Kid-Friendly Room for Two

By Candice Olson

To start the transformation, I decided on a color scheme of soft apple greens, funky pinks and light creams. I painted all of the walls a light green and then covered parts of it with amazing floral wallpaper that looks like a painted mural. I then handpainted flowers and butterflies on the walls, floors and ceiling.

For the fabrics, I stuck to smart stripes and box-stitched polished cotton, mixed with pretty laces and roses. For the window, I used small blackout blinds, covered by faux Roman blinds that I raised high above the short window to make it look longer. I then added a gorgeous scalloped valance and framed it all with iridescent side panels trimmed with rosette lace. I also chose a rose pattern for the soft coverlets on the girls' beds.

For the floors I used a unique system of replaceable carpet tiles in various colors and patterns that I assembled into an area-type rug and stuck down onto the existing hardwood floor.

There wasn't much light to speak of in this attic-like space, so having only one junction box at my disposal, I decided on a simple halogen track lighting system to give it the brightness it needed. I also threw in a little magical glass chandelier for atmosphere.

It was then time to undertake the room's organization. I designated one side of the room for Talia and the other for Eliana and nestled both of their beds underneath the room's oddly angled eaves. I also designed an activity center for them to share along one wall, with bookshelves above and two chalkboard painted storage cubes below. I set up a little table and chairs and toy box along the other wall for all manner of play.

I then added the finishing touches that would help to transform this space into a garden fairy's paradise. I included a healthy smattering of toys, pictures, pillows, feathers and flowers, and the room was complete.

This once underutilized guest space got a fanciful face-lift and is now a unique little girls' bedroom that is perfect for tea parties, bedtime stories and fairy-inspired make believe. How divine!

(Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of Home & Garden Television's Divine Design.)