Looking for Charming Home Decor on a Budget? Head to the Kids’ Section
New furniture and accessories designed for children’s rooms are surprisingly sophisticated, well-priced, and an easy way to add some fun-loving spirit to any room in the house.
Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids
One of my favorite shopping secrets dates back to the ‘90s, when a fashion magazine colleague—who was a notoriously clever bargain hunter—sent me to the boys’ department at Brooks Brothers. Turns out that a boy’s size 14 navy blazer fit a 20-something adult woman perfectly, mimicking the snug-fit of the adult version at a fraction of the cost. Soon, I was hitting the Polo outlet for cute boys Oxford shirts for a steal. And tipping off my sneakerhead friends that a youth size 6 Nike is the equivalent of a women’s size 8. (You’re welcome.)
These days, I’m wearing shoes that my teen son grew out of too quickly, and looking at the kids’ department of my favorite home stores for cute ideas—like rugs, bedding, light fixtures with style and humor, and more.
Today, Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen launched its first collaboration with designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, and the collection is packed with sleek headboards and unique accessories that would look right at home in any adult’s world.
Courtesy of Pottery Barn Teen
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“For my first collection for kids and teens, I wanted to create pieces that felt whimsical and playful, while also evoking a level of sophistication, so the kids’ rooms don’t feel like a total departure from the rest of the house,” says Samuel. “I wanted each piece in the collection to feel modern but with just the right amount of whimsy to make them feel special and grow with kids. Details like a subtle curve and scalloped patterns are soft and kid-friendly, yet also welcoming to be around, no matter the room in the house.”
And Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen aren’t the only places where you’ll find stealable, well-priced decor designed for kids.
Here’s the 411.
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Crate & Kids rugs
Designed with color-blocked patterns and ‘80s-inspired abstract shapes, the rugs from Crate & Kids would add a welcome hit of color and fun to any room.
Zara home accessories
The Zara Home site is a revelation for anyone who didn’t realize the Spanish retailer’s well-priced designs went beyond clothing. And the kids’ section is a special surprise of its own. Consider these star-shaped drawer pulls ($10 for two), which could pep up a dresser, or a junk drawer, in minutes, and the 100% cotton bedding in floral prints and stripes are just right for a pair of twin beds in the guest room ($69 for a twin set).
Camomile London canopies
These cotton gauze canopies with a broderie Anglaise border come in five colors, and are designed for girls’ rooms, but they could turn any daybed or reading corner into a dreamy, private retreat.
TEZZA collage kits
Swiped from the teen room of your dreams, these moody collage kits come with 8.5 x 11 print outs of thematically curated and color coordinated prints. The “Coastal” kit, for example, includes 150 prints of warm-toned photos from Hawaii to Amalfi, and beach-themed graphics that can be arranged on any wall (with paint safe tape), framed, or could cover an accent wall of a powder room.
OYOY kids dinnerware
Made from durable silicone, these cute bowls, cups, and plates are made for kids, but their unbreakable design makes them a great choice for poolside summer snacking, or to pack in a picnic basket.
H&M storage baskets
There’s no reason why these cute pom-pom festooned storage baskets need to stay hidden away in a baby’s room. Use them as planters, or to stow extra blankets and pillows near a sofa.
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