Peekaboo Design Group

Last week we assembled a toddler room for a precious little girl. What better paint to use in her room than Martha Stewart's Precious Metal Collection, right? Well, you be the judge!

Because there was specialty painting involved, Samantha painted this room. Unfortunately, we didn't quite grasp how "special" the painting of the silver tinted paint needed to be. Mostly because it seemed no one else knew either. After seeing this product in action, I decided to write a review.

Our client inquired about using a gray with a little shine to it so, when Samantha and I went to gather the paint for the room, we were psyched to find this somewhat silver color by Martha Stewart at Home Depot. The color we chose was "tin."

We asked the very knowledgable paint representative at Home Depot about the paint. He informed us that they had tested the paint and that it didn't have the same effect unless you used the special $8 Martha Stewart roller head. So, we bought the roller head. That was the extent of the metal collection painting instruction. I didn't even think to look for directions online because, based on the paint swatch and the advice of our handy dandy Home Depot paint rep, it appeared to be a normal paint with just a tad of sheen that was best applied with an 8 dollar roller head.

Fast forward a week to a frantic call from Samantha telling me, "I need more of that *$%@ silver paint!!! And, quick!"

I make another run to Home Depot then hurry the paint over to find a very sloppily striped silver room. We both figured that it was just because it needed another coat. However, Samantha has decided that she is going to carefully paint the second coat so that if the nature of the paint is to stripe, it will at least be even across the room - not striped.

We assembled the room on Friday and while Samantha's careful brush strokes helped, you could still see a twinge of stiping if you looked hard in certain areas. It almost looked intentional because of her calculated brush strokes so it turned out ok. But, we definitely would have approached this project differently had we known. Hence the reason I'm sharing with you.

First, the roller that's recommended shed. This left us combing every inch of the walls and removing fragments that looked like they came from a wire brush. We would not recommend that roller for the metalic paint.

Second, we came to the conclusion that it's important not to double back over what you've already painted. When you do it makes the areas with more than one coat much darker giving that striping effect. So, if you're going to paint an entire wall as we did, do so very carefully.

The staircase picture posted here is a photo from Martha Stewart. You'll notice that they did stripes in the room, only using the metals collection in between. I think this is probably the best use of this paint.

You can definitely use this paint on full walls, but do take heed the advice to do so carefully. You might even try cutting it with a solid gray to see if that applies better.

In the end, I LOVED the look it gave. It is very different and modern. I just wished we had known the delicacy of the paint ahead of time in order to save the headache of Sam having to meticulously paint every inch.

Product Final Review: 3 out of 5 stars

Tools Needed: 

• *Long Table
• *Tall Ladder (if you're hanging to ceiling)
• *Long Level (we used a 3' level)
• *Plumb Line (see here how to make a plumb line)
• *Wallpaper
• *Wallpaper Paste
• *Wallpaper Brush (to apply paste onto paper)
• *Wallpaper Smoothing Brush
• *Plastic Straight Edge for Smoothing
• *Seam Roller (to roll seams into place)
• *Utility Knife
• *Scissors - might use if pre-cutting your wallpaper
• *Optional:  Seam Paste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:  Prepare Your Walls

• *Make sure your walls are clean and that all nails are removed from the wall.
• *Measure the width of your wallpaper.
• *Choose a starting point on the wall.  Take the width of your wallpaper and mark the wall you plan to cover according to that width.  Mark both the top and the bottom of the wall.
• *With a plumb line, create a line from every top mark down to every bottom mark to create guidelines for your room.
• *With a level, make sure each line is level.

Option #2 for creating the guidelines for your paper:  Start in a corner making sure the wall is straight with a level. Hang your first piece of paper level and use that piece as a guide.

Step 2:  Cut Your Paper

First Method:  Pre-cut each piece

• *Measure the height of your wall.
• *Cut your first piece of paper as your guide according to wall height.  On the back, mark top, bottom and #1.
• *In a large area, place your first piece of paper down design side up.  Prepare to cut your second piece by lining up the patterns.  Remember you will have excess paper at the top and bottom.  Once cut, mark top, bottom and #2.
• *Using #2 as a guide, cut your #3 piece and mark top, bottom and #3.
• *Continue until you have all pieces cut.

Second Method:  Cut as you go

• *Measure and cut your first piece of wallpaper.
• *Hang the first piece of wallpaper (see below for hanging instructions)
• *Use the first piece as a guide for lining up the pattern of your second piec.e (remember there will be excess paper at the top and bottom).
• *Have a buddy cut the paper at the bottom.
• *Mark the piece top and bottom before applying glue.
• *Hang the second piece
• *Use the second piece as a gu.ide for cutting your third piece.
• *Continue until your space is complete. 

Step 3:  Apply the Glue

• *With your large wallpaper brush, brush a liberal amount of glue on the back of the paper.
• *Make sure to apply plenty of glue to the edges.

Step 4:  Soak the Paper (DO NOT use water!)

• *Let the paper soak in the glue.
• *With the glue side up, fold each side into the middle so that the glue sides are touching.
• *Leave soaking for 5 minutes.

Step 5:  Hang Your Paper

• *Make sure to find the "top" that you marked and place the paper at the top of the wall or, if it's the 2nd + piece, line the piece up according to the pattern.
• *Once the paper is level and exactly where you want it, smooth the paper with your wallpaper smoothing brush.
• *After the paper is securely in place, take your straight edge and smooth any air bubbles and the edges.
• *To further smooth the edges, use your seam roller.
• *If you have seams that are not adhering, use the seam paste to add glue under the edge and then smooth down.

Step 6:  Cut Your Paper

• *Start at the top and cut a straight line using your ceiling or crown molding as a guide.  If you have a gradual ceiling, use a level as a guide.
• *Cut the bottom of the paper along the baseboard.

Sit back and enjoy your work!

Have something you would add as advice in hanging wallpaper?  Let us know:  HowTo@PeekabooDesign.com

In case you haven't heard, a lot of new parents are opting for a mesh crib bumper over the padded crib bumper.  One of the most common questions we get at Peekaboo is, "how do you make a mesh bumper look good." 

Here are a few tricks we use together to minimize the mesh bumper:

1.)     Use a bumper that matches the color of your crib.  We’ll use a brown mesh bumper on a brown crib and you can barely tell it’s there (see pic above).

2.)    Draw the eye away from the bumper by placing a larger, interesting art piece(s) above the crib (make sure this is secure for when baby starts to stand).

3.)    If you have a crib that will show off a crib skirt, a nice crib skirt that sweeps the floor also takes your eye away from the bumper.  We create custom crib skirts for about $125.

4.)    Make sure your crib sheet either matches your bumper or your crib skirt so not to cut the bed in half.

 Were you able to pull off a mesh crib bumper without comprimising your style?  Send us pics!  We'd love to see and share with other new parents!  Send them to:  meshbumper@peekaboodesign.com

Read more about the history of crib bumpers and why parents are choosing the mesh crib bumper in our post here:  http://www.peekaboodesign.com/blog/post/Mesh-Crib-Bumpers.aspx

Peekaboo has been assisting couple's in planning and installing baby nurseries for almost five years now.  In that time, we've noticed a couple of "myths" that we hear told to new parents time and again.  Let's get real about those things now!! 

Myth #1: You Have to Have a Changing Table  The truth is that probably half of our parents don't ever use their changing table.  They change the baby on a bed, couch or even the floor!  After all, how often does the baby do their business in the nursery?  Most parents don't want to hike back to the nursery to change baby. 

How to know if you will use a changing table?  Here's a test.  If you are the type of person that likes a place for everything and everything in its place...I mean to a point where you'll be close to a nervous breakdown if things aren't just so...you'll use a changing table. 

Best Solution?  Don't buy a specific changing table piece.  Use a dresser and add a changing table pad.  The pads run about $30 bucks and the changing table cover runs between $10-$30.  These attach easily to the back of the dresser.  Then, remove when baby grows out of it. 

A Great Idea:  Notice the rooms in your home where you spend the most time and create mobile changing stations.  Keep a basket of items needed to change baby  (diapers, wipes, changing pad, etc) that you can grab quick no matter where you are in your home.

Want a creative idea for a dresser?  Use a dining buffet as a dresser.  We've done this in several nurseries and they add interest to the room!

Myth #2:  You Must Have a Crib the Baby Will "Grow Into"  [insert wrong answer buzzer here!]  The core of Peekaboo is made up of six women who have spent the last 10+ years having babies, watching friends and family have babies and helping client's prepare for their babies.  We all agree, finding a crib that has been converted into a full-size bed is equivalent to finding a Sasquatch in the woods.  Not one of us has seen a crib converted into a full size bed.

Here's what generally happens:  Baby #1 uses the crib, then here comes baby #2.  Baby #1 is transferred into a "big boy/girl bed" and Baby #2 gets the crib (sometimes hard for Baby #1!).  For every baby that comes after, the process just continues.  What happens to the crib after the last baby?  Good question.  We think they're sucked up into the Earth!!  In all seriousness, most will either give the crib to someone, store it in the attic or trash it.

Here's my take:  I think that the convertible crib, in theory, is a great idea.  A crib that converts into a toddler bed is useful.  This means the front comes off and the crib becomes a small daybed of sorts (some cribs require  you purchase convertible kits for the toddler bed).  But, that seems to be where the "convertible" love story ends.  Why?  If you've ever seen the style of a crib converted to a full bed, you may have your answer.  Most convertible cribs (aside from the modern, much more expensive cribs) convert into "old-lady" beds...beds that would be found in your guest bedroom, not your kid's room.  Not to mention that you do have to purchase convertible kits to even get the crib to the full bed stage. 

Spend your money on items that will last.  (1) A good dresser.  (2) A nice glider that you can move to another room in the house after you've done the baby thing.  (3)  A book shelf or organization system that will keep little colorful kid's items tidy. 

Myth #3:  You Must Find Your Nursery Style in a Baby Store  My favorite baby store vendors are not going to like me much for this one!  But, the truth is a lot of our client's contact us out of desperation.  Duckies, trains and princesses are a little too cutsie.  And, the modern stores are just a little too modern.  This is why the majority of nurseries we create are what is called mixed modern.  This style is a mix of modern and traditional (also sometimes called Moditional) that many of us have been using in our homes for a long time now. The problem is, when it comes to the nursery, you're pretty much out of luck!

The best part of creating a mix-modern nursery is that the style tends to offer a more sustainable foundation that will grow well with your child.

Here are a few mix-modern tips from the Peekaboo Team. 

1.)  Paint/Color Palette -Stay away from pastels - look at neutral colors or primary colors that fall in a richer, more mature palette.  A few of our favorites are listed above (please note the colors may not translate well on every monitor.  Visit Sherwin Williams Online to see a better representation of the colors).

2.)  Art Work - Stay away from the baby art and find art work in home and antique stores that would work in a nursery.  www.Art.com is a great place to get inspiration.  If all else fails create it yourself.  You can even head to the fabric store, find a fabric you love and cover a large canvas with the fabric to add a pop of interest. 

3.)  Bedding - Keep it simple.  We recommend a simple bumper or mesh bumper. Then, add a floor length crib skirt that you can adjust as you adjust the mattress.  You may have a crib with a wood front and not even need a crib skirt.  

Did you consistantly hear/read advice for new Mom's that you have found to be a "myth?"  Share it with us in the comments below or e-mail myth@peekaboodesign.com. 

Looking for the perfect gift for your baby mamma-to-be?  We've got some ideas that are sure to make her happy!  And, a couple that are fit for the baby daddy, too!  Click on the product pics to learn how to purchase the products pictured.

Total Body Pillow 

Perfect for helping Mom-to-be sleep comfortably. 

Pre-Natal Massage  

With the aches and pains that come with pregnancy, a massage will be a welcome gift.

Maternity PJ's  

Last year it was something skimpy, this year it's all about the comfort! 

Fun Baby Thank You Cards 

Congratulations gifts, baby showers and food from friends and family, baby thank you cards will be essential.  Give her adorable ones that she'll look forward to sending.

Jewelry

This is a little bit of a no-brainer, but we do have a specific suggestion regarding the style of jewelry.  Try a chunkier style of necklace, ear rings and/or bracelet.  It's definitely harder to dress when you're pregnant; so having funky jewelry to dress up a simple shirt or dress, takes a little bit of the sting out of being fashion challenged.

Ice Cream Maker

Take it from a pregnant woman who received this for Christmas, this gift rocks (except, with no need for rocks at all!)!! Once the bowl is frozen and your mix is set, you can have homeade ice cream in a matter of 20 minutes tops!

Nursery & Product Planning Consultation

  It occurred to us as we were researching this article, that Peekaboo offers a great V-Day gift option.  Afterall, our nursery and product planning consultation always relieves the stress of expecting parents!  Get nursery ideas, product information and an assessment based on your lifestyle from the team that does nothing but help couples get ready for baby!

Regular Price:  $125  Valentine Special: $75

Email us for more information:  VDaySpecial@peekaboodesign.com

Daddy Scrubs

And, now a little something for the Dad's.  Dad no longer has to squeeze into hospital paper scrubs for delivery day.  He can pack his delivery gear, too!

Home Doppler Fetal Heartbeat Monitor

A great gift that you both will enjoy. 

Books

Books are always a great gift.  These are a few of our favorites!

From the entire Peekaboo Team, have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! 

Part IV:  Choosing Your Color Palette

Deciding your color palette can be the most challenging aspect of a nursery.  At Peekaboo, we take clients through a process we call the Nursery Psych Test to help in determining what the clients will like best.  We take them through tons of pictures, fabrics and color patterns while watching their reaction to each.  From these observations, it becomes very clear what the client likes.  Most times clients don't know themselves what colors are most appealing to them until we review the test!

It's important that you understand the Peekaboo nursery philosophy before continuing. 

Peekaboo Nursery Philosophy  A properly assembled nursery should give parents a comforting and serene place to care for baby while providing a functional and sustainable space that grows with baby.

For this reason, we tend to focus on the parent's tastes in color rather than what baby "might like" or "should like."  In other words, there ends up being very little pastel or primary color in our nurseries, unless those colors appeal to the parents.

When we focus on the parents we are doing 2 things:

1.)  Creating a space that the parents will enjoy stumbling into in the middle of the night to care for baby. 

2.)  Creating a space that more naturally grows with baby.  Afer all, hot pink and clown nose red can grow tired pretty quick.  It's easier to choose a more neutral color that can be easily added to once baby decides he likes Dinosours or she likes Ponies.

The point is, think of the color combination that you've wanted to try in another area of your house and do it in baby's room!  Think outside of the box.  The sky's the limit when it comes to color!

Inspiration

Frustrated with trying to find what you like in your local store?  We'll let you in on a little secret.  Baby stores are not the first place that we go to for inspiration when helping clients.  If you can walk into a baby store and find inspiration right off the bat, GREAT!  This will make your job that much easier.  If not, don't worry, you're not alone.

Here's where we turn for inspiration: 

1.)  Scrap Book Pages - head to your local craft store and start looking through the color combinations on scrap book pages.  These pages can even be used in art pieces and accessories for your room.

2.)  Fabric Stores - head to your local fabric store to find color combos in fabrics that appeal to you.  For a quick and easy art piece, take the fabric you like and wrap a canvass.  Hang it on the wall as is or embelish with trim.  An easy place to troll fabrics in your PJ's is online.

3.)  Sheet Sets - we've come across sheets that we liked and cut them up to use for bedding or custom art pieces.  It' s an inexpensive way to get a different look. 

The bottom line when it comes to inspiration is to think outside of the baby stores.  If you find nothing in a baby store, find it somewhere else, then go back for coordinating essentials at the store (eg.  plain bumpers, crib skirt, window treatments, etc).

Miss Part III?  Read It Here!

Part III - Your Nursery Budget

If you feel like you have no idea what a nursery should cost, you are not alone.  Every client we meet with struggles with how much a nursery should cost. 

The most important thing to remember when budgeting for baby is to plan well and not nickel and dime yourself.  Small things here and there add up quickly!  Below is a simplified version of the budget guide that we take our clients through.  This includes just the basics, but should give you a good start.

Remember your SQ (sustainability quotient) from Part II?  It's going to come in handy now.  As you begin the budget process,  keep in mind the things you want to invest more money in and those where you don't want to invest as much.  A dresser, for example, is something that your child might take with them to college.  A crib, on the other hand, is something that you may only use for a year or two at the most if it converts into a toddler bed.

With these things in mind, continue on to Step#1.

Step#1  Take out a pen and a piece of paper.  Note the cost you feel comfortable spending on each furniture piece based on the average price in the category.  For example, if you want a moderately priced crib, write down $650 for your crib budget.  Then, continue down the list.

The Crib

Least Expensive (Babies R Us) - $200-$450

Moderate (Pottery Barn) - $500-$900  

More Expensive (Modern Furniture, Boutiques) $1000-$2500 

Most Expensive (Custom, Luxury) $3000-$5000

Example Budget: Crib - $650 

The Changing Table/Dresser

Least Expensive (Babies R Us) - $150-$600

Moderate (Pottery Barn) - $400-$1200  

More Expensive (Modern Furniture, Boutiques) $1000-$2500 

Most Expensive (Custom, Luxury) $3000-$5000

Example Budget:  ChangingTable - $400

Glider/Rocker

Least Expensive (Babies R Us) - $200-$400

Moderate (Pottery Barn, Lone Star Baby) - $400-$1200  

More Expensive (Modern Furniture, Boutiques) $1000-$3000 

Example Budget:  Glider - $550

Step #2  Add all of the above. 

Example Budget:  All Furniture - $1600

Step #3 Accessories & Decor To set a budget for accessories and decor, take 20% of the total furniture budget. 

Example Budget:  Accessories & Decor - $320

Step #4  Add totals from #2 & #3 to set your total budget.  Too high?  Too low?  Go back and adjust where you think you can, but be realistic. 

Example Budget:  $1920 = total nursery budget

Next:  Part IV - Deciding Your Color Palette 

Miss Part II?  Read it HERE!