Monday, July 6, 2009

Design Dilemma: The Big Girl Room

My baby girl is TWO YEARS OLD today!
There comes a time in a toddler's life when a change of bunk is in order. Although this Mommy isn't quite ready to say buh-bye to the baby crib, with all it's infant connotations {sigh}, it seems Avery is craving something that matches her ever-growing sense of independence.

Alas, it is with a large dose of nostalgia that I begin the adventure of converting Avery's room to
A Big Girl's Room. The sting of saying goodbye to Babyhood and all it's precious acoutrements has been somewhat alleviated by the seriously darling images I've found to get my ideas flowing.

Rather than go with the Flowers or Fairy or Frou-Frou route, I'm envisioning an elegant little abode. Something still fit for a Princess, but not exactly coated in twinkle dust.
Right now, I'm leaning towards bright pink, tempered by lots of white, and very possibly with a grounding of navy. Somewhere in the back of my brain, I'm conjuring this...
Living Room by Mary McDonald via Domino
This is a bit more tropical punch than I'm going for, but isn't that headboard fun?
Maybe something a little more like this (minus the bubblegum walls)
Yep, hot pink and navy (see the fretwork headboard) - me lik-ey!
Bedroom by Barrie Benson via Domino
Here's the headboard we'll use. I'm thinking I can paint it a deep midnight blue to get the effect.And, I might even attempt a simple canopy - because what kiddo doesn't like to feel like they're under a tent?
Apple Paltrow's Hampton bedroom via adorninc
I think I could handle making something like this one
...Truly, I'm favoring the white sheeting-fuschia monogram combo more every minute - You Moms out there are screaming IMPRACTICAL, I can just hear it! ;)
...But then there's these soft-palette, just heavenly rooms by Serena & Lily
So many choices...only one room...

20 comments:

Ada-Marie said...

Alison - great post! I have an almost two year old too and love all of the inspiration. Love your blog! (needsparkblog@gmail.com)

susan said...

Isn't is grand to have so many ideas and options??!! I can't wait to see the finished room!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Wow, what gorgeous inspiration rooms! My little man is one today!

Haven and Home said...

I think this might be favorite collection of images ever. They are lovely. I am obsessed with that headboard! I think painting yours a deep blue will be fabulous! I can't wait to see what it looks like! Happy Birthday to the little one!

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Great finds:) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the room with the 2 twin beds.

Jill GG said...

Happy birthday to your little one! My "baby" girl turns two in about two weeks! What a coincidence! I too am thinking and re-thinking her new big girl room... I'm thinking boho chic. We'll see! I can't wait to check out the finished product for your little princess!

Southern Aspirations said...

wow- so many fantastic options. I'd like to create a "big girl room" for myself!

Just found your blog and really like it!

LindsB said...

What a lucky little girl! I am loving the combo of colors you are going for- I think they are perfect for a two year old, but also will be great as she gets older. I think the headboard is beautiful, and any color would look great!

Also, I'm not a mom, but doesnt white bleach and wash better than a color- you cant bleach colors... But, like I said what do I know, I'm not a mom haha :)

Gaia said...

I know what you mean! I love the bright colors and I can't wait to became mom to treath my children as princ/princesse...

P.s.:J'adore Apple Paltrow little chair! The bed is to big for her!

i like your blog and I hope one day you'll visit mine too!

MFAMB said...

LOVE hot pink and midnight blue. can't wait to see it! happy birthday avery!!!
p.s. stay away from expensive fabrics. also uphostering. you will change your mind before she is 3 and want to do something totally different. trust.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

oh you are in a big dilemma with these fantastic choices! No doubt you will create something over-the-top fabulous!

I'll be watching closely because my little girl will be two very soon!

melissa@reverie-daydream.com

Laura said...

Your headboard is so pretty! I can't wait to see how the room turns out. I know it will be fabulous!

annechovie said...

I love all of these rooms! I am sure you will come up with something perfect for Avery and I can't wait to see it!

Leen said...

Happy birthday to your little one!

I can't wait to see what you come up with, I am sure it will be fabulous!

So in love with that headboard!

Nicole ~ said...

Happy Birthday little Miss. Avery!! I cannot believe she is two already!

All of these pictures that you have showcased are just adorable. I cannot wait to see what you come up with.

Erica said...

LOVE Serena & Lily, but a bit heavy on the pocketbook! Would be nice to mimic that style, though. Check out Target for very pretty kids chairs, particularly their armchairs and slipper chairs. They are quite comfy and surprisingly well made for the price. (just not sure if they ship to DPOs)

Meg said...

I'm 24 and love 98% of the rooms that you posted... for myself. Seriously. That's not weird is it? I never had a pink girly room growing up, seeing as how I grew up on a farm and cow poop doesn't match white sheets and fuschia monograms... so I'm just making up for lost time. Or that's my excuse!

thecottageapartment.blogspot.com

FEDERICA said...

Happy birthday to the little princess!
I love all those rooms!

Hill Country House Girl said...

What a fun post. I have two girls and decorating their rooms over the years has always been a joy - well, except when they were about 6 or 7 and wanted cartoon characters or Disney sheets from Walmart - not exactly what I had in mind, EVER!!

Minnie said...

My little girl just turned two last week. I've gradually been updating her room but have yet to replace the crib. I'm looking forward to seeing where your imagination and creativity take you. These rooms are divine inspiration. I would say go for the white, however impractical, if this is truly your dream. You could do it inexpensively and then change it without remorse if it doesn't work out.