It’s a grandma’s decorating 9-1-1!

Paula  came to me feeling stuck. She wanted to make this gameroom into a playroom for her grandkids, but couldn’t seem to figure out how to do it since one child was a firetruck-loving boy and one was a princess-loving girl! It is difficult to combine both in one space, and although Paula has a great designing eye, she needed some backup.

Well, I do love a challenge.

Sooooo…here’s how we solved this grandmother’s dilemma.

Cutest. Kid room. Ever.

Details she wanted:

-a fun, colorful, functional environment that BOTH boy and girls would love

-incorporate plenty of toys but not look bursting at the seams
-maybe a firehouse loft bed
-table & chairs

-reading area

-craft area

-American Girl doll area

-dress up area

-a fun magical space they would never forget (Awww, what a terrific grandma she is!)

We found two awesome dream bed plans and her son made them for his niece and nephew (let’s hear it for the DIYer uncle!) I set out to find a paint color that would look good with pink and red–princess and fire truck–without clashing.  When I suggested she paint the ceiling red, she wasn’t really sure, and her painter actually laughed at her. Yet after I helped her into the decision, she told me,

“The red ceiling is fabulous. I would have NEVER thought of that. It makes the whole room…you’re a rockstar.”

Here are the changes we made:

• New flooring in wide plank tile set in herringbone pattern
• Removed popcorn ceiling, and new RED paint!
• New DIY beds, bedding and pillows.  Buffalo checks to tie the girly bed and firetruck bed together. Firetruck bed has play space underneath, complete with a steering wheel
• Added fairy lights, fans and balls to the house bed
• Utilized the window by creating a custom window seat with cushions and a matching upholstered chair
• Reupholstered tired vintage chair in peppy green for the reading nook
• Removed closet door to create a dress up closet with full length mirror and shelving
• Removed random wall cabinet to create a reading nook complete with suspended swinging chair and floor cushions
• Created spaces for dolls, books, art, and games
• Found vintage toys to coordinate with playroom themes and displays.  Authentic forestation telegraph messenger from 1878 and 1906 and a vintage fire blanket holder included in gallery wall. Hung ladder on its side to highlight custom fire station sign with the family number of 5
• Changed the whole room from top to bottom! 

At the end of the project, Paula said:

“I could not have done this without you! It is more than I could have dreamed. I cannot say thank you enough for your work, inspiration and patience! Its better than I could have imagined and I am really overwhelmed at how creatively it came together. We are thrilled with the outcome. The grandkids left kicking and screaming because they wanted to stay all day–which is the desired outcome!”