Everyone is talking about Bratt

Think Angelina and Zahara with matching designer handbags; dismiss it as the Brangelina brand of eccentricity and venture winking at the modern-day version of the oldest human impulse--to behold an untrammeled frontier. If you can't fit cookie baking into your already jam-packed schedule, its defensible.


But as an up-to-the-minute urbanite, if you still dress up your kid in top-to-toe pink or a character associated with big corporations, like Barney or any Disney character, you ignore the call of natural evolution. With almost all high end items showing up in miniature sizes, it's time to treat the little princes and divas like their adult counterparts.


Uber cool styles are cutting-edge and hip: mix nursery rhymes, rock tees and hot colours. As pint-sized versions of adult tastes overwhelm Little Miss Muffet, the hit tour belts out Crib Rock Couture. There are even lullaby cover versions of songs by rock legends such as Coldplay, Pink

Whether you're just inspired by the cool colors of nature or you're setting up a room in your mountain getaway for baby, the Modern Lodge look is just right for a soothing nursery. Go for real wood basics accented with neutral fabrics punched up by greens and oranges--and just the right touch of whimsy.



Bratt Decor's new Blu crib and cubbie are featured here as the perfect furnishings to achieve this look.

The German InTouch Magazine discusses Halle Berry's homes, her pregnancy and her nursery buys (she bought 2 of everything, 1 for each of her homes)!


Of these gorgeous buys are 2 Chelsea Sleigh Cribs in Espresso from Bratt Decor.

Now that finding the perfect baby products has reached the same status as purchasing a car, expectant moms need to do their homework. What materials would you like to surround your baby with? Are you all about convenience and classic style? Do you cringe at the thought of a traditional crib? Fortunately, no matter what your personal standards, tastes, or budget, there's a crib out there for your growing family.


Some things to consider as you surf the net or shop till you drop:


- If you're vertically challenged, a drop-side crib could save your aching back. Some fixed-rail cribs are designed with a lower profile to help with heaving lifting.


- These days, most cribs convert to toddler beds and some even become full-sized twin beds. These conversions could add to the bottom line, so ask about additional costs.


- Under-crib storage is a great add-on if you don't have a

Chelsea Lifetime Crib begins as a crib, and converts into a full sized bed, complete with ornate headboard and stylish footboard. Shown in stunning Antique Silver, this design is absolutely glamourous. Available in antique silver, espresso, and buttermilk.

Decorating a nursery can be a daunting task, even more so if your expecting your first child, but trying to save the planet while you're at it could very well make an expectant mom's head spin. Fortunately, eco-friendly options are becoming increasingly available, and although they are yet to be considered mainstream, there are still many adorable-chic-options from which to choose. "Five years ago, eco-friendly options for the nursery were virtually non-existent," says Brian Green, general manager at Great Beginnings. "Today, however, these items are much more popular." Knowing what to look for before you go to the store will help you make wiser decisions, especially if you plan to go green.


When selecting items made of wood - crib changing tables, nightstands - look for one's made by companies that get their materials from sustainable forests, and avoid those constructed of particleboard, plywood, and MDF. "They often contain chemicals, such

Nursery By Design. Don't let the dizzying effects of color palettes and crib styles intimidate you. Take it one piece at a time, and soon you'll have the nursery of your dreams.


Today's nurseries break tradition by moving beyond gender-specific pastels and Mother Goose storylines, and taking a modern turn. Theres no need to limit yourself to customary
baby tones  design a nursery fit to your taste at a pace that suits you.


Contemporary Parenting


Born from a need to simplify our busy lives, today's baby sanctuaries keep it clean with a contemporary look. This industry shift moves away from visual over-stimulation and takes on a less-is-more mentality.


The mod look is super hot right now, says Lindsay Clark of childrens furniture store Bratt Decor, Baltimore. So much so that the company recently launched a new line dedicated to the
trend. Its focus is on clean lines and minimal

Mary, Bauer, co-owner of Bratt Decor, a high-end Baltimore nursery and children's furniture store, believes living and buying green will one day be something that comes naturally.


"I think it will just be a way of life. I don't think it's going to be remarkable anymore," shares Bauer, who is passionate about marrying high style with eco-friendly choices.


"That's always been our philosophy to do things as responsibly as possible," she says noting that in recent years "I think people in general want to be more responsible and want to do things in a greener way." She reports that about one in five clients specifically request organic products. thats compared to zero just a few years ago."


Client interest is driving Bratt Decor to take its organic offerings to the next level, expanding from bedding and onesies to an organic mattress line, expected to debut in early 2008. "There's some research

Modern Babies and Children explores new mom Trista Sutter's nursery and her philosophy to "go green." When asked about her choice to buy Bratt Decor furniture to furnish her son's nursery, Trista says,"Bratt Decor is right up my alley in terms of style."


The Sutter's worked with Florida based New Arrivals Inc., to design Max's chocolate brown, pale blue, and white nursery with furniture by Baltimore's Bratt Decor. The couple choose from Bratt Decor's Premiere heirloom collection an iron crib, cradle, and day bed all in a beautiful Pewter finish, along with a Chelsea double changing table in buttermilk, which will later convert to a bureau.


Bratt Decor has a long list of celebrity clients including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Samantha Harris from Dancing With the Stars and E! Entertainment News, and local NFLer Lavar Arrington.


"Bratt Decor is right up my alley in terms of style," shares Sutter.

Pregnant actress Halle Berry has been busy decorating the nursery in her two homes-one if Malibu and one in the Hollywood Hills-with identical items for her March baby.


In Touch Weekly is reporting that Berry, 41, purchased two of Bratt Decors Chelsea Sleigh Crib ($1452). Your baby will sleep in style in this elegant crib. Dancing with the Stars cohost Samantha Harris also purchased this luxury crib for her baby girl.

In Touch Magazine is reporting that actress Halle Berry is buying in sets of two for her baby. It's not twins though, she just has two houses. Some people have it so bad! "Halle doesn't want her baby confused," an insider says. "She's duplicating everything down to the crib, the linens, and even the stuffed animals."


Among her double purchases have been two Bratt Decor Chelsea Sleigh Cribs in Espresso, and two Tiny Love Mobiles.

Halle Berry, 41, has been out shopping for baby and she's seeing double, double the price that is! Halle and boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, have two homes, one in the Hollywood Hills and one in Malibu, so she's been buying two of everything. In Touch Weekly is reporting that she's going to identically decorate the nurseries in each home so that her baby won't be confused.


So what exactly has Halle been scooping up two of? She's been spotted splurging on Bratt Decor's Chelsea Sleigh Crib ($1452). This classic crib is a gorgeously simple selection that's sure to be the center piece of any nursery and it comes in three colors, buttermilk, espresso and antique silver.


Supposedly Halle is sticking to gender neutral colors for the nurseries, as she and Gabriel have both said they want a delivery surprise. The baby will be the first for Halle and Gabriel and is due sometime

Mary and Stephen Bauer were recognized by Baltimore SmartCEO as one of Baltimore's 50 Fastest Growing Companies! Congratulations to the Bauer's and Bratt Decor!


BUSINESS DESCRIPTION


Bratt Decor designs and sells furniture and accessories for babies and children. The company's goal is to bring high design aesthetics found in other segments of the furniture
market to the children's market. Bratt Decor designs and manufactures a wide range of furnishings and sells them directly through its stores and Web site.


KEY FACTORS OF COMPANY'S CURRENT GROWTH


Growth is hard, a true blessing, but is constantly challenging. Over the past three years, the company has grown from a staff of about seven to more than 30, and dealing with the fallout of that alone has been an education. Additionally, Bratt Decor has opened offices in Asia and has had to learn to manage staff and
factories internationally. It requires lots of travel

Decorating baby's nursery? Use Better Home & Garden's editors' picks of the best crib and crib bedding companies and resources to look online and in stores for great buys. We were excited to have our adorable furnishings featured as a must have baby item!

She's not having twins, but a pregnant Halle Berry is buying in sets of two. The 41-year-old and boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, have two homes--one in the Hollywood Hills and another in Malibu--so she's decided to design identical nurseries for each residence. "Halle doesn't want her baby confused," an insider says. "She's duplicating everything down to the crib, the linens, and even the stuffed animals." Either Halle doesn't know the sex of her baby--due on Valentine's Day--or she isn't saying, because both nurseries are decorated in lots of yellow and light green without a hint of baby blue or pink.


Halle picked out two Bratt Decor Chelsea Sleigh Cribs in Espresso.

Buying double of everything is a big mistake. At its most basic, your twins' room will require a pair of cribs and a single diaper-changing station (because as you know, its impossible to change both babies at one time). Other essentials include a nursing chair and plenty of storage (because let's face it, you will acquire a lot of things with twins).


This issue of Fit Pregnancy showcases the nursery of Marcia Cross' twin daughters, Eden and Savannah which has plenty of pieces that will double in function and grow with the girls as they get older. These pieces include 2 Bratt Decor Dick Cribs, a Classic Bratt Decor Armoire with custom painted polka dots, a Dick dresser/changer and a play table for the girls' enjoyment.

The Party: Cribs and cocktails don't normally go together, but at this insanely adorable children's boutique's grand opening soiree, they most certainly did. The Players: Owner Mary Bauer hosted John Ryder and Falls Church Mayor Robin Gardener, along with some very special mommies-to-be. Best In Show: Smooth tunes graced the spectacle, alongside all kids of savvy clothing, furniture and accessories that one would expect from the locally-based brand.

This month P&N was inspired by a turquoise David Yurman ring and designed an entire nursery around the stunning jewel tone. They choose Bratt's Dick Dresser/Changer in navy and white to fit the room.

Kids Today's second annual retail innovators list recognizes retailers who are meeting the challenges of growing their businesses in an increasingly competitive marketplace by being creative, enterprising and steadfast. More and more of them are thinking outside the box and when it comes to engaging customers, either with free services and design assistance, websites or educational classes and gift registries. All of Kids Today's innovators are independents and many of them family owned. Some stores are newcomers to the industry with a year or two under their proverbial belts, while others have been in business for more than 60 years. But most importantly, to us, is the number if these innovative retailers who carry and sell Bratt Decor products as their key vendors.


Congratulations to the 2007 Retail Innovators!

Bratt Decor was hand picked by some of today's most influencial leaders in fashion to be amongst the nations top designers who will donate product for the world's biggest sample sale, 7th on Sale.


7th on Sale is a one-of-a-kind fashion experience where you can bid on thousands of items from the world's top designers, including red carpet gowns worn by your favorite celebrities, fabulous dresses, shoes, handbags, home decor, furnishings, and much more.


One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to providing care, services and housing for those living with HIV and AIDS.


The sale kicks off on November 15, 2007 with a black-tie gala in New York. That will be followed by three days of shopping open to the public, November 16 -18, in New York.


The 2007 event is sure to make fashion and fundraising history once again as fashion's biggest names join forces as major sponsors of

The newness of an infant, the innocence and purity, usually conjures images of crisp white furnishings in the nursery. But there is something about bringing home the next generation of a family that naturally compels us to reflect on our heritage and ancestors. I find comfort in surrounding not only the infant but also the new parents with mementos of yesteryear. Vintage photos, antiques and family keepsakes calm the spirit with the promise of continuity and the soothing balm of familiarity.


I am finding a shift in nursery design is taking place, influenced partly by the large numbers of women waiting longer to have children. These mature, more established moms-to-be want the nursery to be sophisticated and flow seamlessly with the style of the rest of the home. Also, many of today's new moms are employed--spending more time away from home. They want to feel relaxed and at peace in

When the time came for Samantha Harris to design her baby's boudoir, she called on the ladies at Bratt Decor, Caden Lane and Nursery Couture to assemble the room. By pairing traditional, neutral furniture with a classic pink and chocolate color scheme, the design team created a stylish girly space for baby Josselyn.

Check out some of Samantha's favorite pieces...(do you notice that Bratt's all over the page?!)

When the rich and famous decorate baby's room, they turn to Bratt Decor, and lucky for us, the widely coveted nursery and kids room furniture designer is located in Tysons Corner. Your princess can begin her life in a Zanzibar gold rocking cradle with white netting, until she graduates to her designer crib and her luxe wardrobe. Only the top names in Baby are carried here, such as Reed & Barton, Kate Spade and even Stephen Bauer originals.

Fitting for a newborn to a fifth-grader, Bibi's (one of Bratt Decor's many retailers) has two floors of kiddie couture and nursery basics. Check out this season's latest finds.


Bonus Round:

Find an artful and elegant collection of cribs, bassinets, and sheets, including the Venetian 3-in-1 crib from Bratt Decor and the Eve twin bedding collection from Serena & Lily.

'Dancing with the Stars,' Samantha Harris gives Life & Style an exclusive peek inside the room her new baby calls home.


As far as Samantha is concerned, her first baby, 1-month-old Josselyn, is a princess. So it's only fitting she have a regal room, completely furnished by Bratt Decor.


Josselyn sleeps in the gorgeous Chelsea Cradle in Buttermilk and will graduate to the Chelsea Sleigh crib in a few months time. Josselyn also has the Chelsea changing table with removable change top, which will grow with her for years to come.