Welcome to my blog, thanks for being here! I think I should start by saying that a themed room makes me want to run and scream in horror but, here I am blogging about a Cinderella themed room and I have to say, I'm here for this one. The prompt was tricky: create a haven/hang out spot in a small-ish basement room for three girls ranging from ages four to thirteen (but wait, there's more) their closet has been converted into a giant bird cage for several parakeets and I would also need to accommodate a fish tank somewhere in the room.
Ok, how did Cinderella come out of any of that?
When I do my initial get-to-know-you interview with my clients (in this case it was three lovely young ladies) I like to ask what they love about the space, rather than just what isn't working. People can go on and on about what they hate but when we think about what we love, now that is a jumping off point! These girls love their birds! And one of the birds in particular caught my eye, a Cinderlla blue bird. This gorgeous parakeet was the exact color of Cinderella's ball gown and so the inspiration began.
Welcome to my blog, thanks for being here! I think I should start by saying that a themed room makes me want to run and scream in horror but, here I am blogging about a Cinderella themed room and I have to say, I'm here for this one. The prompt was tricky: create a haven/hang out spot in a small-ish basement room for three girls ranging from ages four to thirteen (but wait, there's more) their closet has been converted into a giant bird cage for several parakeets and I would also need to accommodate a fish tank somewhere in the room.
Ok, how did Cinderella come out of any of that?
When I do my initial get-to-know-you interview with my clients (in this case it was three lovely young ladies) I like to ask what they love about the space, rather than just what isn't working. People can go on and on about what they hate but when we think about what we love, now that is a jumping off point! These girls love their birds! And one of the birds in particular caught my eye, a Cinderlla blue bird. This gorgeous parakeet was the exact color of Cinderella's ball gown and so the inspiration began.
My first step is always a mood board and I have to say this is one of my favorites to date. It's hopeful, romantic, strong and...the color palette is just flat out dreamy. I think this step is tempting to skip and may seem like a frivolous exercise but I beg you, don't! Look at those colors! Seeing what colors naturally look beautiful together is so much more powerful than any class on color theory will ever be. So, if you haven't made a mood board before, go make one...now...then come back.
This layout was chosen to allow three girls to thrive as individuals and as sisters. Toys can be kept in bins under the bunk bed for the youngest to play with and a built-in wrap around book shelf serves as a bench for teens-- making hanging out with friends a luxurious experience. Reading lights and a thrifted oak desk provide a quiet homework station. A laminate light wood floor makes for easy cleanup if birds or girls get a bit messy, plus...light wood texture hides dirt!
After layout comes finishes. Who doesn't love a good finish board? In this case, birds were heavily featured and I found this beautiful wallpaper online that encapsulated the exact feeling I was going for.
There is so much emotion behind our environments. They reflect how we feel about ourselves, how we feel about where we are at in life. To create a room for children and teens is such a huge task because it's going to be part of what shapes them. Are we telling them they are courageous, kind and good? Or that they can't have anything nice until they prove they are worthy? (Also, I was terrified to present to a teenager...what if she hated it?...luckily she loved it!)
You are a timeless princess no matter what age-- you are a force for good and this space is one that subtly reminds you of your magnificence. Wake up to the golden light of each day with whimsy and a song in your heart. With your Cinderella blue bird as inspiration, this room is a happy nest for three lovely girls to grow into three lovely young women who never lose sight of their courage or their kindness.
Thank you for being here! Follow along with my blog for more updates on this Cinderella room as we begin the process of creating it in real life! Would you do a children /teens room with a theme like this?
Shop this look or if you are local to Utah and need a designer, I'm your woman!
Cheers!
Olivia O.
Olivia O.