One of my favorite designers is Carolyn Paul. Carolyn, it just so happens, is my 10-year-old niece. She has great instincts and can easily visualize re-designed spaces. When asked which makeover task she would tackle in her home, she has a quick answer with great ideas: A basement re-do with a recreational space for herself and her brother, Emory, along with a work space for her father (a structural engineer by trade who also is a top-notch carpenter). Emory, my clever eight-year-old nephew, reminds me that a kid's space should welcome them with things he or she enjoys, rather than, perhaps, a theme the parent chooses. As he puts it, "If they like pink stuff, use pink stuff." He says he enjoys relaxing and hanging out in his room because there he is surrounded by his sports mementos, jerseys, and favorite books. Check out the fun, vintage-style Pez ad he hung next to his hockey stick (above).
Recently, Carolyn decided to give her own bedroom an overhaul. The results were great, and I'm delighted to share her ideas, tips, and re-design plan with you.
Carolyn’s Bedroom
Re-Design Plan:
1. Implement color theme of classic and medium blues, lime green, and crisp white.
2. Create striped accent wall behind the bed.
3. Paint Mom’s childhood yellow furniture set white.
4. Separate desk from furniture set to create study vignette on opposite wall.
5. Wall art: Remove glass doors from furniture set, paint them white, and mount them on the wall.
6. Create relaxing/reading area with funky chandelier.
Carolyn also is a talented artist, so she used her own painting to fill a space between bookcases. In the end, she has an ideal mix of hand-me-down treasures (her mother's Nancy Drew book collection and vintage alarm clock and great-grandmother's jewelry box, for example) and fun, modern touches like graphic dots bedding, butterfly accents, and a sequined pillow! Chic and kid-friendly...perfect!
{Carolyn's Tips For Kids' Bedrooms}
Don't forget storage "so everything has a place to go."
*
Create unique spots for memorabilia and favorite items.
*
Design a separate lounge area with floor pillows, funky lighting, wall hooks, and, of course, good books.
By the way, Carolyn's favorite grown-up designer is Candice Olsen. Why? Because she uses neutral colors but makes them "pop" with accent furniture. Well put, Carolyn.
By the way, Carolyn's favorite grown-up designer is Candice Olsen. Why? Because she uses neutral colors but makes them "pop" with accent furniture. Well put, Carolyn.
{ Recommended Reading }
Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play by Susanna Salk
Cool Spaces for Kids by Sam Scarborough
Feathering the Nest by Tracy Hutson
Handy Dad: 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids by Todd Davis
Children's Spaces: From Zero to Ten by Judith Wilson
{ Kid Spaces! }
A custom chalkboard in an open loft space
Tablecloth playhouse by Sam Scarborough (on Etsy)
My very own gallery space
A home office for everyone
A charming space from the proprietors of the always-fun Three Potato Four shop (a great source for vintage children's chairs)
This inviting playroom is in a houseboat
Colorful organization by the Brooklyn Home Company
An inviting play corner
A skylight makes for the perfect reading spot
A happy spot with painted paneling and a modern fixture
A bay window with bench seating and playroom storage
{More Inspiration}
