Let me start off by saying that I strongly dislike the color pink, and I would never think to let a rainbow inspire how I decorate an entire room. But, I have a daughter who loves pretty pink things and it is her room, so it was time to brainstorm and create a space we both love.
I am in no way a design expert, but these are the tips I kept in mind while dreaming her room up.
- CURTAINS: I read this design tip a few years ago and it has always stuck me. Spend money on things that are close to your body (sheets) and save money with things that are further away (curtains). Enter Ikea curtains. I’m not sure you can get curtains for cheaper, and they even have blackout options. Best part is, they are LONG. That is another little design tip I’ve picked up…the longer the curtains, the higher up you hang them, the bigger your room will look.
- DECALS: Because I refuse to spend $500 on trendy wallpaper for one wall in my daughter’s room that she will outgrow in a few years. I’m not even sure I’d put wallpaper in my own room, I change my mind too much! Decals are like the non-committal wallpaper. Like, I love the idea of having a design on this wall, but I also love the idea of being able to take it off easily in a few years without wanting to puke at the thought of throwing all that money away. Make sense? Preparation is key with decals and subtle colors are best in my opinion. And no, rain drops aren’t taupe, but that is what went with the style of the room so we roll with it.
- PRINTS: I designed the entire room around the rainbow print on the wall. I was looking up toddler girl printables on Etsy and found it…and my heart just knew (ya, I get this into designing). The muted colors was the best part…the subtle hint of pink and purple was just right for my little lady. Look up printables on Etsy and be inspired by something. Downloading this rainbow print and having it sent to FedEx office to get printed cost me less than $5. And with a $9 Target frame, I think the whole thing came together just right.
- RUGS: If you are not buying your rugs on RugsUSA, what in the world are you doing? If you are okay with being a bit overwhelmed and spending a good amount of time searching for “the one,” then RugsUSA is hands down the best deal you can find on any rug. Also the service is amazing, the returns are easy, and the quality is great! I have another rug on the way for the boys’ room and I can’t wait until it arrives.
- NEUTRAL THEN POP: I am not a huge fan of color. Especially pink. And although I am losing power over what Reese wants to wear, I still have the power when it comes to her room. I like to stick with as much neutral as I can (furniture/rugs), then add little pops of color (rainbow print, curtains). And when it comes time to re-decorate, it makes it a lot easier (and cheaper) if the furniture/rugs you already have are neutral and go with anything.
I started with our rainbow print, found cheap Ikea curtains to match, a few neutral rugs, some neutral raindrop wall decals from Etsy, and a cute little table and chair set (made by KidKraft). From there I added in the furniture/toys we already had and voila!
Our sweet little girl has her first room that is only hers…it is delicate, subtle, and calm just like her. Totally kidding, she is a spicy AF…but I wasn’t about to have a hot sauce themed little girl’s room so here we are.