When we moved into this house my older daughter was 8, and being in Boston caused some sort of preppy inclination syndrome–hence the pink and green bedroom. I knew I wanted to go in the vintage direction. The beds are vintage, the dresser, the light and even the fabric on the windows, which I still adore. So much so that I saved the out-of-production Brunschwig et Fils Roman Shades and stuck them in the basement. The wallpaper is also a throwback—a Sister Parish design from mid century. The room had a fresh, young and decidedly East Coast feel, and at the time, I was thrilled. Then, Anna turned 13.
She moved into a spare bedroom with it’s own bath (THANK GOD), and I let her design the room with me with her current style in mind. (Will that be gone in 7 months, I HOPE not?!) Anyway, my younger daughter, now 11, moved on up from her teeny bedroom into this one, and we made some adjustments for her age and to showcase her own personality. I call her “sunshine”; she is the happiest child I know, and WILD, too.
I removed pink and added orange, yellow, dabs of magenta and zebra on the floor—just to throw it off. Ellie demanded a touch of pink, hence the desk chair cushion in Brunschwig pink and orange geometric print. Yes, I am aware that it does not match, just in case you were wondering. I am good with that.
The drapes are a crisp white cotton with yellow double banding tape. And I added bamboo blinds underneath for texture. I purposely left the Sister Parish paper intact and chose textiles that were vintage-inspired, but a bit less preppy and babyish—a little Paule Marot, a little Lily Pulitzer, a little Lulu DK, some solids. Again, I chose things that went with green, but weren’t themselves green. I replaced the light with the one from her former room—a vintage gilded tole that she had become attached to— and to compensate, I stuck 2 tiny sunbursts over her bed.
Lastly, I invested in some funky artwork—an large abstract print, a graphics print hung purposely low, and other odds and ends. It still has the same vibe, but a tiny bit less preppy, a bit more regency, and certainly wild. So, the question is, which do you like better?
8 Responses to “AFTER AND AFTER AGAIN?”
Love them both (and always love seeing rooms evolve with use and needs), but the after-after gets my vote. As an orange fanatic and lover of bamboo blinds, perhaps this is no surprise!
Love the orange. I wish you were my mommy!
I love Ellie’s new room, LOVE the artwork hung low and the rug…..lucky girl!!!
Ok. Love them both. Equally.
what a great example of change keeping wallpaper, which is such a headache to remove. The lesson, of course, is when you choose great, lasting design like that paper, it can evolve. What a brilliant room in the end. Love the rug and orange. And everything else.
I love them both too. But I choose the evolved room as my favorite. Sophisticated yet still girlish. Love the zebra and all the bold oranges, and greens. The blankets folded at the footboard are absolutely yummy. Thank you for sharing these fabulous works of true talent.
Love the new room. Love the black and white zebra too- throws if off from being too perfect but in such a wonderful way.
I prefer the updated version, which is a little less “sweet.” I am in love with the “love” poster. Where did you get it?
Definitely love the new look much more – I would make this my room if I could. It would be my Mom room getaway. Your daughter must be thrilled. That wallpaper is great and I’m so glad that stayed – love the addition of the bamboo blinds, the new light fixture, and the great artwork. This is really fantastic – love it!