Room Makeover: for Babies & Kids

The kids' summer reading theme this year for children ages 5 through 12 years-old is Be Creative @ Your Library . The Youth Services Librarians are encouraging families to find ways to explore their creativity and imagination through books, music, and more that can be found at our library. If your creative spark leads you to create imaginative indoor spaces for your children, the library's collection contains books full of inspiration. Here are just a few:

The Smart Approach to Kids' Rooms by Megan Connelly (Creative Homeowner, c. 2008)

Begins with the premise: think like a designer. How to design, furnish, and organize space for children Includes practical tips for all-size budgets. Over 275 color photos and 40 illustrations.

Cool Spaces for Kids: Creative Indoor and Outdoor Spaces for Children of All Ages by Sam Scarborough (Hamlyn/Octopus Books, c. 2009)

Providing your children with a safe, stimulating living space is an essential job for any parent. Taking you through the process, from conception to construction, Cool Spaces for Kids gives you all the ideas and know-how you need to create appealing areas in your home for your kids, whatever their age. From imaginative playrooms and bedrooms to customizing a corner of your living room or garden, creating special spaces for your little ones will help them to enjoy playing, working, relaxing and learning. With over 50 stunning ideas comprising step-by-step projects, stylish alternatives, quick fixes and more, you can give your kids cool spaces they'll enjoy for years to come.

Children's Spaces from Zero to Ten by Judith Wilson, photography by Debi Treloar (Ryland Peters & Small, 2001)

To many of us, the idea of having children is synonymous with bidding farewell to being in control of our lives and our homes. In Children's Spaces, interiors writer and stylist Judith Wilson, herself a mother of two, demonstrates how homes can be adapted for children without surrendering order and good taste, while also ensuring that children have wonderful spaces to explore and enjoy in a stimulating and safe environment. With ideas ranging from full-scale decorative schemes to clever finishing touches, the combination of Judith's wise and witty text and Debi Treloar's vibrant photography captures the potential for a harmonious and stylish mix of children and home.

Babyspace: Idea Book by Suzonne Stirling (Taunton Press, c. 2006)

Loaded with hundreds of photographs and ideas for baby and toddler spaces, this book offers design solutions for many different tastes. Stirling devotes portions of the book to choosing color, themes, furniture, and storage pieces for baby and toddler rooms. There are also ideas for shared spaces, playrooms, bathrooms, activity areas, and family rooms. The book also offers practical advice on transitioning from a nursery to a room for an older child. A list of resources is included. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Design Ideas for Baby Rooms by Creative Homeowner Press, (Creative Homeowner, c. 2009)

Contents: Make room for baby -- Color and pattern -- Furniture and storage -- Walls, windows, and floors -- Keeping baby cozy -- Toddlers' rooms -- Keeping them safe -- Health and special needs.

(Note: Summaries courtesy of Syndetics, unless otherwise noted.)