Inspiration for a girls room - Part One

I always find childrens rooms so much fun to do.  I feel like we can be more creative with them.  Kids for the most part embrace colour.  I doubt a child has ever asked to have their room painted "mushroom"  So this is a chance to be a little bolder with colour. 

If you are like me, you want their rooms to express their personality, last for a few years and not cost a fortune!  So keeping that in mind, I started to renew the look of my youngest daughter's room.

With Ashten turning 8 last month, it was time to update her room to suit her much more grown up tastes!  Not wanting to incorporate any themes such as princesses or the latest teen star I decided to go for a look that would grow with her. 

My inspiration for her room came from this beautiful area rug I came across one day.  It was the perfect size for her room and I knew she would love it.

I based the paint colour on the soft pink tone in the rug. Of course it is always recommended that you do 2 coats of paint, -which I did, but I was pleasantly surprised when I used the new paint and primer in one by Behr.  It covered the old wall colour really well, and I was almost tempted to do only one coat.  

Next I went looking for material for a duvet cover.  On Ottawa Street I was lucky enough to find this faux matelasse in a lemongrass colour that blended well with the green-yellow tones in the rug.  The reverse side of the duvet cover I opted to do in grey.  In order to keep costs down, I found a twin size sheet on sale which worked really well. 

The feeling I wanted to create for this room was feminine and playful, using a mix of modern and vintage.  The existing bookcase would stay but I would add a queen anne style desk painted in a funky colour.  Searching kijiji I found the perfect candidate - a well made desk that needed refinishing. 

I have sanded and primed the new desk and will begin painting it next week.  The important part about creating a room on a budget is having the time to invest to do some of the work yourself.  When this desk is finished it will be a suitable place for her to do her homework.  

The drapery will have a bit of luster in a silver grey fabric.  This will pick up on the colour from the carpet as well.  I found a pair of rod pocket panels on sale that needed some adjustments.  (More on that next time)

To add a bit more sparkle - (and lets face it what girl doesn't like sparkle?) I have swapped out the builder's light fixture with a small chandelier. That just adds a bit of sophistication to the whole room. 

After all these elements are complete, will be the part that is the most fun -the accessories!  

As I continue painting, sewing and collecting items to finish this room please feel free to email me with any questions or comments you may have regarding children's rooms. 

I will be posting more photos of this room renewal shortly......

Thanks for visiting!

Linda

linda@changesinteriordesign.ca