Newsletter

Laura Fenton

Laura Fenton is the author of The Little Book of Living Small. She writes about home design and sustainability, and is a regular contributor to Apartment Therapy. Her work has been published in Better Homes & Gardens, Eater, New York Magazine, and Real Simple.
Here’s How a Professional Playroom Designer Turned Her Garage into the Ultimate Play Space
It's now the go-to hangout spot for her daughter and her friends.
Laura Fenton
Mar 21, 2023
15 of the Best Quiet-Time Toys For Kids Who’ve Dropped Their Naps
Has your child dropped a nap and needs something quiet to do for a portion of the afternoon? This is the list for you.
Laura Fenton
Feb 9, 2023
This New York City Shared Boys’ Room Is Full of Small-Space Tricks
See how this space converted from a nursery into a big-boy’s room, thanks to a few smart purchases.
Laura Fenton
Feb 6, 2023
The Great Cubby Clean-Up Week Four: How to Create Tidy Habits, According to Our Experts
How do you get your family to keep things organized? Our experts offered their brilliant advice.
Laura Fenton
Jan 30, 2023
The Great Cubby Clean-Up Week Three: Pro Secrets for Creating an Organizing System That Will Stick
Today we're talking toy storage systems.
Laura Fenton
Jan 25, 2023
The Great Cubby Clean-Up Week Two: The Big Toy Edit
With a pared-down toy collection down kids can focus on playing with the things they really love!
Laura Fenton
Jan 18, 2023
This Eco-Friendly Foaming Hand Soap Has Won My Heart
The design is a major win for small spaces, too.
Laura Fenton
Jan 11, 2023
The Great Cubby Clean-Up: 4 Weeks and 4 Easy Steps to a Fresh Start for Your Family
By the beginning of next month, you’ll have decluttered, organized, and set up systems that will (hopefully) keep your family tidy all year long.
Laura Fenton
Jan 11, 2023
I’ve Tried Lots of Toy Storage Bins, but These Are the Ones I Keep Coming Back To
They're the perfect size.
Laura Fenton
Jan 4, 2023
The Nursery Trends That Are Out for 2023
Decorating a nursery this year? Here’s your guide to a forward-looking baby room.
Laura Fenton
Dec 29, 2022
10 Kids Room Trends That Are Going to Be Huge in 2023
Here's one clue: neutral is out.
Laura Fenton
Dec 21, 2022
The Kids Bed Style That Will Be Everywhere Next Year
We're ready to call it.
Laura Fenton
Dec 21, 2022
If You Haven’t Tried These Reusable Silicone Bags Yet, You’re Missing Out
I'll admit: I was skeptical I'd be into these bags, but they've totally won me over.
Laura Fenton
Dec 21, 2022
Billy Might Be an Icon, but This IKEA Bookshelf Is Hands Down the Better Buy
The controversial truth!
Laura Fenton
Nov 18, 2022
The Best Wallpaper for Kids’ Rooms, According to Designers
Give wallpaper a chance!
Laura Fenton
Sep 27, 2022
The 9 Best Toddler Beds, According to Parents and Experts
A toddler bed is a very worthwhile investment, especially if your kid has a small room!
Laura Fenton
Sep 21, 2022
I’m a Big Believer in Slipcovers for Your Family Sofa — Here’s Why
My 12-year old three-seater sofa looks nearly as good as new thanks to its washable slipcovers.
Laura Fenton
Sep 20, 2022
The 10 Things I Declutter Every Fall Once My Kid Is Back in School
Forget January. Back-to-school season is the best time to declutter.
Laura Fenton
Sep 20, 2022
This Is the One Hard-to-Find Product You Probably Didn’t Know IKEA Makes
It's less than $50 and a dinner time savior for kids!
Laura Fenton
Aug 27, 2022
14 Clever Ways to Make a Shared Kids Room Work, According to the Parents Who’ve Done It
Good ideas that might get you thinking about the possibilities in YOUR house!
Laura Fenton
Aug 17, 2022
This Boy’s Room Celebrates Black Joy In Style
Cookbook author and writer Nicole Taylor on designing a kids room that’s packed with style and meaning.
Laura Fenton
May 24, 2022
Portable, Battery-Powered Lights Are the Best Thing to Happen to Kids’ Rooms
Get light where you need it, when you need it - no cords required.
Laura Fenton
May 19, 2022
The Secrets of Scandinavian Family Homes
How to get that chic, cozy, yet clutter-controlled comfort in your own home.
Laura Fenton
May 18, 2022
14 Clever Ways to Take Your Kid’s Bunk Bed to the Next Level
Amazing accessories that are available to outfit your bunk beds, from zipper sheets to battery powered lamps.
Laura Fenton
May 9, 2022
This Family Is Creating a Fairytale Home
Camille Simmons of Planning Pretty shares the story of her 1920s California cottage.
Laura Fenton
Apr 11, 2022
3 Designer Nurseries That Anyone Can Recreate in Their Homes
These three nurseries — with three totally different styles — hit that sweet spot between dream room and reality.
Laura Fenton
Apr 1, 2022
A Family of Five Transforms a Rental NYC Apartment into a Beautiful Home
And how they live their best lives in NYC.
Laura Fenton
Feb 13, 2022
Before and After: A Blah Basement Turns into a Whimsical Playroom with These 10 Designer Tips
Design entrepreneur Elizabeth Rees shares her tips for transforming a dingy basement into a beautiful playroom.
Laura Fenton
Jan 22, 2022
5 Tips for Creating Great Kids’ Rooms from a Design Editor
And tips on navigating decorating kid's rooms!
Laura Fenton
Jan 12, 2022
Before and After: A Heavy, Wood-Paneled Family Room Becomes an Airy Playroom for Kids
Karri Bowen-Poole of Project Playroom transformed a former den into a bright and airy space for open-ended play.
Laura Fenton
Jan 8, 2022
The Best Kids Beds, According to Experts and Designers
Everything you need to know to buy your child’s first real bed.
Laura Fenton
Jan 2, 2022
The Biggest Lighting Mistake Homeowners Make — and How to Fix It
If you’ve ever sat in a waiting room under the harsh glow of a fluorescent fixture, then you likely know the power of a bad light bulb.
Laura Fenton
Dec 6, 2021
Two Pro Playroom Designers Spill Their Secrets for Creating Awesome Kids’ Spaces
From open-play floor plans to wall murals to genius storage solutions, these designers tell us everything we've wanted to know about creating an epic playroom.
Laura Fenton
Nov 15, 2021
West Elm Kids Is Celebrating Black Voices In the Best Way
Quilts with rustic farm scenes to a snuggly science-themed kids chair — these new launches have it all.
Laura Fenton
Oct 12, 2021
This Family’s Renovated 1960s Home is Full of Surprises — Including a Secret Bookcase Door
See how this UK family brings magic to daily life through their stunning home.
Laura Fenton
Oct 3, 2021
10 Clever Tips for Shopping for Window Treatments, According to a Design Pro
Window treatments can make or break a space — especially in kids' rooms. Here's what to look for.
Laura Fenton
Sep 17, 2021