Not-Too-Kiddie Kids' Rooms

I love these kids' rooms that are not too childish.  They're still colorful, playful, and kid appropriate, but not overflowing with blue or pink decor.  Both of these are actually DIY projects taken on by homeowners!  They both did a great job.  And is it me or is gray the new white?  I love gray walls, they really make the other color accents POP!

Above: Room for three (!) boys by the author of The Bumper Crop.  Read about how she put this room together here.

Below: a lovely nursery by a Beacon Hill homeowner, featured on Elements of Style.  That painting looks so lovely there.  Nice stimulating colors for a baby, too.  And I love the sofa in the nursery.  It makes sense to make things comfy for the moms and dads too!  They'll be spending many sleepless nights in there.

All photos from the referenced blogs.

Instant Attraction: Ole Sondresen Architect / The Castello Plan

Photo from http://olesondresen.com/

Over the weekend I had the chance to revisit The Castello Plan, a small wine bar/restaurant in Ditmas Park in Brooklyn.  I'd been before for a drink, and really enjoyed sitting at the bar and watching the cook miraculously on just a few small hot plates.  So we went back for brunch and I'm really glad we did.  We got to try the excellent food and then were easily convinced to try the AMAZING homemade ice creams.  My favorite was the rosemary olive oil sea salt.  OHMYGOSHWASITGOOD!  Go there, and get it.

Amazing as the ice cream was, the real treat for me was the space, designed by architect Ole Sondresen.  The palette of painted wood, rustic wood boards, cork tile floors, red brick and dark metals is lovely.  The travertine (I think?) bar top was really special and beautifully crafted with a black metal edge.  Then there were the layered on details, like the simply striped cloth napkins, coffee served in clear glass mugs, and brightly colored artwork that served as a great counterpoint to the muted and natural palette.  Sondresen's other work is also very nice and well worth a look on his site.  My other faves of his are Bird Boutique, Stuart & Wright, and the Sohn Residence. 

Some more pics of the space after the jump...