Well, I kept my promise. I was able to completely transform my daughter’s serene nursery into the bold and colorful bedroom that reflects her personality, all without ever touching a paint brush to the walls. If you’ve been reading for a while, you’ll know that that sort of promise makes me all twitchy, like a drug addict looking for her next hit. But, I did it.
Emma’s nursery was a sweet little room for a sweet little baby. I put a lot of time into making sure it stayed soft and neutral. I had it in my brain that this would help her sleep well. I have no idea if my theory is based in any real science, but I do know that I could put her in her bed awake and she’d put herself to sleep. I credit my genius wall color choices.
My sweet little baby has turned into a creative, hilarious, brilliant, and beautiful 3 1/2 year old little girl. Her room needed some color, so I set out to make it happen – without painting the walls.
I started with the Craigslist bed that I rescued and painted in my favorite shade of green.
I added a mix of different prints and layers for the bedding. I hot glued together my own DIY version of Anthropologie’s pom pom curtains and hung (very well into the studs!) a giant oil painting with a drool-worthy gold gilded frame that used to hang in my parents’ house. The frame is super over the top – I get it. But, it’s awesome. As one of my neighbors said to me the other day, “You have the only 3 year old with a giant masterpiece above her bed.” Indeed, I do.
On one wall, I put the two toned mid-century modern dresser that my husband built for her room. Above it, I hung my newest brain child: live edge shelves hung on the wall with old leather belts. My mom’s old carousel horse collection from the 80s, that I awesome-ified with spray paint, is displayed on the shelves.
On the dresser is also a little piece of artwork that fits Emma to a T. My friend Allison of Two Thirty-Five Designs made it, and its statement couldn’t be more right on.
Like most little girls, Emma enjoys a well-worn accessory or two. I’m a statement necklace gal myself, so I certainly encourage her love of large beaded necklaces. In one of those moments that affects my completely abnormal brain, I decided that it would be cute to hang Barbies on a painted pegboard. Isn’t this so fun for a little girl’s room?
On the other wall sits my grandmother’s antique vanity. My mom says that she remembers sitting at it playing in her mother’s makeup. I remember sitting at it playing in my grandmother’s jewelry. It’s a little piece of her that I hold close to my heart, and I love it mixed with some more modern elements.
Emma is completely in love with her big girl room. And I’m in love that she’s in love. What’s not to love about that?
Source List
Wall Color – Wool Skein and Dover White by Sherwin-Williams
Bed – Craigslist find painted in Cat’s Eye by Benjamin Moore
Bedding – Duvet and euro shams from Anthropologie, yellow polka dot sheets from Land of Nod, white coverlet and shams from Tuesday Morning, orange and white throw pillow by The Pillow Studio (more info on the bedding choices can be found here)
Curtains – DIY tutorial
Curtain rods – Kirkland’s
Nightstand – Target
Lamp – Vintage
Dresser – built by my husband, Tom, following plans from The Design Confidential
Live edge and leather belt shelves – DIY tutorial
Painted carousel horses – DIY tutorial
Glitter artwork – Two Thirty Five Designs
Rugs – Tuesday Morning
Barbie necklace holder – DIY tutorial (coming soon!)
Antique vanity – Family heirloom
Owl vase – Michael’s
Matryoshka piggy bank – Target
Fabric cord lamp – DIY tutorial (coming soon!)
Red metal chair – Four Hands Home Outlet
Deer/elephant artwork – Uncommon Goods
Small gold frames – Aaron Brothers
Large frame/artwork over bed – On hand
I love it! What a lucky little girl to have such a creative momma!
Thank you, Stacy! XOXO
I can’t wait to see it in person next month! She is an awesome little girl and now she has an awesome room to match 🙂
See it? Girl, you’ll be sleeping in there! Hopefully, the Barbies won’t come to life. 😉
Yessssssssssssssssss. I will just turn all of them around if they creep me out.
What a fun room to grow up in! I saw your post on fb and the curtains immediately drew me in. I love those Anthropologie curtains and recently ordered an INSANE amount of pom pom trim to DIY my own. I’m off to see how you made them now 🙂
I was embarrassed with the amount of trim I ordered! But, I needed most of it. I can’t wait to see your curtains!
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gurrrrrl, I am totally digging it. And after seeing the barbie’s hair, Im thinking you need a cosmetology license.
I bet she LOVES it.
Ha! Thanks, Allison. We don’t want me to get a cosmetology license. LOL
ahahaha!
Ah.may.zing. Such original and creative ideas, you outdid yourself and that’s saying something. I’m not totally sure yet, but Emma’s room may overtake your office as my fave. Would love to see how your crazy creative brain works from the inside, k? I’ll set something up… 😉
Thank you, Kimm! I’m afraid it’s probably pretty scary in my brain. 🙂
On a side note, how in the heck are ya?
I am so excited to finally see the entire room. Awesome! Love that red on the chair and how the curtains/pillow together. So fun! She is one lucky little (oops, i mean, big) girl!
Thanks, Suzi! That pillow sure does look fantastic in that room!
Love it! Im struggling with my kids room right now.. they are so mismatched.. after we moved into our new house there are so many project the kids room will prob be done last :(.. I love this room but where are all they toys lol.. thats my biggest struggle figuring out where to store all the junk
Thank you, Camille! The vast majority of their toys are kept in the playroom – I find it makes it easier when they are in their rooms but are boycotting going to sleep. 🙂 But, she does have babies in a basket, her doll house, a closet full of books and then tons of baby clothes/bottles/purses/dress up jewelry in the vanity drawers. I just have it all hidden!
I need to work on her closet soon. It’s just a small closet with a builder’s grade rod – that’s not going to last a girl very long!
Absolutely adorable. I love that you mixed modern and heirlooms together and the colors are wonderful. Hugs, Marty
Thank you, Marty!
Lindsay, I LOVE this bedroom. Everytime, I look at that gorgeous green bed, I have to catch the drool. And those spray painted horses are genius. Sheer genius. I love this space. I would totally take it as my own big girl room any day of the week.
Thanks, Miss Jenna!
What a lovely bedroom! Your daughter is a lucky girl. I love, love love your grandmother’s vanity. The modern, vintage vibe is wonderful.
Thank you, Joselyn!
Seriously amazing!!! I love your originality! Truly one of my favorite room inspirations ever!!!
I really appreciate it, Jennifer! Thanks so much for the sweet comments!
The Barbie dolls are HILARIOUS!
Thanks, friend! 😀
Oh my gosh can I tell you I felt a little sad seeing her room remodeled?. How is it that I remember you preggers with her at Blissdom. I remember you painstakingly creating a beautiful nursery for her. And now she is 3 1/2??? I can’t take it that she is such a big girl already. Sniff! That being said the room is amazing. Bold, creative, fun and perfect for her vivacious self. You done good friend!
Thanks, Beckie! And seriously – how is she that old?!? It’s crazy!