One of the most challenging projects we tackled this year, was designing a bedroom for two little girls. WTH you say? I know. How hard can it be to design a room for two little girls? Well my lovelies, this was the mother of awkward rooms. The culprit? These windows.
Sure, someone thought they were a fun architectural detail when they built this home, but those weird angles would prove quite a challenge. The main issue? I needed to fit two twin beds with two headboards. The likely choice would have been this wall, the only one without a window or a closet.
But this wall also happens to be the one into which the bedroom door opens, and, listen closely my lovelies, walking right smack into a bed when you enter a room should never, ever be an option.
The only space the beds could fit comfortably was under the window. But having two custom headboards there would also mean we could not install curtains - the headboards would be affixed to the wall. After many, many, weeks of back and forth with my client, we decided to embrace the windows and highlight them with a custom valance and wooden blinds.
Here we are with the end result:
The little ladies wanted all things pink and purple and by golly, their wish was my command.
Designing around twin beds, will often mean a shared nightstand which is just fine. These two get to share this cute one and an equally fun lamp.
Both girls not only have their own beds, they also have a cozy place to sit and read under that awkward window.
Since storage is always a key factor to consider when designing a kid's space, the window bench also has storage baskets, there's loads of storage in the Ikea Expedit shelving system that does double duty as a dresser.
There's more storage/seating in the ottomans at the foot of both beds.
Those ottomans were a bargain find at Target, but we customized the covers with the pink fabric we used for the headboard buttons, and throw pillows.
And of course, what little girl's room would be complete without a sparkling chandelier?
Not only was my client sick of seeing toys everywhere in the main home, she also wanted to be sure the girls would have a space in their room to do homework and arts and crafts. With this layout, we had enough room just left of the new window seat, for a desk long enough to fit two little learners.
The desk, shelving and storage buckets are from Ikea.
The ghost chairs were a perfect pairing for just a little bit of grown up glam. I added custom decals with their initials so they always know which chair is theirs - if ya have kids, you know how much that word "mine" gets tossed around.
Okay, whoa, let's talk about these closet doors........
My client has a special disdain for bi-fold doors and this meant these doors would have to go. To again maximize every inch of space and surface, we settled on sliding wooden doors which we customized with magnetic, chalkboard and whiteboard paint. If you follow me on Instagram, I think you know that Shaggy and I have since sworn off doing these paint applications! Those doors needed a few zillion coats of paint. It was a beast. But the girls now have another surface to safely scribble and draw away to their hearts content.
Last but not least, a growth chart. This was a must do request, so I'm just happy we could find an untouched surface to apply it to. I think it's safe to say we used every inch of space in this room.
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| As always, all photos were taken by Shaggy of Circle Ten Media. |
PS. So freaking excited about tonight's return of Scandal aka my network television crack addiction! Gonna need lots of wine to make it through this nail-biter of a show.
PPS. If Scandal is my TV crack, then the One Room Challenge is my online design series crack. Linda's makeover challenge returned this week with lots of new twists and turns. Go forth and see who's playing. This season, anyone can link up their projects as well. Loves me some ORC.
Shopping Source Guide
Headboard/Custom valance and bed skirt: Titan Decor
Fabric for all custom pieces: Designer Discount Fabric
Expedit shelving system, shelves, desk, picture frames: Ikea
Chandelier: Nicole White Designs Store
Growth Chart: Etsy
Storage Ottoman (discontinued but here's a similar option): Target
Window seating: Overstock
Nightstand: Overstock
Lucite Chairs: Lexington Modern
Customized decals on chairs: Etsy
Lamp Base: Target
Lamp Shade: HomeGoods
