W
hen Noah and Jeremy
Stauss spend the night at
Bubbie and Grandpa's
house, they are "on sa-
fari."
Pictures of lion cubs, African
toys and stuffed animals set the
mood.
"I decorated the room for the
children after a trip to Africa where
I bought toy animals and things I
wanted to display," said the boys'
grandmother, Beverly Frank of
your son or daughter has "always
wanted" (or, at least until she's no
longer enamored with Barbie, or
he's past the Power Rangers
stage).
Using sheets and pillow cases is
one inexpensive way to coordinate
a child's bedroom.
"I found sheets with an animal
theme, and that started the deco-
rating scheme," Ms. Frank said.
She began by covering an old lamp
shade with white canvas, then
cling works because a child is a
child, and what interested one
generation seems to interest the
next."
It may soon be time for a decorat-
ing change, though. Noah, 7, and
his younger brother have a new
passion: Basketball. Sheets with
hoops and sneakers? Why not?
Matthew Hollander, 6, of Biiiii-
ingham also is reaching for the
highest heights. But instead of
shooting toward fame on the bas-
Where To Shop
If you're looking to do projects yourself, consider
some of the following shops:
Michael's Arts & Crafts in Farmington Hills has
classes in stenciling, fabric and furniture painting.
Call (810) 737-3032.
Which-Craft Art in Livonia offers classes in decora-
tive painting. Call (313) 425-0410.
The Community House in Birmingham offers a
workshop in furniture painting. Call (810) 644-
5832.
Naked Furniture
in Royal Oak has
unfinished furni-
ture and instruc-
tions on how to
finish it. Call (810)
548-1540.
The Yankee Car-
penter in Bloom-
field Hills has
unfinished furni-
ture and decorat-
ing instructions.
Call (810) 338-
0441.
Or, if you want
something unique
for your child but
you have no time
to do it yourself,
ketball court, he's looking
trimmed it with part of
to the stars.
the safari sheet.
"I said when Matthew
On the wall in the
room hangs a large cork Above left: For girls, a was born that he would
frog, teddy be ars and
be my star," recalled
board used by the boys'
white decor.
Matthew's mother, Jane
mother, Carrie, when she
Above right: Th e
Hollander, noting a star-
was a child. It's covered
shelves have r oom for
lots
of
toys.
patterned heirloom quilt
with family photos and
that covered her son's
the most recent art work
bed when he was a baby.
by Jeremy and Noah.
The long-awaited Matthew was
"I've also recycled other
joined four years ago by twin sib-
things that belong to Carrie —
lings, Julia and David, with whom
stuffed animals, books and book-
he happily shares star billing.
ends," Ms. Frank said. "The recy-
try contacting one of these:
B-lines: Beth Mondry designs and paints wooden
furniture, rocking chairs, toy chests and desks. If
you like, she also can supply the furnitre. Call
(810) 932-3178.
Eensey Weensey Furniture: Loren Stone will
custom design coat trees, tables and chairs, etc. She
also can supply furniture. Call (810) 855-1883.
Painted Endeavors: I Hurbis hand paints mu-
rals, sturdy canvas floor cloths, or she can paint a
rug directly on the floor. Call (810) 646-7668.
FE BR U ARY 1 99 7
Bloomfield Hills. "The kids, who
love animals, inspired the room.
You have to do something that in-
terests children."
And, you can do it without
spending a fortune.
Decorating a child's room today
can be as easy as A (A few sup-
plies), B (Bursts of energy) and C
(Creativity). Visit a favorite dis-
count store, craft shop or a flea
market and you're likely to find
virtually everything you need to
design exactly the kind of room
Opposite page
A space theme for the
Hollander boy s in
Birmingham.
13