Birdie’s wallpaper is up and we are both just so excited about every single inch, wing, and leaf of it. In case you haven’t caught up on what it’s like to give a lot of design control to a very color-driven and highly opinionated almost 7-year-old, read this post (and this post about my current philosophy on designing my kids’ rooms). I’m trying to involve her so much, celebrate her style and enthusiasm for color while not having it look like a unicorn-pokemon-lava-lamp-showroom (I’m not being mean, their interest in that stuff won’t last). So after much deliberation (and of course me curating), we both agreed on this incredible wallpaper by Schumacher (Butterfly Baudin) and I was ELATED that we had a jumping-off point that could keep us focused on a color palette and style while giving her SO much color and the life that she really wanted. She’s even saying things like, “Well, maybe this should be our bold moment and keep that quieter” which as you can imagine is filling me with so much joy (and yes, of course, I realize that is my ego talking – but you can’t help but feel good when your kids want to be like you and talk like you). So today we’ll show you a few other things in the works for this room, which might include a turquoise dresser 🙂
Before – TWO YEARS AGO!!!
Of course, this took a long time to get where we are today. We thought that the second floor could be just updated with new carpet and paint until we realized that all the electrical had to be updated. Then once the walls were opened to rewire the house, we dialed it in with the right insulation, reinforced it in every way, and installed fresh drywall, electrical, and plumbing.
We painted all the doors Upward SW 6239, chose the blue striped carpet and the white paint all before we had chosen the wallpaper (this is how it goes with renovation, they don’t wait for you to decide on future decor to choose other more permanent finishes that involve subcontractors RIGHT NOW, especially with lead times involved like the shades and the carpet). But I’m actually ok with it all for now – it’s working together fine. At times I wish the white paint of the window casing was a bit creamier, and sure, the blue door could be brighter to match the wallpaper but it’s not bothering me enough to do anything about it right now.
Wallpaper | Carpet | Window Treatments | Door Color | Trim Color | Outlet Covers
It’s just so sweet and magical:) It’s an immediate vibe, that is going to be so easy and fun to build on. Moving forward I just give her the paint deck and let her choose the color as long as it “matches” one of the colors on the walls. It’s almost like the wallpaper is solving a lot of our problems. Did I want a more subtle wallpaper? Maybe. Would I choose to paint a bunch of furniture hot pink, teal, and purple? Not for me. But this is EXACTLY how I was when I was little, really only changing in the last ten years.
I love the organic nature of the wallpaper with the striped carpet and the diamond window pattern – they all just contrast and work so well together.
What’s Next?
I found this bed on craigslist and snagged it so that we could paint it a wild color (I don’t want to invest in a new piece that is a wild color, so painting a thrifted find is a great compromise for my colorful little lady). It’s a full bed, Jenny Lind-style, and she loved it A LOT. I checked that box quickly (although, I now wish it were a queen so it could be a back up guest room for a couple if we needed, but oh well).
The Dresser…
Then I found this dresser (and its “tall boy” brother), $200 for both also on FB Marketplace. She is so cute and ready for a makeover. I’m giving Birdie again almost free reign on the color so we snagged our Sherwin Williams paint deck and she quickly chose hot pink, but has since changed her mind to purple.
She’s VERY into the purple world of violets, lavenders and not the grayer versions or aubergine. We are talking BRIGHT lavender. Jury is still out 🙂
The room is pretty darn sweet and this lady won’t stop doing cartwheels 🙂
We are planning on starting to paint the furniture next weekend, and I’ll likely do it wrong because I have poor patience. So I’m going to start on the bed (because its easier, despite the turned wood – it won’t chip as easily if done poorly) and then take more time with the dresser since it will get more manhandling. I hope you are ready for some wacky wacky colors 🙂 We are both VERY excited. xx
If you are curious, here are all of the room sources:
Carpet: Dorsey by Stark Carpet in steel
Windows: Vintage, original
Window Treatment: Decorview
Wallpaper: Shumacher Baudin Butterfly
Trim Color: Extra White SW 7006 by Sherwin-Williams
Closet Door Color: Upward SW 6239 by Sherwin-Williams
Outlet Covers: Rejuvenation
*Photos by Kaitlin Green
Love it!
This wallpaper is so good, and I love how it will tie all the colors together. I think it’s fine that the door color is a quiet blue, so it won’t compete with the other saturated colors Birdie will choose for the furniture.
And fwiw, I give houseguests an option of sleeping in my guest room with a full bed (a queen wouldn’t fit in an alcove without being shoved in the corner) or queen trundle in my husband’s office (both have a private bath), and they choose the full bed EVERY time.
P.S. Birdie’s rainbow skirt is so fun.
Yeah exactly, don’t write off a full bed for guests! My husband and I slept in one for the first 15 years of our relationship. And we’re not tiny – 5′ 8″ and 6′ 1″. Now we have a queen but we still find my parents’ full size guest bed comfortable.
Same! My husband and I are both tall (5′ 10″ and 6′ 3″), and slept in a full bed for years because it’s what we had, and our apartment wasn’t big enough for a queen. Now we live in a bigger space and have a queen, and the full is in our guest room. It is a cozy little room, and we’ve had loads of guests, including couples.
*grabbing popcorn*
1, 2, 3 … let the commenters come to defend the wood instead of paint
Hahaha
Hahaha, I am normally here to defend wood but you know what? It’s a kids room. As a kid, I stickered up ALL my wood furniture and would’ve been thrilled to have the opportunity to paint the furniture my favorite color. I’m just telling myself that the wood furniture probably isn’t pristine anyway, because that would feel tragic, lol.
Now I wouldn’t paint a piece that has some heritage or other significant value (to me) but there’s nothing that paint does to bog standard furniture that can’t be undone. Paint can be undone. And giving new life to old furniture is hard to argue against.
Says she, also grabbing popcorn…🍿
(Raises hand). Lol. I’m sure it’ll look fun whatever color they go with, but I just think that wood bed looks great as is against the wall paper.
I agree that the bed would look good in the original wood (and I’m not a wood purist at all I often prefer painted) but I’m curious about the plans for bed linens. If they are colorful then having a neutral toned bed could be helpful.
Might be a fun DIY makeover for you guys to do chalk paint with wax finish- more forgiving of mistakes and wear, easy to touch up/ paint over/ add gilding.
Yes, mouseface! I’ve suggested Emily try chalk paint before and from experience it’s easier to get a nice finish and also easy to touch up as you said. Unfortunately I don’t think Sherwin Williams does chalk paint. You can mix chalk paint yourself though so could be an opportunity for some lessons on color theory?
This is so stinking cute!! I am sooooo excited to see this room unfold! I love the shapes of the furnitures you chose, very whimsical yet also classic and timeless – I especially love the scallops on that dresser and suddenly have a mighty need for a turned bedframe in my life… The wallpaper looks beautiful in that room and will be such a back background both for your design now and to make it a little more grown up later (if Birdie ever decides that is what she wants – nothing wrong with staying colourful and whimsical forever ;)) Most of all I wish the two of you the greatest fun while working on this room – it looks like you’re already well underway!!
I love the wallpaper. It’s perfect for a kid. I’m so glad you’re letting her decorate the way she wants. We moved last year, and I let my then 8 year old pick her paint color for the walls, and in our house full of off white walls, her bright saturated lavender walls are my favorite! It’s so joyful.
Also, I can’t wait to see how that furniture turns out. I absolutely love that dresser, and yes I’m one to say I’m sad to see that beautiful wood covered, but I also think it will look amazing painted. The curves are so good!
I love the idea of the brightly colored furniture and starting with the bed is smart. Maybe you take it one piece at a time to figure out when to stop and let some wood have a moment? I typically don’t feel strongly about painted vs natural wood, just wondering in this case if it would provide a nice balance to all the brightness around the room? Looking forward to seeing it come together!
This must be like a dream experience for Birdie, what a beautiful gift experience you are giving her.
I see so very many benefits coming from this, looking at it unfold it looks a no brainer if parents are able to do. I remember the sheer happiness I got from choosing my own wallpaper as a child. I see the thought she is putting into it, and that she will be reminded of this experience of you both creating this and the association when you both enter the room. Excited for you both at this beautiful part of making a home.
Birdie is SO lucky to have you as a mom, Emily! What a fun project for you both – makes me wish my 15yo daughter was that age again because she also loved ALL of the colors. We recently did the same version (but teenager-style) of working together when we moved into our 1870 farmhouse reno and I truly feel like it’s her sanctuary, even though I cringed at some of her choices. If only she would KEEP IT CLEAN. Here’s hoping Birdie picks up her messes better than my kid.
I painted this same bed and found it so easy and satisfying to use this little paint sprayer that attaches to an air compressor using a mason jar. Zero drips or runs and the finish looks professional grade! Got it on amazon in one day. https://www.amazon.com/Critter-Spray-Products-22032-Siphon/dp/B00006FRPJ/ref=asc_df_B00006FRPJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309851721301&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18214501369089236737&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016213&hvtargid=pla-493377719941&th=1
This is incredibly beautiful and can last until Birdie is a grown up girl.
My vote is for yellow. The yellow in the buterfly is terrific.
No purple in spanish houses.
I like the yellow dresser idea as well.
Can you leave the dresser wood? Looks so pretty!
Looks like it might be birds eye wood?? which is much harder to come by than some other woods.
Maybe they can leave some of the wood showing. I agree, it looks like birdseye maple or a burl.
My stomach clenches and my jaw sets when I see that someone wants to paint a gorgeous birds eye maple piece of furniture that is in excellent shape. Someone over the years has taken excellent care of that sweet little dresser!
I believe there are close-up photos of it from the original thrift haul – it is badly damaged in a lot of places. I had the same instinct, and then I saw the chunks of missing veneer and water damage, etc and I understood why it was chosen for paint! Emily certainly would never paint good-condition burl. Ya gotta trust.
BUT imagine you at 9…..would you think it’s so pretty?!
I’ve only ever used chalk paint on furniture. I’d love a future post detailing your furniture painting method!
I agree! It is a beautiful piece. If it did not appear in good shape, I would say paint it.
Oops, meant to reply to A.B.
I recently discovered that there is several different kinds of hardware that let you adapt a full size headboard/footboard for attachment to a queen size bed frame/mattress if you still want the extra sleeping area. We inherited what turned out to be a full size headboard/footboard from my husband’s grandparents and needed to pair it with our existing queen mattress in our guest room. I was afraid it would look weird but it really doesn’t. Attempted to attach a picture of the (still very in process) result, but not sure if it’ll work.
Please blog about your process for painting the furniture! My daughter and I painted her IKEA unfinished wood nightstand this summer. I thought it was going to be fun and easy, but it was kind of a pain! Sanding, priming, painting multiple layers and sanding in between paint layers, then top coat. Our next project will probably be easier and faster since we sort of know what we’re doing now.
As someone who refurbishes, restyle and paints used furniture if you want a piece to really look beautiful and last all the prep is really important. Clean with a good degreaser, then repair and sand. At least one coat of a good primer. Sand then paint 2 – 3 coats sanding in between. Then 2-3 coats of a poly topcoat (not a fan of wax but you can do that instead) sanding between each layer. Lots of sanding (use a fine grit to just scuff the surface). When people ask why my pieces cost as much as they do I let them know this extensive process so they will have a beautiful piece that will really last. Primer should probably be a shellac which is smelly and doesn’t clean up with water. You can use a water based one if the messiness is too much for you. Use disposable roller and brushes for the shellac. Paint and poly can be waterbased in at least a satin sheen. (Also, if its been painted or has a thicker top coat, for the best outcome, you would want to strip it. These look like just priming would be good.)
I love the fun and joy this is bringing you two!
Love the room- wallpaper is so pretty and fun and gives you lots of options color wise down the road. I think the blue doors work well because they don’t take away or compete with the paper. The bright painted furniture will be very fun and can’t wait to see how it turns out. The only thing that stands out to me are the brass switch plates and black outlets. I would paper the switch plates and have white outlets. To me, they distract from all the pattern in the paper.
I was sort of surprised at that choice throughout the house – expensively accenting those electrical items that often end up being photoshopped out of design photos! Guess that’s why I’m not a designer 🙃
Yes I have been thinking the same thing! Those brass plates feel a little kitschy and “try-hard” to me, AND they draw attention to themselves while distracting from all the beautiful design elements around them. That said, maybe they will fade away significantly once they age…will be interesting to see!
Totally agree about the switch plates. Easy to fix, though.
Brass ages and gets a patina over time. So while it looks bright now, it will eventually age to match the hardware on the windows and doors. I think it’s a much nicer choice than just white, and I prefer to keep finishes the same throughout the house, for cohesion.
Awe so special. This room reminds me of my childhood room…my mom painted all the trim purple and she put up pink and purple flowered wallpaper. I believe I had the same bed too. 😍
I love a good paint makeover…! We had some old wood dressers that needed a lift about 20 years ago— and painted the actual dresser one color (imagine your closet doors or a shade darker), then let our kids choose the drawer colors— it ties in with some art work hanging above the dresser. It’s nice because the dresser body connects with another color already in the room, and the drawers are playful and pick up on the art above. You might be able to do a similar “tie in” between the bed, dresser body, closet doors… You know… the 4 upper, pointy parts on the head/footboard can be painted different colors… body of bed can again be more grounded (closet door type color).
Wonderful to see you and your daughter do this together. 😉
Bring it on! She’ll be talking about this 25 years from now in her design blog.
Birdie is radiant with happiness! So sweet. Love the wallpaper with the carpet.
Sooo fun! “unicorn-pokemon-lava-lamp-showroom” 🤣🤣
Birdie’s friends must be so envious… she’s a super-special lucky nearly 7 tear old.
Maybe she can be the design consultant for their rooms?!😉
A truly special project for you both to wirk on. You’ll remember it for ever!! Beautiful 💞
I’d maaaaybe paint the bed, but leave the dresser coz it looks like veneer, so can’t be undone.
Yup…🍿
This room is going to be SO FUN and I’m glad that Birdie is old enough to be involved in the process.
I like that you’re allowing her to pick out some of the more “permanent” parts of the room (wallpaper, furniture color – not actually permanent but hard to change) while steering her toward choices that she’ll hopefully love for a long time.
I hope that with some of the smaller decor pieces, you’ll let her run wild so it can truly be HER space, even if it turns out totally wacky-looking by adult standards. That is so important for kids as they get older and more independent. And if she doesn’t love those things anymore in a few years, who cares? They can be passed on and replaced, particularly if you instill the habit of shopping secondhand.
Love it! I’m so happy she’s a happy girl 🙂 You’re doing a great job, parents 🙂
If you’re not sure the best paint method, highly recommend going into Sherwin Williams and just asking what they recommend. Did this when painting weird faux wood laminate cabinets in our tent trailer and they’ve held up GREAT.
So sweet! Just a thought, a trundle could maybe help turn it into an extra guest room for couples, and also great for sleepovers for kids.
It’s such a joy seeing these snippets — she is growing up and it feels like you are well in your process. The compromises are all part of the growing process but also shows how keen her own eye is — it is these kind of moments that instill a sense of confidence in young ones. The room itself just sings — it feels young, fresh but still very much grown up and can evolve with her. I am excited to see the final results but am more excited to see Birdie enjoying her new home!
Many years ago, I learned a paint tip from designer Mario Buatta: don’t try to match an exact color in a wallpaper or a print. Instead, squint your eyes a bit and look for an INBETWEEN COLOR that may not exist exactly in the pattern. This is especially important for painted walls–and may also apply to accent colors for furniture and accessories.
This reminded my of the middle school years when I wore purple almost exclusively. Now I can’t tolerate anything purple except maybe lavender lol. I absolutely love the wallpaper! I had a very bright room growing up that mixed many colors from one bold floral fabric (1970s) and I loved it for a good long time. I’m sure Birdie will feel like she’s in heaven! And how wonderful to get to have a voice in it.
Heh, I had a friend in high school who put food dye in her perfume so everything would be purple. She was soooo disappointed when someone beat her to the PURPLE customized license plate.
LOVE the wallpaper. Just beautiful. I’d go with a turquoise for the bed, but I really like the dresser in the original wood veneer…unless it’s in bad shape or missing pieces.
I really love the birds’ eye maple against the wallpaper. The color of the wood looks like a nice compliment to the wallpaper colors, while giving a touch of something natural, and fits in with the vintage feel of the wallpaper too.
We have that dresser and the bottom drawer may be hard for Birdie to pull out and push back in. I would try it unpainted for awhile. It is beautiful wood and adds warmth. It would be a much larger dose of paint color than starting with the bed. More colorful decor items can be placed on the top.
You’re brave to paint them yourself! I tried that once…now I hire it out. 😉
I have two girls, 7&11. I re-did their rooms this year, but didn’t give them total free reign. I did let them pick bedding and some decor, though. Bravo to you for letting her choose! It’s very pretty!
I love the wallpaper and that you let her choose. I still have half a roll of the wallpaper that my parents put up in my childhood home and it still makes me smile when I run across it in my house. When I was little I used to spray perfume on the flowers to make them scratch and sniff until my mom found out lol
Walls in my opinion should never have wall papers with various colours and designs. Walls in houses and apartments should be white to enable owners to hang paintings and other objects. With designed wall paper it is impossible to hang paintings and others and never enjoy them.
Stockholm – Sweden.
I really like the wallpaper! That colorway is so pretty, and it looks sweet with the windows. The carpet stripes are throwing me off here, style-wise, but the color is subtle so that helps a bit. The bed frame and dresser are great too; I would honestly not bother painting them because it’s sooo much work and not really worth the trouble, to me, since your daughter’s taste will change in a few years anyway. I’d keep furniture neutral so it can stay long-term, and bring in turquoise and purple with throw pillows, curtains, art, etc.
Absolutely darling room! Everything is killer. Great job.
The wallpaper is ethereal (sp?) but that carpet is pure awesomeness. I mean, it just looks SO good. I really like how everything came together and isn’t too matchy-matchy. Just delightful.
I wasn’t allowed to choose the colour of my room as a child (stark white, always) and I’m STILL mad about it (I’m 43). Birdie is very lucky!
I have a dresser VERY similar to that one that someone painted a lovely shade of robin’s egg blue long ago. The paint is chipping and the antique pulls are falling off, and it just gives it more character, IMO. Have fun painting and don’t worry so much about “perfect”!
Here’s a pic: