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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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May 23, 2011

Big Girl Bedroom Reveal and Featured Blogger

It all began with a pillow….
Ok. Well, technically it all began with realizing that our crib-turned-toddler bed was just not cuttin’ it anymore for our Little Miss.  Her legs weren’t quite dangling over the end but it was getting close!
But the inspiration behind this transformation was this pillow!
I knew I wanted to work with her existing decor and particularly the yellow toile that has been apart of her room since she was a baby. So, taking cues from this pillow, I set about to add some pops of color and some sweet vintage charm to my sweet girl’s space.
Would you believe that there are 6 different patterns represented in this room?
If you are counting to make sure I’m correct, be sure to notice the tiny pink flowers on the pillowcases at the back of the bed! When it was all said and done, these fabrics and colors worked
together to create just the look I was hoping for.  Want to see?
First let’s take a look at where this room began…
Before
And now, here is the new Big Girl Bedroom!
After
You may remember how I used a Simple Stencil monogram surrounded by creamy yellow plates to accent this space above the dresser.
And that I found the most adorable little vanity with a darling swivel stool which was recovered in toile fabric along with a thin piece of plastic for added protection.
Would you believe that this beautiful painting was done by my incredibly talented Father-in-Law?
I like to call him the Renaissance Man! He painted this gorgeous piece of artwork when Lauren was born and it has been gracing the wall of her room ever since. By framing it out with molding and hanging curtains up, we created an extra little “window”.
You may also remember that I created a Cornice over her bed by using this foam wall plaque, up-cycling her crib dust ruffle and adding a ready-made curtain panel to the back.
I fell in love with the large floral patterned Ralph Lauren bedding as
soon as I spied it at Tuesday Morning. I knew it would be the perfect way to tie in all of the fabrics.
And when I found this gorgeous Toile Print at Hancock Fabrics, well…that just sealed the deal!
But then came the decision of what to make with that toile fabric.   I had to have a heart-to-heart with myself….has anyone else ever had to do that? “Self”, I said, “You know that if you try and make a bunch of throw pillows for this girl’s bed that they are just going to live up to their name and get THROWN off the bed, up in the air, and at her brother”. So, after I argued a bit with the voice(s) in my head, I decided to make just one GIANT bolster pillow to grace the bed and be a real statement piece.
Ok…so here’s the thing. I like to call this the Lazy Girl’s Bolster Pillow. The ends are not finished off but are gathered together instead and tied off with coordinating ribbon.  The advantage of being Lazy in this case is that I can add more stuffing when it begins to look deflated.  And as often as this is getting jumped on and rolled around with, I’m thinking it will be restuffed pretty often!
Let’s take a quick look around the rest of the room!
I knew as soon as I saw these darling little canvas bird paintings that they would be the perfect addition.  The fact that they were only $9.99 each didn’t hurt either!
Some of you have seen her chandelier before but I just couldn’t resist showing it off again!
These little framed prints were in my own nursery and I love having this little piece of my history in my daughter’s room. Of course, now that I think of it, maybe they were in Heather’s nursery too. Were they Heather? I know I had to wear your hand-me-downs but now I’m wondering how much of MY stuff is actually YOUR stuff! Hmmm…we may need to talk to mom about this.  
And speaking of Auntie Heather, she gave me this beautiful framed print of a scene from Sense and Sensibility which is, of course, one of our all-time favorite movies. I cannot wait for Lauren to read all of Jane Austen’s novels.  Oh, and the Anne of Green Gables series of course. And Little House on the Prairie…that goes without saying!
This part of the room made my heart skip a beat when I first saw it while touring our house.
Doesn’t every little girl want a window seat? Sometimes I catch her just sitting there staring out the window and it just makes me melt!  Other times she climbs onto the window seat and throws up all over the place and then I have to try and clean it all up and end up having to throw away the foam cushion which used to be here because…well…have you ever tried to clean vomit out of foam? Not pretty!
Also, cleaning it out of the hinges of a window seat might just go down as one of my grossest mommy moments. But, I digress….
The dollhouse was actually built by our dad for Auntie Heather when she was a little girl and she graciously allowed it to come and live in Lauren’s room for awhile. We love Auntie Heather!
These shadowboxes hold baby gowns that belonged to my grandmothers.
Can you see the word ‘Baby‘ at the top of this one?
Well, that is it for now folks! I have a few more little things I want to add to her room…like maybe a cushion on the window seat to replace the aforementioned vomit covered one.
But I sure am loving my Baby Girl’s “Big” Girl Bedroom.
It’s bittersweet, isn’t it? The crib is gone…. 
The vanity sits waiting for the little girl spinning on the stool to become a big girl trying on makeup for the first time…like when she is 20! And Mommy gets to decorate it to her heart’s content.
I know it won’t last so I’ll enjoy it while it does!
Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,
This post is partying at the following places:

Roomspiration
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday
The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
DIY by Design: Swing Into Spring

49 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Featured Blogger, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle @ between cottage and cabin says

    May 23, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Lucky little girl. Perfect blend of new and old. I am sure she adores it!

    Reply
  2. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    May 23, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Beautiful job, Vanessa! I love the vintage baby dresses and the pics from your own nursery. I know what you mean about wondering if they belonged to Heather, too. I came to the RUDE realization several years ago that a favorite family Christmas figurine that I hoped to get someday had already been given to my LITTLE sister; my parents bought it the year I was born, so I still think it should be living at my house! 🙂

    Whatever you’re doing this week, enjoy!

    Reply
  3. Little Brick Ranch says

    May 23, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Looks GREAT!! With all those angles and nook that is a tough room to work with and you did an amazing job!! Brava!!

    Reply
  4. Bethany says

    May 23, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    I am officially swooning! Such a lovely space….I love everything! Just beautiful, well, except for the, er, vomit part. Oh sister, I hear you there!

    Reply
  5. Amy @ 11Magnolialane says

    May 23, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Its just gorgeous…I have gotten so many ideas from this room. Its the perfect sunny, happy but still elegant girls room. My daughter would be jealous! I definitely am…
    🙂
    Amy

    Reply
  6. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    May 23, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Oh, you’ve done SUCH a great job. You’re so right…these years are a bit bittersweet, aren’t they? So precious and so fleeting. But it sounds a though you make the most of every moment with your two kiddiewinks.

    Sarahx

    Reply
  7. Judy says

    May 23, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Her room came out amazing. I love each and every detail. Such a beautiful room with so many pretty things. I love the neck roll pillows and the dollhouse is gorgeous. So lucky to have a window seat. That room is every little girl’s dream room. You did such a great job my friend.

    Reply
  8. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    May 23, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    You knocked that one out of the ball park Vanessa!!~ Just gorgeous! And of course I love Becca too…she is awesome in every way both as a person and as a creative soul!

    Reply
  9. alison says

    May 23, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    gorgeous room…i adore all the details that work together to create such a lovely abode.

    Reply
  10. Becca says

    May 23, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    OMG … her big girl room is seriously stunning !! You put SO much thought into this, Vanessa !! The fabrics you chose are absolutely beautiful … LOVE the “Lazy Girl Pillow!” And, the artwork that your father-in-law created is so sentimentally lovely … I’m sure she’ll have it forever! And, of course, the dollhouse and window bench with those scrumptuous pillows are too sweet !!

    And, THANK YOU, Vanessa, SO much for featuring me and my little ol’ blog. You are too sweet, thoughtful (and witty) for surprising me with this … I appreciate it more than you know !! Again, thanks, friend !! xoxo

    Reply
  11. Ashley says

    May 23, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    What a beautiful room! Everything is just gorgeous! I love all the fabrics you chose. You thought of every last detail. I am going to have to try to make one of those bolster pillows. Off to check out the featured blog now!

    Reply
  12. Debbie says

    May 23, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Wonderful!!! I love this room. Heckers, it’s prettier than my master bedroom. I kept trying to single out one part I loved the best, but it’s so full of stuff I liked that I couldn’t. I give this two thumbs up and a standing O.

    Reply
  13. Paula Jo @ Home and Garden Decor says

    May 23, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Wow! Amazing how you redone the room. I just love the pillows and the fabric’s you used are remarkable. Great work, and it shows.

    Reply
  14. Jo says

    May 23, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    WOW!..this looks amazing!
    Love the colors and the fabrics are incredible.Your FIL, has great talent,love the painting,so cherished!
    ~JO
    Lazyonloblolly

    Reply
  15. The Decorative Dreamer says

    May 23, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    Oh Vanessa! You have real talent too honey. This room is just so beautiful. I love all the fabrics you chose and all the pretty decor as well. What a very lucky little girl!

    Reply
  16. Jodie says

    May 23, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Vanessa,

    I just adore this room! So pretty and charming! I love the color scheme and all the precious details;)

    Warm Wishes,
    Jodie

    Reply
  17. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    May 23, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Oh your little girls room is looking absolutely adorable Vanessa!! Love the toile fabric mixed with the florals- so sweet! Love all your vintagey sweet touches! I have a dollhouse my dad made for me out the garage. It is HUGE but I have been wanting to restore it and bring it in the house one of these days. What a sweet treasure to have. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Michele Smith says

    May 23, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    WOW! Her room is so beautiful. I love everything about it. The fabrics and colors, that lazy bolster pillow. Dreamy! My baby girl still has a pink room and is sleeping in her crib. I am not brave enough to have her in a big girl bed or even a toddler bed. She will be 3 in October and boy is she destructive LOL

    One day I’ll get around to showing off my Reagan’s room.

    Reply
  19. Erin says

    May 23, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    Your daughters big girl room is gorgeous!!! I love the fabric on the bed. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Conspicuous Style Design Blog says

    May 23, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    That is beautiful! It is difficult enough to make 2 or 3 fabrics blend, nevermind 6! You did an absolutely fantastic job….I;m in awe
    Stacy

    Reply
  21. michelle says

    May 24, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    Oh my goodness Vanessa this is GORGEOUS!! What a beautiful room for a beautiful big girl! You did an amazing job my friend and everything looks so perfect together!! Your FIL is an incredible artist, that painting is beautiful and so special to have in her room. I bet she is loving it!
    XO

    Reply
  22. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    May 24, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    Vanessa, her room is so pretty. I love all your fabric choices and all the little details that make it all so special.

    Reply
  23. Robin says

    May 24, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    WOW! What a pretty room for your little one. I love it. The bedding you picked out is so sweet. I bet she just loves her new big girl bed!

    Reply
  24. NanaDiana says

    May 24, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Vanessa- I read every word of your post. You did a wonderful job taking that “baby” room to the next level. It is still girly sweet but more grown up. It will grow right along with her. You have great talent for pulling a lot of different elements together. It all co-ordinates beautifully! GREAT JOB!! Hugs-Diana

    Reply
  25. Christie says

    May 23, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Vanessa, the room looks SO BEAUTIFUL!! I can just see you sitting in that rocking chair when the crib was still up rocking your sweet baby girl! They grow too fast! This would be any little girl’s dream! So many favorites, but love the lazy girl bolster! I might have to attempt that! Lovin’ the RL fabric, will keep my eye out for that lovely print! Love the grandmother’s baby gowns in the shadow boxes…OMGoodness, those are so precious! All of it is just so lovely! Did I tell you Becca lives just up the road from me in SC, but I found her site from you! So funny! She is uber talented! Hope you are having a ball where ever you are! Much love! Christie

    Reply
  26. Ange says

    May 24, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    Awesome! 🙂 I love the fabric choices and how wonderful it all looks together. She must love her big girl room!!!!

    Reply
  27. Shelia says

    May 24, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    Oh, my goodness! The big girl room is gorgeous! This big girl could be very comfortable in there. Love the fabric patterns you chose! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia 😉

    Reply
  28. Terry says

    May 24, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Lucky Lauren to have a Mom like you. Great decor.

    Reply
  29. abeachcottage says

    May 24, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    Lovely room, everything is great. Love the colours and the little nook in the corner.

    Reply
  30. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    May 24, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    You did a fabulous job in this room, Vanessa! I love all the patterns you used!

    Reply
  31. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    May 25, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    What a beautiful big girl bedroom! I LOVE every detail Vanessa!! Martina

    Reply
  32. Bonnie@Creative Decorating says

    May 25, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    Oh Vanessa, the room turned out just beautiful! Oh what a big girl now! Love it!

    Reply
  33. Cindy says

    May 25, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    I am almost speachless, my jaw was definately on the floor (well, hanging open!) What an amazing little girls room! It is so charming with all the family pieces, personal touches and those fabrics are beautiful!!! Such a special room that will surely be enjoyed a long time to come!!!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  34. Anonymous says

    May 25, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    What a wonderful room to wake up in! How lucky is your little girl? Your talent is amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us. I’m truly inspired. Where did you find the bird pictures?

    Reply
  35. Karie's Chic Creations says

    May 25, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Oh how beautiful! You have done a beautiful job redecorating this room. Love it all. Thanks for sharing the loveliness and inspiration. Karie

    Reply
  36. Dixie Delights says

    May 26, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    This is gorgeous. Swooning over the cornice. All the details are just so perfect!

    Reply
  37. Marianne says

    May 26, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    Vanessa, that room is simply gorgeous. I love everything about it especially the baby dressing gowns in the shadow boxes. This belongs in a magazine!
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  38. FABBY'S LIVING says

    May 27, 2011 at 3:15 AM

    This is gorgeous, what a great job! The room turned out amazing! Thank you for sharing it with us and it’s a great inspiration.
    Hugs.
    FABBY

    Reply
  39. Nancy says

    May 27, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    What a perfect room for a young lady. It’s so cozy and charming. I love the mix of fabrics and colors you chose. It’s sooooo pretty!

    Nancy

    Reply
  40. radn@HouseonAshwelllane says

    May 27, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Lovely room! Love the shadow boxes and the quilt!

    Reply
  41. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    May 29, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    Vanessa, Your daughter’s room is gorgeous! I love the mix of prints and all the family items you used. The vintage prints and the shadow boxes are wonderful.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  42. Traci says

    May 31, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Vanessa you did a FABULOUS job!!! The room looks great!!

    Reply
  43. Brandi says

    June 2, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Beautiful job. Such a lovely room.

    Reply
  44. Judy says

    September 26, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I remember this reveal. It’s still as gorgeous as the first time I saw it. I love each and every part of the room. Saw it linked over at Roomspiration and I loved it all over again.

    Reply
  45. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says

    September 26, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous bedroom, seriously fit for a queen! (c: So cool how you incorporated meaningful things into the design…extra special! Thanks for linking up today!

    Reply
  46. Nan @ Playful Decor says

    September 27, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    This room is gorgeous! And if you didn’t say there were 6 patterns, I don’t think I would have noticed! The two that are so similar – same colors, but different pattern works. And then the square pillow in a large pattern works because its still the same colors. I also love using the gowns from your grandmothers – I always like seeing the blend of old & new. Noticed that old dresser too! btw, I’d love for you to link up to my party today. Tuesday’s Nursery is for all ages of kids decor and the links are open! I hope you can make it!

    Reply
  47. Taylor Greenwalt says

    September 28, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Your daughter must be so happy with her room. You did such a good job. Love how you used so many different fabrics to create interest. Beautiful!

    Reply
  48. LiZzie H says

    March 19, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    Do you have a name/designer/fabric manufacturer for the Asian multi toile you use for the bolster. I am in love and would to see if I can get it here in NY.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 19, 2013 at 1:56 PM

      Hi Lizzie! You know, it was quite awhile ago that I purchased the toile so I don’t remember the name but I do know that I purchased it at Hancock Fabrics. I’ll see if I can track down any information for you! 🙂
      Thanks!
      Vanessa

      Reply

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