When a good friend and long time client of my hubby’s told me she wanted her daughter to get a “big girl” bedroom makeover (she’s turning thirteen)… I couldn’t wait to get started! Kiddos actually make the best clients… they tend to be more direct than adults about how they feel stylistically, which makes a designer’s job SO much easier!
After sending this amazing tween a questionnaire and retrieving her answers… I zoned in on a favorite piece of clothing with arrows, feathers and the statement “Run Wild And Free”, and her style classification as “edgy tomboy”.
The challenge was to present her options that played on that “tomboy” vibe, but also retained a feminine and sophisticated aesthetic (while remembering that she IS still only thirteen).
Here is the board we are working with. A few items could change, but we are super excited about our progress. Before and after pics coming this Fall!
1. Wallpaper: My first search was for a statement-making wallpaper. I just KNEW I wanted arrows involved and I happened to NAIL it with this design from one of my favorite shops in LA, Walnut Wallpaper. The arrows are modern and a bit edgy, yet there are some beautiful girly swirls happening. I think I did a literal “happy dance” at my desk.
2. Sheets: Gingham is girly, but in black it’s a bit more graphic and statement making. I love how it vibes with the wallpaper.
3. Duvet: BECAUSE the sheets are so bold, I went for a more classic duvet cover, bordered in green… the client’s favorite color. I’ve used this duvet before, and keep coming back to it for the quality, color, and feel.
4. Fox Knob: The built in desk needed some new knobs. We are working with brass accents throughout the room, and these guys were just too cute (but sophisticated too!) to pass up!
5. Throw & Accent Pillow: I fell in love with this throw AT FIRST SIGHT. It’s a bit of a splurge, yes… but with some of the pieces I’ve chosen, I have longevity in mind… like, take to college and BEYOND longevity. Jamie Rosenthal, the designer, is from Los Angeles and creates pieces where no two are exactly alike. The palm print pillow is an ode to California, and adds in another splash of green.
6. Sconces: We originally loved these copper pendants… but re-wiring the room for them was a bit aggressive. As of right now, Schoolhouse Electric does not offer a copper sconce, but come Fall, they might be debuting more fixtures with copper finishes (so a little bird told me). These black with brass accent plug-in sconces? They’re pretty much perfect too.
7. Bed: I’ve been wanting to use this bed for quite some time… and this was the perfect opportunity. The amazing pop of yellow is exactly what the room needed to remain age-appropriate with an added dose of femininity.
8. Nightstands: Another Land Of Nod favorite, I’d use these classic campaign-style pieces in my own bedroom!
9. Rug: I had chosen a few alternate pieces, but my girl zeroed in on this exuberant rug as her favorite while we searched for some options together. Centered under the bed, the two work together as the “scene-stealers”, while the rest of the room remains neutral, black and white.
10. Mirror: Every teen needs a full-length mirror, right? The Emily & Meritt for Pottery Barn collection is ON POINT (and we’ll probably hang her shoes just the same).
11. Shelf: It’s called The Gold Standard… and it kind of is. We are going to use three of them!
12. Hanging Chair: My favorite chair now comes in white… SWOON. Reading assignments spent lounging in this chair by the window? Check!
13. Print: We are still deciding on some photography… but I’d love to get in a piece from LA native Max Wanger. This print is called Mother & Child… a sweet and simple nod to California and family love.
14. Pillow: This guy will go in the chair, most likely with a sheepskin throw.
15. Bench: A furry bench is just so fun. I think EVERYONE should have one. I also love the natural legs. We decided not to paint over the natural wood shelving of the built-in desk, so I wanted to make sure we had other natural wood accents throughout the room… in these legs, for example, and in the framing for the photograph.
16. Hanging Planter: It’s difficult to see in this picture, but the wallpaper’s main color is a very light pistachio/minty green. This adorable planter will pick up on that and add some actual living greenery to the room.
