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About's Fashion Guide offers tips

Q. I know you recently adopted a brand new baby girl. What was the spark of inspiration for her future themed room?

Cynthia: We did just adopt a beautiful baby girl! I knew I didn't want a syrupy-sweet room with ruffles, so I thought ladybugs (in red and black) would be fun. I bought a gorgeous sleigh crib from Berg as the centerpiece. I also have purchased a few ladybug accent items (fan pulls, frame, switchplate, pillow). I'm putting together a custom stencil so I can start painting. I hope to have everything finished in the next three months.

Q. What's your best advice for anyone decorating a child's room?

Cynthia: Two things come to mind --
1. You may not need the best of everything. I love beautiful things, but I found out the hard way that kids' stuff won't stay looking pristine. The expensive, well-built crib I bought has teeth marks all over it, the bottom part of the boys' loft bed broke from them jumping on it, the toy chest lid cracked when it was stuffed and forced closed (and I won't even mention how many pieces of furniture have pen scribbles and stickers on them...) It just happens.

2. Coordinating wall art for a perfect theme room may be nice, but don't forget to leave room to display kids' successes and growth. We have lots of certificates of achievement and photos in both boys' rooms so they can be reminded every day of honors, friends and family.