Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

Any old heavy object will work as a book end, but you can find lots of fun options that go beyond being functional. If you’re looking for decorations (that serve a purpose) for a children’s room, something like these “Owl Darlings” book ends could be fun.

Though they look like plush toys, the six-inch tall, hand-sewn book ends have a sturdy base and are filled with beans and poly fiber so they’ll stand up to all those heavy tomes. There’s also an oak disc at the bottom to keep them upright.

They’re $40 at the Bugs & Boots Etsy shop, which is run by a couple of new moms “who love boutique styles but not boutique prices.”

If you’re not a fan of the blue, just send them a message, and they’ll create a pair to your tastes.

If you have a bathroom that’s dedicated to the children’s use, then they might get a kick out of a bath tub designed with them in mind.

FunBath, from American Standard, is a line of temporary units that install easily and fit over your standard 60″ bath tub. The designs range from fire engines to castles to Little Mermaid and SpongeBob decals.

The “FunBaths” offer safety features as well, such as a built-in seat and grab bar. Also, there’s a spray shower, so you can easily bathe your youngest ones without hunching or bending over.

Though temporary, the units are durable and long-lasting. Prices run about $2,200.

More information at American Standard.

If you’re lucky enough to have a bathroom you can dedicate to the children (so they stay out of yours!), then you might want to do some fun things with it. Perhaps a little kid-friendly decorating?

Any of these towel racks (made by different Etsy artists) could be fun for the young ones:

This cute owl is $30 at Julie Malhotra’s shop.

“My custom hand painted peg towel/coat rack are cut out of 1/2 inch MDF, with two keyholes cut out in the back for easy and secure hanging.

These 2 peg hooks are perfect for the bedroom or bathroom. Each peg measures 2 inches. Horse is 12 inches wide and 8 inches high.”

The Fairy Mushroom Rack would be fun in a children’s bedroom or bathroom. $50 from Lori Biebel.

“This clothing rack with gingham check mushrooms, a vintage fairy and a little blue bird will add the perfect touch to your little girl’s nursery, bedroom or bathroom.

Any color can be requested for rack.”

This little frog is only $12 from Pink Fish Studios.

“They are coat hangers or pegs for your child to hang their things on. Perfect in any room or bathroom. So very sweet and cute and are very versatile to match any room decor. You are purchasing one coat peg. I have shown some of the others in the pictures to give you and idea of others that are listed. Enjoy and thanks for looking!

size is approx 5″ wide 1/2″thick and peg is about 3″ from wall. They are all drilled with a keyhole for easy hanging.”

Pool games, tennis and basketball can get boring over time, so it’s a good idea to spice up the outdoors with a new game. A game that will get the whole family together.

The Regulation Size Shuffle Board Court is made up of 575 10” x 10” tiles, which can be assembled via their interlocking sides within 45 minutes. These co-polymer tiles are designed for outdoor use, so they’re resistant to warping, fading and decay.

Keep your shuffle board court up during the summer, and be ready to play with family and friends. The tiles will stay 50% cooler, and you can always use a leaf blower to clean them off. Also included with this court are the tournament discs, disc carrier, disc wax, fiberglass cues, instructional DVD and rules.

Looking for the perfect changing table for your baby’s nursery? Consider a classic white one with country charm that features convenient space for storing baby’s essentials.

The South Shore Andover Changing Table also functions as a dresser. It has three cubby holes for storing bottles and baskets or displaying pictures and stuffed animals. The two pull out drawers are ideal for clothing, blankets, crib sheets or towels.

Decorate the nursery with furniture that has clean lines and functionality. This model is a practical piece that can work with you and your baby’s needs over the years. From top to bottom, this furniture provides you with plenty of storage, and it’s also nice for changing dirty diapers too!

Children bring the darndest things into the home. When you were a kid, you might have done things like bring garden snakes into your bedroom, or try to save birds with broken wings. While it’s a good thing to care about and have a natural curiosity for wildlife, you don’t want these critters crawling all over your home and getting into your food.

Encourage your child to learn more about nature but in a responsible way with the AntWorks Space-Age Ant Habitat. This design is based on the NASA Space Shuttle experiment, and it helps keep ants contained. The non-toxic blue gel acts like nutritious soil, but it enables you kids to watch the ants create 3D tunnels.

This definitely makes for interesting bedroom decor, and it will appeal to your child’s interests.

There’s a tendency to over do things when you’re expecting a newborn, but you don’t have to go overboard. Instead find pieces of furniture that serve double duty.

The Stork Craft Aspen Combo Dresser/Changing Table in espresso is a simple furnishing that does more than just store your baby’s clothes. The top of the dresser functions as a changing table, and the three slide out drawers can be used for diapers, pajamas, etc. There is also a taller cabinet, which can be used for different accessories.

The dresser/changing table is made from durable wood with a non-toxic finish. You no longer have to worry about over stuffing your baby’s room with furniture. Instead you can create an open space with just the basics.

Having the kids home from school on a rainy day can surely test your nerves. It doesn’t take long for children to get bored, and when they’re bored, they’re more likely to drive you crazy!

In addition to an outdoor playground, install the Rainy Day Indoor Playground too. This indoor set features a doorway swing, which is adjustable and includes a trapeze bar with built-in hand rings. This playground set is designed to keep up to three kids entertained, so it’s perfect for play dates during the winter.

Feel confident in this product, because it’s built in the U.S.A. Also, it’s made for ages 3 and up, and it can hold up to 100 pounds. From enjoying gentle swinging to performing gymnastic stunts, your son or daughter will have a ball with their friends!

Bed skirts don’t have to be hum drum and boring. Adding a little flair to your bed skirts can give your room some pizazz. If you want to update your teenage daughter’s room, consider bright colors and classic designs.

The Pink Zebra Kids Bedding Queen Bed Skirt features a classic zebra pattern, but it has been modernized with a pink accent. Add this bed skirt to a white bed spread and add some edge to the bedding.

This dust ruffle fits queen sized beds, and it measures 59” x 80” x 14.5”. Bed skirts are convenient for kid’s rooms, because they can help hide boxes and other items that are stored underneath the bed.

Children are all about playing on the floor. They’ll play house and even play with blocks, dolls and ninja people all while sitting on the floor. It’s more comfortable for them, and it enables them to be more hands-on.

These Laying Low Cushions can be a colorful addition to your child’s bedroom, the living room or a designated playroom. These floor cushions are durable and soft, and they come in several sizes and colors. These 100% cotton cushions are available in brown, green, blue and red. The corduroy exterior adds some texture, and the handle makes them even more kid-friendly.

When these pillows aren’t in use on the floor, they can serve as bed pillows. Or, you can simply store them in a closet when they’re not in use.