A Space of Her Own

Over the past year, my husband and I have been slowly renovating our home.  We started in the attic with what we thought was a simple, straightforward project.  This minor renovation began with the intention to give our 6 year old daughter a space of her own.  I wrote about my plans for this project in an earlier blog (Big Girl Room)  in October 2011.  Many of those initial ideas did not actually make it into the final product; however, I am pleased as can be at what did.  In the end, this space is a collaboration between the creative vision of a mother and her daughter.  And what could be more beautiful than that?

Regardless of whether you are a mother to girls or boys, it is a wonderful thing to daydream of the design for a space that could be the place where your child dreams big dreams and creates memories of home.  We invite you to see this special space in the images below.  Her play area and bathroom are not yet finished, and we are missing a few accessory items still on order, such as a custom throw for the end of the bed.  But life itself is a work in progress, isn't it?  I hope you enjoy.

Note:  Since we started this isolated project, our renovation has taken a different turn.  We are now not only "fixing up" the attic, but also the entire downstairs. So, there is more to come.  Stay tuned.

The 3-light vendome sconce is one of my favorite things in the room.

Slanted ceilings add so much character and charm to a room.

                           

My daughter adores purple and pink. I gave her a few fabric choices, and this Manuel Canovas was her favorite - and mine too.  So, we used it for the window seat cushion and some pillows as well. 

I adore children's art work. My daughter loves to see her paintings on her closet door each morning.  The pillow on the window seat is by Trina Turk.

My husband turned a design challenge into a great opportunity. The custom window seat was clever way to disguise the heating and cooling duct system. He used recycled kitchen drawers from an earlier project, adding extra storage all while keeping it "green".

Inspired by Designer Alessandra Branca, I trimmed the ceilings in purple cotton. You can also see a photo of some of her work in an earlier blog Big Boy Rooms. 

My girl loves both books and animals.

Babar was one of the first gifts given to my daughter when she was born. He has been with us ever since. 

Love this Saarinen side table.  I had to use it somewhere. 

I saw this silver tooth fairy box at the closing sale of Jolly's Jewelers. I couldn't pass it up.

Above and below - a sneak peak at the unfinished bath.

                                           
                                     
                                         

My daughter's impression of a Cy Twombly painting.

Fabulous Fabric

I adore rich designs in fabrics.  Nothing adds depth to a room like woven aesthetics --  whether they be fabrics or carpets.  Recently, I met with Suzanne Early to review the 2012 collections of Manuel Canovas, Romo, and Cowtan & Tout.  I loved the colors, the designs, the textures, the freshness, and, yes, even the subtle reminders of classics that never lose their beauty.  In short, I was inspired.  

Our samples should be arriving soon. In the meantime, peruse the photos I took while I had them in hand.  Ponder them as you sit by the pool (or in car-pool) and see if there may be a way to bring these inspired fabrics into your own home.

Regardless of your current interior needs, just looking at these designs will bring color to your day --  and they may just leave you inspired.

Enjoy.