reveal: mari's play kitchen.

When it comes to play and kitchens, I think Ikea takes the cake. Their set-up is an easy afternoon build that is easily customizable, which is exactly what I was going for.

I had big dreams of building a kitchen, but when my mom nudged me to check out Ikea, I realized I could add a few bells and whistles to make it special for Mari without breaking out the tool kit, tape measure, drill and saw - and the budget. Like all things Ikea, it's affordable and it's bright and white, with a clean, practical design for little hands with big imaginations.

To the kitchen, I added another Ikea item: an antique-looking metal kitchen cart to store all of her goodies. 

My favorite thing about it: it's magnetic, which means perfect little kitchen timers from Anthropologie stick!

Its teal color is a nod to my favorite item in her kitchen: her custom apron and matching towels. Sweet Lauren of Little Lilly Lulu made her the most perfect apron that looks just like mine, an old Antrho purchase. Lauren's creation was the piece that brought everything together.  

My favorite details are the pink polka dot fabric knots and pleated skirt that match the hand towels.

Here are a few more detail shots of some custom additions, including the drawer/oven/microwave pulls you see above, plus glass knobs-turned-oven knobs and vintage apron hook. 

Tomorrow, I'll have the shop-easy list for all the sources so you can customize your own play kitchen, too. In the meantime, go over and check out Lauren's Etsy shop. Her creations would make the perfect gift for that little gal in your life - from bibs to tutus, tooth fairy pillows, blankets, baby hair pins, and of course, vintage aprons.

PS: Have you been following the Nicole's Classes Blog? You should. It's chalk-full of so many good design tips and beautiful, free downloads. It's a good dose of daily creativity. Yesterday, they featured one of my invitations I designed in Typography class back in November. I'm so excited to be included in a student feature. Check it out right here!