan. Washable paints have long been used in commercial and hospitality spaces but are being used more frequently on the residential side. Valspar, for example, makes a version that can hold up to everyday messes, from the unavoidable food splatter to crayons and dirty hands.
When it comes to kid spaces, her go-to for flooring is vinyl faux wood planks. The laundry list of pluses is long. “It’s typically a ‘green’ product,” and “it’s super durable, practical, antimicrobial, and can be washed with soap and water.” High-quality versions of the vinyl planks can be purchased at Du Chateau, California Carpets and Shaw Floors.
Kendall Wilkinson
When it comes to rugs, one of Wilkinson’s go-to solutions for kids’ spaces is Flor Carpet Tiles. “They are highly customizable, and you can have a lot of fun mixing the colors and patterns, and even creating your own pattern. They are environmentally sustainable, and if you spill or damage one and it can’t be repaired, you can just pull one tile up versus the entire floor.”
“I like to design children’s rooms on their level,” says Cahan. “Coat racks, bookshelves should be within reach so that they can function in their space and become a little more selfsufficient.”
“Don’t ignore the ceiling opportunity,” she says. “Kids are just so wildly imaginative they lie awake and stare at the ceiling.” There are numerous simple approaches, from sticker applications to glow-in-thedark decals and suspended mobiles.
Janette Crawford Mother to 2-year-old Vivian Sunshine, Janette Crawford offers personal shopping and styling for design-conscious parents via her startup Sun + Dotter (www.sunanddotter.com). She works with parents to help them retain their design sensibilities through the early years. “To start,” says Crawford, “I take the parents’ style and translate it into a visual theme for baby — for a nursery, gear and toys. That theme ends up creating cohesion through an entire house, from the nursery to the living room and beyond. Most of all, I don’t believe you have to dumb down your style just because you have a baby.”
“It’s important to create kid-friendly spaces that are equal doses of durable and delightful,” says San Francisco interior designer Kendall Wilkinson (www.kendall wilkinson.com). “As a mother to two very active boys (Parker, 10, and Spencer, 9), every time I create a space that needs to be kid-friendly, I think about how it would hold up to my boys.” “Kids should get involved,” says Wilkinson. “It’s fun to incorporate their sense of imagination and creativity.” But that doesn’t mean surrendering total control. “Narrow down ideas to three to four choices and present them to the child. Kids will be proud of their room and want to live in it.”
When shopping for furnishings, avoid those with precious surfaces. “There are so many products built with bartop finishes that can be wiped down easily,” she says.
Aaron Leitz
Growth opportunity: This nursery designed by Kendall Wilkinson illustrates how a space can go from baby to grown up by swapping out a few key pieces. The bones of the room will last for years, including Osborne + Little Wallpaper Allerdale in Punch, along with a lavender Murano glass chandelier by Sarlo and custom curtains and pagoda-style valances.
“We use a lot of indooroutdoor fabrics to upholster furniture — they’re durable, easy to clean, and come in a variety of textures and colors. With spaces for kids, you can go bold — use their favorite colors and patterns as a jumping-off point for the design or as a really great accent.”
When it comes to building a bedroom, invest in the pieces you can take to the next stage, because before long the changing table, crib and rocker will go away. Choose a dresser than can function as a changing table, and make the room more about the fabric, art, bookcase and accessories. When choosing paint for children’s rooms, Wilkinson prefers an eggshell flat finish and semi-gloss for trims. The shinier the surface, the easier it is to clean, she says.
“Definitely move breakables out of reach. But go all out with unbreakable decor, like interesting pillows or felted balls, which are fun to play with anyway.” Her own shelves are styled with kilim pillows for texture, a few lightweight Ikea picture frames with Plexiglas rather than glass, and a faux plant. Even her collections of vintage Danish candlesticks and papier mache bowls are safe in the hands of a curious toddler. “I love toys that look like highend decor,” says Crawford. “Areaware makes a lot of great options, like architecturalstyle blocks and wooden animals that are simple puzzles (www.areaware.com). Soopsori and X are two other favorites.” Rely on baskets, which make storing and cleanup a breeze.
Maria del Rio
The lowdown: Janette Crawford styles her shelves strategically, according to the height of her toddler, Vivian Sunshine. The items within grasp get a lot more consideration, such as a stacked collection of (mostly) paperback books and a small wooden bowl that nestles an air plant. Along the bottom shelf are kilim pillows plucked from Craiglist and eBay, along with an eagle pillow from Areaware.
“I am all about durable furniture and rugs,” she says. “I was shopping for a new couch before my daughter was born, and I ended up doing an Ikea hack that I love: I put midcentury-style tapered legs on a Karlstad sectional. Now, no one can tell it’s from Ikea, and yet the cushion covers are fully removable and machine-washable”
Chantal Lamers is a San Francisco freelance writer. E-mail: home@sfchronicle.com
N6 | Sunday, June 8, 2014 | SFChronicle.com and SFGate.com
FROM THE COVER
Design with kids in mind Spotlight from page N1
Design (www.regan bakerdesign.com) has completed projects all over the Bay Area — from Berkeley to San Francisco to Hillsborough — as well as in Idaho, Texas and New York. In 2009, Baker and her husband welcomed twins — a milestone that has influenced her work. “My children inspire me to appreciate the kids’ view of design,” she explains. For the 2014 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, Baker created a playful retreat dubbed Little Roamer’s Room. Featuring a safarithemed wall covering, the space included a denim tent/fort and activity table surrounded by poufs. “Many visitors to (the Showcase) described the overall feeling of the room as comfortable and cozy, with a Wes Anderson vibe — which describes our concept to a T,” says Baker. “As a designer, you know you’ve done your job if a concept is reiterated and explained by an onlooker.”
Sarah Hebenstriet/Modern Kids Co.
Regan Baker’s Decorator Showcase space, Little Roamer’s Room, features safari-themed vintage wall covering by Diego Giacometti.
The Baker cheat sheet Eye-level independence: “Place items such as books, cereal, clothing, pencils, games, etc., at eyelevel and within arms’ reach of your kids. This lets them start doing chores and activities on their own, which makes everyone in the house happy. Most of the time, kids are told what to do; so letting your kids have a little independence at a young age allows them to feel like a grown up.”
Anh-Minh Le is a Portola Valley freelance writer. E-mail: home@ sfchronicle.com
See the light: “To encourage reading, install bedside sconces with dimming capabilities. Many stylish sconces these days are offered in plug-in versions, and any sconce can be easily made dimmable. Kids love having control of their own light source, especially when they just can’t put that book down. Schoolhouse Electric, Restoration Hardware Baby & Child, Circa Lighting, Pottery Barn Kids, CB2, Serena & Lily and Land of Nod are all great sources for sconces.”
Off the wall: “Just like the walls in our Decorator Showcase room are fabric, if you find a special fabric and want to use it as wallpaper, you can! Be sure to specify paper-backed fabric for wallpaper installation when ordering from a showroom. If you already have yards of a fabric you want to turn into wallpaper, try Custom Laminations or FabricBack.” (www.custom laminations.com, www. fabricback.com)
Details, details: “If you’re redoing a bedroom, don’t forget the closet! I love unexpected designs, and wallpapering closets or doors is a great way to infuse a fun pattern that might be too bold for an entire room. In a guest space, who wouldn’t appreciate that unexpected surprise when they open the closet? And if you know the doors of a closet will be open frequently, why not show off your style there, too.”
Adding depth: “Layers add interest to any room, resulting in a more pulled together look. For instance, try layering rugs to create a more defined space or the illusion of a larger rug. Look for lowpile carpets, such as a jute topped with a graphic dhurrie-style rug. Sheepskin or cowhides are also a great way to create a layered look with an organic vibe. I would pair a cowhide with a jute or dhurrie, but sheepskin can be paired with just about any rug.”
A few favorites S. Stein Studio tote: “I carry this tote everywhere. The leather and canvas combination not only looks great, but the materials are so durable. This is Peter Ogilvie Photography the perfect bag for interior designers and architects because the open top allows for rolls of drawings to easily fit; there’s lots of practical pockets; and since it’s heavy-duty, it can handle having stone and brick samples tucked inside.” (www.ssteindesign.com, www.heathceramics.com)
Odessa Shekar
The unexpected: “In a Berkeley hills project, we paired a Modo Chandelier by Jason Miller and a blue toy dinosaur as decor. It creates a perfect juxtaposition and states playfully that toys are allowed in this room.”
Regan Baker Designs
Texture on the walls: “Paneling, tongue and groove, wood slats, wallpaper or tile with contrasting grout brings texture, interest and warmth into any space.”
Free How-To Clinics Limited availability, reservations are required, register online at www.lyngsogarden.com One Day Refinishing
Better Living Through Biology Saturday 6/28/14
Family Owned & Operated For Over 40 Years Vinyl, fiberglass, wood and aluminum installed at competitive prices
REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS BY THE BEST *Special Summer Installed Pricing. Act Now! *New Customers only, ask for details. Expires 6/15/14.
Low Prices FREE No-Obligation In-Home Estimates Showroom Open: M-F 8-4, Sat. 10-4
1322 Marsten Rd. Burlingame 94010
www.alexanderco.com
650-288-0297
CONTRACTORS LIC. #642553
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Add depth to your gardening experience with this fascinating journey into the realm of soil microbiology, led by David Perkins, Lyngso’s in-house soil specialist. Liquid Compost Extracts and Actively Aerated Compost Tea (AACT) are proven practical applications that positively influence soil structure, nutrient cycling, and disease resistance. Learn about the essential role of beneficial microbes for healthy plants, and how to apply the best practices to your garden, with hands-on demonstrations. Take home the ingredients to make 5 gallons of high-quality compost extract. Class Fee $30.00 (3 hour clinic, including materials)
Summer Pruning of Fruit Trees Saturday 7/12/14
10:00 – 11:30 AM
Learn how to control the size of your fruit trees by summer pruning. You will get better fruit production and less disease and insect problems. Plus, you will make harvesting easier. Taught by Kathleen Putnam and Lisa Putnam. Kathleen is a Certified Arborist and has a degree in horticulture from CCSF. Her passions are trees and the soil food web. She is a professional edible gardener by day and a Master Gardener. Lisa has a degree in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis, and studied nutrition science. She currently operates a small organic farm in Woodside, and is a Master Gardener and Master Composter.
No Dust,
No Mess,
No Odor! Call today for a free quote:
415-294-7795 We pay Market Value for Quality Firearms
CA$H FOR GUNS EDDY’S SHOOTING SPORTS (650) 969 GUNS 400 F Moffett Blvd., Mtn. View www.eddysguns.com
Open your door to more than a million readers.
19 Seaport Boulevard, Redwood City • 650-364-1730 ext 106 Mon-Sat: 7 to 5; Sun: 8 to 4
Depend on Chronicle Open Homes listings. Call (415) 777-6226 today! Your Audience Delivered
“Click and Clack” in Friday CARS
Get your copy today. Call 1-877-CHRONICLE or visit SFGate.com
On sale at Bay Area Starbucks locations