Frilly Big-Girl Room

The room was sparse, colorless and lacking in little-girl personality. I envisioned layering the room in soft candy colors, flowers and lots of whimsy, and then filling it with sugar and spice and everything nice. I also wanted to ensure that it blended in with the family's stately and elegant Victorian home, while also touching on Chantal's French-Canadian heritage.

To kick off this fairy tale transformation, I decided to add some very frilly and girly colors, fabrics and detailing. I drywalled over some quirky window and doorframes along one wall, painted the whole room a rose color and created a cute faux-paneling treatment that lends the room a cartoon-like quality.

I chose a graceful color scheme of pink, rose, tangerine and cream, with a touch of green. The bed's coverlet was made of cream fabric with pink roses and tangerine pansies.

The accent pillows were chosen from the same color palette and were decorated with a variety of organza and lace trims, and, for a child-like feel, I added a shaggy bed skirt with a smattering of velvet flowers and pompons. The drapes consisted of sheers with pompons, wrapped in a set of luxurious panels.

To give this castle in the sky a little sparkle, I installed a series of spotlights to help wash down the wall paneling and added some antique wall sconces. I enlisted the help of a local artist to create a custom chandelier that came adorned with pretty roses, delicious pearls and some adorable little crystal drops.

Next it was time to add the final jewels to this royal crown. The furniture would be a mix of old and new--some antique and some new that was designed to look antique. The focal point was a "magnifique" French antique bed suited for a budding princess.

After that, I got to work on a built-in bench seat, which would be placed beneath a striking bay window and include storage on either side--perfect for Michelle to play on now, and perhaps even lounge on while talking on the phone in a few years.

Other pieces included a dresser with a "mirror-mirror on the wall," a small table and chairs for magnificent tea parties and a lovable, little toy box.

Most of the furniture is youthful enough for now, but is not age-specific. While the toy box will likely get tossed later on, most of the other furniture is multifunctional, including a desk and shelves that can hold stuffed animals, but has a computer shelf that can be pulled out when Michelle begins to hits the books. Ditto for the fabrics--they are charming without being too "darling." That way they can grow and transition with Michelle in the years to come.

Accents included flowers, a tea set, a basket of stuffed toys, pictures and even a pink tricycle (c'mon every gal has got to have some wheels)!

The room was drywalled, plastered, painted, lit adorned and ... un, deux, trios ... went from baby bland to big girl glam. Using whimsical fabrics and finishes, detailed accessories and feminine furnishings, Michelle has a bedroom with a French twist that will see her into her teenage years but always be perfect for a princess.

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