• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 19, 2016

Girls Bedroom Makeover

Note to self…next time you give one of your kids’ rooms a makeover, be sure to take photos of it immediately after you place the final little accessory on a shelf. Because, if you don’t, you will put it off and put it off and put it off because you know that in order to take the pictures you will have to clear out all of the little ‘extras’ your child decided to add to the room once the makeover was completed.

Girls vintage bedroom atthepicketfence.com

But I have to be honest. I was really tempted to just leave all of those doo-dads and knick-knacks exactly where they were. As I was gathering up all of the stuffed animals and Lego Friends pieces, the scraps of papers with little drawings on them and loose beads from half-completed bracelets, all I could think about was how THEY were actually what made the room beautiful. They make it feel alive.

Use a vintage table as a nightstand atthepicketfence.com

I guess with time flying by at warp speed, I no longer look at all of those things as ‘messy’ but rather as the evidence that there is a child in our home who still has an imagination. A girl whose stuffed animals still talk to her and who builds houses for them out of cardboard boxes.

Vintage inspired girl's bedroom

A girl who wanted a pink room and who sometimes reads books at her window seat but mostly uses it for setting up elaborate scenes for her dolls.

built in window seat with garland window treatment

I’ve noticed something different about my son’s room now that he is almost 13. No, it’s not the horrible boy odor that hits me like a ton of bricks every time I walk through the door. It’s the lack of train tracks and crazy Lego concoctions. The doo-dads and knick-knacks that provide evidence of a thriving imagination.

window seat pillows atthepicketfence.com

And, in the spirit of full disclosure here, I didn’t always see those things as positives. I saw them as ‘stuff’ or ‘mess’. I saw them as the things that made it really hard to properly vacuum or dust.

But with my daughter, it’s different. Perhaps it’s that she’s a girl and some of the things she plays with are things that hold a special place in my heart. Like the dollhouse my dad built for us when my sister and I were little girls.

Colonial style wood dollhouse

Or maybe it’s that I understand better her love of accessories being an accessory loving girl myself.

chalkboard sign with crystal knob hooks

Maybe I’m as giddy as she is over the little American Girl doll boutique we created in the cupboard portion of her bookcase using a tension rod to display all of the fabulous clothing options.

Doll closet inside a cabinet using a tension rod

Maybe I’m secretly envious of her vintage vanity table because I would have LOVED one just like it when I was her age.

vintage vanity with stool in girls room

But, when I get right down to the heart of it, I don’t think it’s actually any of those things.

I think it’s that she’s my youngest.

galvanized letter monogram on wall atthepicketfence.com

And that now I’ve experienced how quickly the evidence of imagination is replaced with evidence of another kind. Evidence of a new stage. Evidence that looks suspiciously more grown-up.

Bible verse typography sign over bed

So, I’m more relaxed these days about having to dust around all of the stuff. About being warned by my little miss not to disturb the house she has made for her stuffed mouse (named ‘Squeaker’ by the way) out of the lid of a box.

floral nesting boxes

Because I want to enjoy every last ounce of ‘little’ there is left in our home. And, frankly, I want her to enjoy every last ounce of it too!

I want her to stay lost in her imagination for as long as possible

silk yellow roses

So, I may have put all of the knick-knacks and doo-dads in the hallway while I took these photos…

But, the minute the shutter clicked on the last picture I happily put them all right back out again!

Thank you for meeting me today at the fence,

Vanessa signature

 

Source List

Wood Typography Scripture Sign: Signs of Hope

Bookcases: Kathy Ireland Line on Amazon

Galvanized Letters: Walmart

Window Seat Pillows: HomeGoods

Floral Pillow Shams: Better Homes and Gardens line at Walmart

9 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Kids Tagged With: decor, decorating, kids, kids rooms

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « The Other Side of Blogging
Next Post: My 40th Year »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol Reddin says

    February 19, 2016 at 8:35 AM

    I very well remember when you said that you had “lost your imagination.” It was perplexing to you and a realization to me that your childhood was slipping away! So very thankful that you are encouraging our granddaughter to hold on to her childhood and her imagination as long as possible. Love her – love you!

    Reply
  2. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    February 19, 2016 at 10:01 AM

    Your daughter’s room is lovely Vanessa! I hope your daughter has many happy memories in it. Time goes by so quickly, so enjoy these years! I just wrote about some memories of our oldest today because that video of little 3 year old Claire stirred them up. Hope you have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 19, 2016 at 4:01 PM

      Thank you so much Pam!

      Reply
  3. Doreen @ Hymns and Verses says

    February 19, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    Vanessa,

    Oh my – what a sweet room! I love the pink and soft yellow combination with the bold pops in the accessories! That window seat is enchanting and I can only imagine the scenes played out there!!! Wonderful job – enjoy every moment with your girl!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 19, 2016 at 4:01 PM

      Thank you so much Doreen!

      Reply
  4. Lisa Mothersead says

    February 20, 2016 at 9:02 AM

    Sweet! Lovely room! I love my girls, now 23 and 30, SO much and loved that stage, too.

    Reply
  5. Joanne says

    February 22, 2016 at 9:58 AM

    My kiddos are the same age as yours and your post resonated so much. thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 22, 2016 at 6:34 PM

    A beautiful room that was obviously created with love. Your daughter will forever have memories of you always creating a very special place just for her.

    Reply
  7. Margaret says

    June 15, 2016 at 9:59 PM

    Incredibly beautiful!Love the furniture and the paint too.This reminds me to give my room a make over. Thank you so much for this inspiration.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

This…this right here…is my heart’s desire. H This…this right here…is my heart’s desire. Happy Friday dear friends. Let’s make this the goal for our homes. 🍃

“I believe that a godly home is a foretaste of heaven. Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside. They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion.” (Jani Ortlund)
It’s time for another #tiptuesday and this week It’s time for another #tiptuesday and this week I’m showing how easy it is to decorate an entry table for spring in under five minutes! The formula is SO simple…

1. A lamp is your staple element and provides height.
2. Add a stack of books.
3. Bring in depth with a small framed seasonal print.
4. Add a small tray
5. Place seasonal accessories and a candle on that tray especially if you have cute brass bunnies!
6. Put a vase or urn on top of the books and add fresh or silk spring flowers.

And that’s all there is to it! Happy Spring dear friends! 🌸
Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful s Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful sunshine especially when our family has been hit by illness this week. Everyone is on the upswing, thankfully, and I’m hoping we’ll fell well enough to get outside and soak up some much needed natural vitamin D. After so many days of wet, gloomy weather this is like balm for my soul! 🍃 What’s the weather like where you are?
Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to apply eyeliner while you have the hiccups. It won't go well. Trust me on this one! 😜

In other news, the hot cocoa station is finally gone and in it's place is a fresh new look that was kicked off by finding a beautiful, rustic vase at @homegoods. It feels like my home is rising up to welcome Spring and I'm so ready for sunshine and longer days. 🍃

Don’t forget to check out my stories tonight for Friday funnies! I love hearing from so many of you who say it’s your favorite way to wrap up your week. ☺️

Happy weekend to you dear friends!
It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing o It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing one of my most favorite ways to simply and inexpensively add seasonal decor to your home. There’s nothing like getting big impact with little effort and without breaking the bank! #tiptuesday #decorforless
What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of March and see glorious sunshine greeting us after a few days of ice and snow. This is the month of hope and expectation and I’m here for it.

Happy March first dear friends! 🍃
Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a r Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a room at all. The 20+ year old washer and dryer we inherited after we got married was hooked up in the garage of our small townhouse. Our second ‘laundry room’ was an improvement because it was actually INSIDE the house but it was in our family room behind bifold doors.

So when we moved into this home 15 years ago I literally jumped up and down when I saw this real laundry room. Never mind that it had dated counters and an old stained sink. It was an actual room!

We made minor updates to it over the years but other, more visible, spaces took priority so we spent our resources on beautifying those.

But, last summer, we finally had new counters installed and made a few more updates that have completely transformed this room. 

Now, it’s almost a joy to do the laundry…almost! 😉

For more photos and details head on over to my website using the link in my bio.
“In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in “In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.”

Psalm 25:1-6
Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great chan Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great change in America begins at the dinner table.” I think this is true for everyone worldwide. You simply can’t put a value on the importance of gathering together for a meal with those you love. But, sometimes, we can struggle with getting the conversations flowing. So for this #tiptuesday, I’m sharing some tools we’ve used in our home. 🍃
There is just something about the combination of l There is just something about the combination of lemon and honey. It’s rustic yet fancy, sweet yet tart, spring-like yet comforting on a cold winters day. 

And that’s why this is hands down one of my favorite recipes! I decided to take a basic tea cake and turn it into a loaf of sweet, tart, simple yet fancy goodness and the only thing bad about it was how quickly it disappeared!

🍋You can find the recipe by following the link in my bio 🍯
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence