If you'd told me I'd be doing this someday,
I wouldn't have believed you, but, alas, Teen2 has decided she wants a new look in her bedroom. So we are painting over the wallpaper and redecorating her bedroom.
When I decorated this room several years ago, I (mistakenly) thought it would last for many, many years. The Lord of the Manor made built-in beds with huge drawers underneath, a window seat between, and bookcases at the head of both beds. I wallpapered it in tiny pink rosebuds and made curtains from a beautiful rose chintz. We installed muted pink carpeting. It was so pretty and so English. I love it, Teen2 hates it. She has covered the walls with posters in an effort to disguise it. She has kept it in a dismal state of disarray. The rat chewed one curtain to smithereens. The time has come. No, actually, it's overdue!
When I decorated this room several years ago, I (mistakenly) thought it would last for many, many years. The Lord of the Manor made built-in beds with huge drawers underneath, a window seat between, and bookcases at the head of both beds. I wallpapered it in tiny pink rosebuds and made curtains from a beautiful rose chintz. We installed muted pink carpeting. It was so pretty and so English. I love it, Teen2 hates it. She has covered the walls with posters in an effort to disguise it. She has kept it in a dismal state of disarray. The rat chewed one curtain to smithereens. The time has come. No, actually, it's overdue!
So I gave in and agreed to a remodel. First we selected a color scheme: purple, green, black, white and silver. Then we shopped for linens. We found these black ones with white stitching at Tar-Zhay. We also found these bright green pillows with white feathers on the edges. And she selected the purple wall color and we ordered new silver blinds.
And then we found this shade and jazzed it up with more feathers.
And I am *sadly* painting out the wallpaper a little bit at a time. We are going to leave all the woodwork white. We are still looking for a new desk, an exciting easy chair, a lamp base and maybe a new television. So that just leaves the carpet; what do you think we should do with that? Could it be dyed or painted? We are trying to do this on the cheap, but maybe I just have to bite the bullet and get new carpet. What do you think?
14 comments:
I don't know what to think about the carpet. Sorry I am not much help there. I had to laugh at they way you say "Target". We do the same thing.
I know your pain. We did both kids' rooms almost 6 years ago and both of them are showing signs of wanting them redone. Why can't they love the same pretty, soothing colors we do? I fear greatly what Redheaded Snippet would choose, I really do!
What's under the carpet? Any chance it's wood you can refinish?
Pippajo,
Nope, it's concrete! When this house was built 50 years ago it was "California Modern". The flooring was all 9"x9" asbestos (?) tiles. Think UGLY, YUCK, GROSS. We scraped them all off and discarded them, so all that's left is concrete. Sad, but true.
~Laura
Don't know about the carpet...could you find some old floorboards you could paint or varnish? We did our dining room on the cheap using some reclained boards that came from the gym floor of a women's prison. Or what about a big rug in one of your new colours.
Margaret and Noreen
How about taking up the carpet and storing it for later. In the mean time maybe she can do self stick carpet tiles. I think they come in lots of colors and she can make a design of her own choosing.
Hugs!
I so know how you feel. I had the prettiest little girl room for my oldest til 4 years ago she went on an Ikea rampage. Purple, fuschia wow. She seems to be slowly turning vintage though...I keep trying.
And a funnier thing, daughter no. 2is the hockey player and wouldn't you know her bedroom got decorated all Laura Ashley when she was about 5. Thank goodness she hasn't wanted me to change it, however I can't say the trophies and Toronto Maple Leaf items go well with the "Kate" fabric.
Btw, those built in beds and cupboards are brilliant.
Lisa
Knitty, Vintage and Rosy
Maybe a big area rug would be the most cost effective fix?
Can't wait to see the remodel as it unfolds!
I do like the changes. I know it is hard to let them "grow" up. I remember when we had to change out my little girl room to a teen room. Worst day of my life. I miss it.
Lorri
How about painting the concret and putting down a really cool matching area rug? Could be cool? Have fun with that re-decorating!!!
I love doing things like that!~Smiles~Tam!
My daughter did the exact same thing -- her whole room is COVERED with posters and magazine photos. She even covered some of the furniture. Aaaaaarrrrgh!
Maybe you could use some cheap area rugs over the carpet?
Good luck!
xoxo,
Mary
PS: the beds and built ins are beautiful!
Yes -- time for a chnge! Teens are so funny -- maybe one day she'll look back at her pretty room --- and go for an English home look! LOL! Meanwhile -- pull up the carpet -- and go for basic office carpeting or carpet squares -- cheap and cheerful and easy to change again in the future! Perhaps switch to silver pulls on the furniture? Just a thought!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Thank you all for the wonderful comments and ideas. I'm seriously considering carpet squares. And yes we are using silver hardware. I'll take some photos this evening of our progress and post them tomorrow morning.
~Laura
As I was reading this I was thinking been there done that so I feel your pain.Since my girls are grown they seem to like my decor choices more, my youngest will be moving out in a few months after she takes state boards and its fun because she likes to shop at thrift stores,flea markets ect.. so hang in there...Barb
Oh my I remember doing this with my DD. I was pleased she finally showed some interest in her surroundings. Her color choices scared me. Orange, Hot Pink and Black! She loved it...me not so much. Your dd has made great choices and the room looks terrific. Fresh and clean.
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