Little Girl's Bedroom Redo

Moving from a crib to a bed is a big step for a child, and I'm a firm believer in making their bedroom a place for so much more than sleeping. It should be a getaway, an imagination playroom, and a warm and welcoming spot to play games and dream. Arley had a big personality and I thought the design of the room should reflect that. I chose a very subtle pink color for the wall--not too girly-girly, but still soft and feminine. The walls were base-coated with this color, and from the chair rail down they were striped with a creamy yellow color. I think I had visions of the circus dancing in my head!

Once the color scheme had been established, I tackled the window in the room. It was actually a great little spot that wasn’t being used. It was recessed back about three feet and was the perfect spot to build in a small window seat. I really wanted to create a spot for Arley to curl up and read books or just daydream, so I gave it some importance by building a wooden pediment for the top of the window frame. It was handpainted with romantic swirls in the same colors that were on the wall. I swagged two floor-length panels of color-coordinated drapery on either side. My favorite part of this was the pom-pom fringe that ran down the inside seam--fun, fun, fun! The addition of an overstuffed seat cushion and fitted Roman blind completed this little girl’s getaway.

I wanted the lighting to be soft yet functional, so I started with two antique wall sconces on the side wall. That provided great light on the side of the room that wasn't flooded with the natural light from the window. The closet was a mirror image of the window seat, with the painted pediment and swagged curtain (see above). Although you can't see from the photos, the closet actually was quite large and provided yet another hideaway for Arley to play in.

The decor scheme in this space will grow up as Arley does. It will easily take her through her childhood until she hits teenage hood and wants to do away with all my hard work! In the meantime, put on the teakettle and pull up a chair. We're ready for a proper little girl's tea party!

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