Note: This project is (hopefully) still going to proceed, but I will keep you updated on updates to the timeline and schedule depending on the Coronavirus situation, and our decisions to quarantine and/or social distance as a family.
Today, I’m excited to announce a brand new project for a very special client—my niece! For her 3rd birthday, my mom, Dustin, and I are working together to design a special bedroom for my niece, Penelope. She turns 3 in about 5 weeks, so we’re deeming it The Birthday Bedroom Challenge!
Will we be able to finish in only 5 weeks? Stay tuned to find out!
I know—high stakes, high drama stuff, just like you’re used to from this blog.
Background
Penny and her family just moved into a new house. It was a new build so the layout is perfect for them, but the builders didn’t exactly infuse personality and style into each room (that’s…not their job).
For Penny’s birthday, we thought it would be fun to infuse those elements into her space, instead of getting her another toy. We’re going to bring some character to this girl’s room while also ensuring that it can grow up with her over time.
Ready for the before? Here we go:
Design Priorities
- Penny loves to color and needs space for creating as well as storage for her coloring supplies. She also needs a place to display her artwork.
- She has a lot of books! This girl is a reader and needs a place to store all of these books as well as a cozy and bright spot to read, optionally with mom and dad.
- Storage is important for a growing girl blessed with many toys and animal friends.
- Penny’s mom is into the wallpaper idea, which is very trendy and chic!
- This will be a DIY and budget-friendly project, so we have to be conscious of what is possible within some constraints. We’re going to be keeping her new big girl bed.
- The timeline is 5 weeks!
Inspiration
When I was looking for inspiration this time, I tried to focus on practical solutions for a little girl’s room that can also grow up with her. While the color scheme in this image is varied, we’re going to stick with shades of pink and blush, so use your imagination for this part.
Image Sources: The Caterpillar Years | Paul & Paula | Where the Smiles Have Been | Project Nursery | Motomoms | Junior by Project Nursery
A Girl’s Room Design Plan
Think pink! This little girl’s room is going to be a beautiful mix of all things blush. We will mix florals on the wall with a more geometric curtain pattern to balance it out, and use a lot of white to keep it grounded and not frenetic.
We’re not going to paint the walls or built-ins pink in case she decides to hate pink in a few years—all of the pink will be in the removable elements.
Sources: Peony Decals | Scallop Light | Gingham Curtains | White Paint | Grey Paint | Wall Shelves | Bulletin Board | Note Decals | Coloring Storage: Rail & Pails| Pink Stool | Blush Blanket Basket | White Bed | Blush Bedding
On the window wall, we’re creating built-ins for a storage and project station. We will build a bookshelf on the left side, a desk with shelves on the right side, and a bench under the window in the middle. We’re planning to put some blanket baskets under the bench for animal friends.
I drew a quick sketch (please pardon my lack of drawing abilities) which is probably the easiest way to understand what we’re going for, and you can see some inspiration photos in the previous section.
The bed will move to be centered on the right wall, allowing access to the desk, and we will add a chair rail around the room, painting a cozy grey beneath the rail and a white above.
Instead of adding expensive wallpaper, we will utilize peony flower decals in bunches above the chair rail to give a wallpaper effect and frame the bed.
I’m still coming up with ideas for art displays and will hang some simple display shelves (not unlike our spice racks) for special keepsakes, books, etc. We will hang one upside down so Penny can hang her outfit for tomorrow on the rail.
Finally, we will replace the boob light with a scalloped flush mount fixture to add sweetness and whimsy.
Let me know what you think in the comments! What are your priorities when you think about a kid’s room?
PS: Love a good mood board? Check out my home office mood board & inspiration here.
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