Guest Picks: Whimsical Fabrics for Little Ones

As with any design project, I love to start children's spaces with fabric — and fabrics with whimsical prints and exuberant colors are very fun to work with. I think that layering youthful patterns on more "grown-up" furniture pieces that will have longevity in your home is a great way to create a kids' space.

Most of the fabrics I've chosen definitely have a kiddie appeal, but I think many of them could also be used in a more general family space, or even an adult one if your tastes lean towards color and whimsy. — Daniela from Aesthetic Oiseau

Star Sunshine by F Schumacher Fabric - $56 » Stars are classic and bright, and they shine in yellow on this fabulous fabric from Lulu DK for Schumacher. A playroom with curtains made in this would be a great imaginative space for the kiddos.


Butterfly Multi by F Schumacher Fabric - $128.80 » I absolutely adore butterfly patterns, and the mix of colors is irresistible in this fabric. Perfect for a tween or teen, as it can go soft and sweet or a bit more glam.


Jungle Jubilee Blueberry by F Schumacher Fabric - $92.40 » This Jungle Jubilee fabric is a recent find and a definite new favorite. I love the illustrative quality of the animals, and I think it's perfection for a sweet nursery.


Macaroni Punch/Coral by F Schumacher Fabric - $84 » How can you not love a fabric called Macaroni? It comes in divine colors and is the perfect small-scale pattern for a nursery or young child's bedroom. I think it coordinates perfectly with the previous Jungle Jubilee fabric too.


Le Cirque Dune Fabric - $18.95 » Le Cirque is one of the first designer fabrics that I fell in love with and is always the one I think of when looking for whimsy and color. This would be gorgeous for a neutral yet colorful nursery.


Mr. Bear Fabric » Sarah Jane is such a talented artist who creates the most whimsical fabrics that capture the essence of childhood. I love the sweet details in this one. Her fabrics usually come in quilt weight, so they are better for smaller projects or maybe curtains, but not so much for something like upholstery.


Citrus Chevron Fabric - $21 » I love the mix of green, blue and gray (with a slight touch of orange!) for a young man's bedroom. The chevron pattern would also create a fun effect on curtains, or even on an accent chair.


Mahout Multi Fabric - $29.05 » So, I had a laugh as I was putting together this ideabook and inadvertently saved so many similar fabrics — I obviously have a thing for multicolor elephants! Although I tend to stay away from themes, I do like the idea of circus elements in a children's space, and this particular fabric from John Robshaw is just so gorgeous. It looks like a little artist just took out a box of crayons and went to town. I love it — even for grown-ups.


Children at Play Fabric, Aqua by Sarah Jane - $9.20 » Balloons! This is so stinkin' cute, and the pinks mixed with aqua create such a fresh color palette.


Circus Circus Fabric - $19.90 » This print is so subtle, but once you look closely, you see a fun circus come to life! I love how the monochromatic blue tones keep an otherwise busy pattern soft and subdued.


Pink Butterfly Fabric - $8.80 » Pink and green is a pretty, traditional and preppy color combination. I love the sweetness of this print with its green butterflies. It would be great for a girly girl.


Evalena Fabric - $6.99 » Have you ever checked Ikea for fabrics? They have some great options that lean contemporary, and this swirly floral chock-full of friendly bugs is adorable. It would work especially well in a crafty kids' space.


Birch Forest Fabric - $9.70 » If your taste leans modern, I think this is a great fabric to try. I love the little touches of red on the aqua background. It would work great with white playroom furniture.


Nursery Rhyme Toile Fabric - $10.80 » This Nursery Rhyme toile is just the cutest. And the variety of colors really lets you play up any tone that you want. I could see a big reading chair upholstered in this for story time.


Citrus Pom-poms Fabric - $19 » Textured fabric is a great way to bring some whimsy to a youthful space, and I think this color palette is very gender neutral.


Aqua Medallions Fabric - $9.70 » This is the sweetest color palette for a nursery: pastel pink and aqua. The colors look wonderful with traditional dark wood furnishings.


Lime Pagoda Fabric - $14 » If you follow me, you know that chinoiserie is my jam — and this green and white silhouette print is so very pretty. I would love to use it in a tightly edited room awash in tones of this wasabi green with various textures in white.


Notorious Paisley Cherry Blossom Fabric by Fabricut - $39.60 » This fabric has always been on my short list for a nursery. The animals are so playful, and I love the movement.


Parade Multi by F Schumacher Fabric - $67.20 » Another stunner from Lulu DK for Schumacher is this parade of elephants that is incredibly fun to look at.

Next: Oh, Baby! 12 Ideas to Get a Chic Nursery Rolling

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