Unconventional nurseries

We're wrapping up the finishing touches in Brigham's new bedroom, and as soon as it's finished, it's time to get going on the nursery (with 4 months to go). Right now, it's painted a dark grey and we have yellow accents throughout. When we first did this room for baby #1, the colour combo seemed pretty new and original. Since then, it's become 'the' colour combo for every modern room design it seems, and I won't lie - I'm getting sick of it. Having said that, I don't necessarily want to paint the room, but I do want a new feel in the room so that this kid can have a space designed just for them, just like our first baby got. Seems fair to me!

I've been browsing at images and have pulled a few that I like with a similar shade on the wall.

What do you think? Should I listen to a family member who insists that babies don't like dark grey (grrr!) or should I trust my gut and move forward with a grey background and hits of colour?

Images: One/Two/Three

Ikea Hektar Pendant done right

Last week was the Interior Design Show here in Toronto and while there were lots of exhibitors that impressed me, one that really got my attention was none other than Ikea! To be honest, they do a fantastic job each year and every time, if you pay close attention to the conversations of other people there, everyone acknowledges that it doesn't look anything like Ikea typically does. This year was no exception.

Below is a snap taken from the Ikea website of one of the rooms they designed for the show. It's a beautiful modern kitchen, but check out the lights. Gorgeous!!! Below that is a far less stylized snap taken on my phone with a slightly closer view.

If you look closely, you'll see it's the Hektar pendant - a simple charcoal grey piece priced at a whopping $24.99. Alone, it's a cool fixture, but clustered like this makes such a statement. Can you imagine hanging a bunch of these over your dining room table? Bah! Beautiful!