Not sure how you feel, but for me, summer seems to be going by way too fast. Before we know it, we will be buying pumpkins for Halloween and arranging our fall dining table. I am ready to pump the breaks a little, as I am quickly reminded how time flies when looking at how quickly my girls are growing.
I was honored when B-Metro Magazine asked me in July’s issue for a few tips on how to furnish a teenage room. In this article, I share where to spend your money in the room to create a space that can grow with your child. They were kind enough to share four rooms of my work, and while each child’s room has its own look, you will see similarities in each. Balance your classic, more expensive pieces -like the headboard, window treatments, and bedding- with trendier, less expensive items to round out the room.
To read more on how to design a room for a teen, check out “Living the Teenage Dream” feature in B-Metro. More pictures of these rooms will soon be up on Pinterest, or better yet, feel free to pin yourself.
Have a great day, everyone-
Dana
P.S. A BIG thank you to Graham Yelton for the amazing pictures!
Remember a few months ago I mentioned I was working on a little girl’s bedroom, and the entire project was a surprise to her?
The room was installed a few months ago, and it turned out beautifully. Custom draperies, headboard, window seat, pillows and a shower curtain made it special like no other. We wanted a room bright enough to be playful and fun, but classic enough to stand the test of time. Blue is her favorite color, so with a little direction from her mom and my girls giving an opinion or two, we gave her an age-appropriate room for a nine year old, but there is definitely room to grow into it. Now for a little look….
One day, it may be the mixing of textures such as iron and raw wood, and on another, it may be a picture or something I come across in nature.
Lately, I have been inspired by subtle details that take a room from pretty to fabulous. Notice how paying attention to the particulars can make such a difference in a space.
Are you familar with the website, www.pinterest.com ? If not, browse through when you have some time as you will find your own inspiration.
1. Nailheads. Nailheads are modern, chic, and a great way to customize a piece. Here are some great examples of how they can add just the right touch.
nailheads on a bookcase (from habituallychic.blogspot.com)
the nailheads MAKE this settee (from http://eclecticrevisited.wordpress.com/)
This room is just gorgeous to me. I love how it looks like the items in the room have been collected over time, but don’t be fooled…. the attention to detail is there. Look at the nailhead design on the loveseat, the banding on the drapes, and even the strategic placement of the books. This room makes me want to curl up and read one.
nailheads define this board (pinned by Marianna Stephens)
Who doesn’t need a bulletin board in an office space? The nailhead detail here makes a common item look a little more finished and unique.
2. Chevrons – From throws to dresses to fabrics, the chevron pattern is everywhere. Here it is as an area rug, and notice how much the pattern (and color!) adds to the room.
chevon! (from theblondebrunette.com)
3. Patterned wood — Wood is a classic I love to incorporate into my interiors when possible, as there is nothing quite like it. The texture and patina of an old piece of wood is hard to replicate.
Notice the impact of the wood on the ceiling in this room? I love how they have carried what looks like rough sawn wood from the ceiling down one wall, while adding painted wood paneling to the room. Beautiful! I cannot wait for the perfect space to incorporate this idea.
(from remodelista.com)
4. Lots of light – Windows, window, and more windows! Aren’t they beautiful? Why? Because natural light equates instant beauty.
(from gallery.me.com)(from houzz.com)
…and here’s a combination of light and amazing wood detail to give you an idea of what stunning looks like:
(from tartanscot.blogspot.com)
I hope you’ve been as inspired as I have by these ideas and photographs. I see so much creativity out there, and it’s fun to share. Tell me, what inspires you?
Maybe having three daughters of my own has something to do with this…but I love designing girls’ rooms. I also love that girls’ rooms give me the chance to be playful with color schemes and whimsical patterns.
I am excited about one of my latest projects, as it’s a bedroom for a precious nine-year-old girl who loves the color blue. What makes this project so fun is that it’s going to be a surprise installation for the entire family. Full rein to design as I see fit as long as I stay on budget! I kind of feel like I am on an episode of Trading Spaces…
Here are my inspiration fabrics as I am in the beginning stages of planning the room. I absolutely adore the combinations!
turquoise & chocolate!
What do you think? What colors do you love to use in children’s rooms?
