I love to design kid’s spaces because there is a lot more room for whimsy and daring. When I was designing my daughters’ rooms, it was an exercise in balance. I wanted them to feel empowered to make design decisions (they are after all two very creative little souls), but I also wanted to make sure that their rooms flowed with the rest of the house.
We started with by defining color palette: one that the girls loved, and one that also fit with the rest of house. From there we chose complimentary but distinct wallpaper patterns as the base of the design.
The next major step was choosing the right bed. Both girls wanted “cananopies,” as they called them, so we had to figure out how to give them two similar but, again, distinct canopy beds. For the elder, we chose a vintage bed. For the younger, I custom designed a high canopy bed for the tight space; the large pot drawers below provide extra storage.
Next we considered durability. We chose furniture and finishes that are non-toxic, but also multi-functional. We also kept in mind the fact that kids use their spaces heavily — there was no reason to spend a fortune on something like bedding. We took a standard coverlet from Bed Bath and Beyond and added a bit of appliqué. Suddenly, we had what looked like custom bedding at a very budget-friendly price.
And since it’s important to me to instill a sense of heritage, I mixed in family heirlooms with the new features. We put a vintage French vanity that has been in my family for years in my younger daughter’s room as her desk. And my elder daughter has my grandmother’s rocking chair in her room.
The result is two similar but distinct rooms that are fun and youthful, yet quite timeless. We hope the girls will enjoy them for years to come.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Gorgeous! sources for wall paper? bedding? love them
Beautiful room! Would you mind sharing where you got that great orange rug?
Love them! Gorgeous!
I really love the wallpaper in each room!
Oh WOW. I really love them. Like, REALLY. Any great inspiration for boys rooms? We’re moving my son out of his crib in the coming weeks and I wanted to do something fun with the new bed.
It’s beautiful! I miss New York!
I would have died to have a room like that when I was young (even now)! Love the wallpaper! Just absolutely beautiful distinctly different girl’s rooms. Thank you for sharing.
I triple the request for wallpaper source. I can’t decide which room I love more. Also love the idea of just a little customization to ready-made bedding as I’ve been toying with the idea of making my own duvet cover but I am a horrible seamstress!
beautiful. love those happy colors! your daughters are lucky to have a mom create such a magical place for them.
Fantastic wallpapers! Thanks for sharing.
is that sherwin williams easy change wall paper? so beautiful!
Those bedrooms are beautiful. I love the wallpaper…would love info on the source also. Thanks.
These rooms are gorgeous! Just love them-Sources for the window treatments??
I feel so Inspired! Thanks for sharing!
Love both rooms. We’re moving soon and am so excited to design my son’s room. Could you share with us where you got the orange rug? I absolutely love it.
Okay, seriously! My living room isn’t that beautiful.
Man do I need design help. STAT!
such nice moms out there…I am happy to share resources: wallpaper neisha crossland for osborne & little (my other daughter's room has a teal ground of same pattern so they are nice companion papers but not too matchy); rug is a flat woven dhurrie from madeline weinrib – some of you look like you stated you need some guidance or have questions about your own space and we offer design online if you are not in the So Cal area…contact me directly at lara@storminteriors.com.thanks so much for such nice compliments!
Lara
these rooms are beautiful. absolutely amazing. i went to school for interior design, but shortly after became pregnant, and my husband relocated to santa monica and i haven’t gone back to work since my baby boy’s been born. your rooms are so inspiring. you are a great guest mom!
WOW!! Both rooms are so beautiful. I am nervous to try wallpaper, but seeing what you have done with it is inspiring. Where is the vintage bed from?
SO inspiring!!!
Steph
Both rooms are lovely, but neither is a match for that beautiful face! Lucky daughter and lucky mom.
Beautiful! You are talented.
Love the bedrooms-Could you please provide info on the window treatments?
Those are GORGEOUS!! CAn you come and design my kids’ bedrooms? (And maybe my whole house??)
I’d love to see the rest of your house.
Those walls are incredible and I love the little bed.
I just reviewed the most awesome crafter’s cabinet from The Original Scrapboxand I wanted to tell you about it! Stop by
my blog to join in the fun!
i am inspired!
beautiful!
The rooms are soft & lovely with a touch of sophistication and warmth it creates such a pleasing comfortable oasis
oh, so pretty!
Love the Rug!! :) Great spaces!
I too, love the rug in the first room. Both spaces are fabulous! Thanks for the inspiration.
Where did you get the wallpaper?
the wall paper is so beautiful. I’m feeling motivated, but I have a lot of work to do.
You are a wonder woman! You just arrived at your new place, right? To have this accomplished is pretty amazing! I love the beds and dark wood floors and I guess I love every detail. So fun!
goodness those rooms are gorgeous, so much that i would want one of those right now!!! they will seemlessly grow up in those. well done.
I didn't hear what mattress you used.
http://www.bedinabox.com – Looking for a memory foam topper?