Customer Reviews

Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While the rooms presented in this book are indeed lovely, anyone who is a regular reader of design books, periodicals, or blogs will have seen nearly all of these photos before. The writing doesn't do anything to freshen the rehashed photos either. For example, the following is the ONLY information that accompanies a photo of a nursery (page 27):

"Shades of soft gray and a stenciled white forest make for an enchanted and very personal welcome for newborn twins."

Ummm, okay. So how about further along? Okay, here's what's written about a very intriguing girl's bedroom (page 60):

"A pink and green combination turns from preppy to playful when the scale is oversized and paired with fanciful yellow animal-patterned wallpaper."

Not too much to go on there.

If you want to know who designed a particular room, their name is in the back of the book, but their contact information isn't. Also not included is ANY information about the design process -- how the designer approached the job, sources of inspiration, knowledge about the child's, or their family's, likes, dislikes, hobbies, color preferences, etc.

Finally, the biggest factor that proves this book was given minimal effort (at best) is there is no ONE photographer given credit on the book's cover, rather all the separate photo credits are listed in the back of the book as well. Put simply, these aren't just the same rooms you've seen before, but the very same pictures! It calls into question whether Ms. Salk actually ever stepped foot in any of these rooms.

So, you've got photos with captions that tell you exactly what you're already looking at . That's the book. I guess it comes as no surprise when I say a was more than a bit let down!

I was very excited to receive my copy of this book. I am redoing several kid spaces in my house, e.g. playroom and bedrooms, and have been looking everywhere for inspiration. This book has several fashionable rooms; unfortunately, I've seen most of them on design blogs, in magazines, and other books. I was hoping to see new designs. You can find many of these rooms at the Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh, Design Mom, and Design Sponge blogs..for free.

As an interior designer, I was very excited about Ms. Salk's newest publication on chic living spaces for children. Her presentation is fabulous and gives her audience a glimpse into the interior spaces for children that are clearly out of the box and original. None of these rooms are by any means cookie-cutter. The designers featured pushed the boundaries and created unique spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Ms. Salk is to be commended for a job well done and I look forward to the next book!

I am serious envy over the rooms featured in this book...my childhood bedroom never looked as good as these. While my parents did engage me in the creative process as Salk recommends, I could have never imagined rooms as spectacular as these. My personal favorite is the safari room and if and when I ever have kids, will be creating one! 1 pregnant friend and 3 with kids getting ready to outgrow their cribs...guess what my go-to gift is this year?

Colorful, creative, practical and utilitarian are words that come to mind when perusing "Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play,"a smart compendium of ideas about decorating the home with children's needs in mind.

Most of these designer creations are meant for bedrooms, nurseries and other places around the home where children tend to hang out. The ideas will appeal but not condescend to children, offering wall hangings, stripes, large maps as decoration, and beds and storage spaces that are both practical and attractive.

Each offering, from such designers as Alessandra Branca, Jamie Drake and Kelly Wearstler,is unique. Most designs are meant to last from at least pre teen through the high school years.

These are most emphatically not based on cartoon or TV or sports characters but rather are personal and meant to appeal to an individual, with great results infused with charm and intelligence. It's a very useful book for kids looking to upgrade their surroundings and the parents hoping to guide them.

Beautiful, sophisticated, colorful and covetable children's rooms. I wish the bibliography were easier to understand. It made it difficult to know which designer did which room, although some rooms were clearly sited others seemed not to be. At least a list of great designers is provided. Now I can follow their work as well as have a springboard of ideas for my own decorating purposes. 4 stars.

I gave this book as a gift and loved it so much I think I will purchase it for myself. It had beautiful, cozy, fun rooms for children through the baby to teen years. Great book for novice or design pros! It is one that is timeless and will last throughout the ages.

I really didn't need another design book - but this one immediately sounded interesting to me.
When I received it, I was truly delighted! What a great journey through a land of fantasy and inspiration.
It a new, fresh and exciting book, I loved the photos and the author's insights...Highly recommended for any library!

This is a great book for anyone who likes decorating. The photographs are nice, and the bedrooms are so creative! Some of the pictures I have seen before, but it was still a pleasure to read. I am very pleased with this book!!!

What a lovely, colorful book full of great inspiration for designing spaces for children. No matter what your or your child's taste there are myriad great ideas for creating imaginative and whimsical rooms for them.

I only wish my parents had had a copy when I was a child!