One of the many parts of raising children that I marvel at is how much they change over the course of two or three years. Even in those moments when teenage hormones and those pesky misfiring brain synapses make my sweet babies into obnoxious beasts (it has been known to happen even with my little darlings), I always feel so grateful to be able to watch my kids grow up. It is, indeed, my greatest joy in life.
When we moved to our current abode in the summer of 2010, I immediately tackled my kids’ rooms. I wanted them to love our new home and feel settled. At the time they were 12, 10 and 8.
Now I have a freshman in high school, another one headed towards high school next fall, and my littlest finishing up his last year in elementary school.
I have no desire to rush this whole growing up process (except when the teenage beasts emerge….then I am happy to fast forward a teeny bit), nor do I have the desire to completely re-do my kids’ rooms, but a bit of tweaking is in order especially for the two older ones.
Last week I showed you how I had to designate a space in Hannah’s room for her studying vs. beautification (not that she needs any in her mother’s opinion, but she is a teenage girl after all.) I created a little makeshift vanity area and am still working on a new-to-Hannah desk with a hutch over it. This photo from Pottery Barn was our inspiration.
While we cleaned out her room a bit over school vacation, we chatted about some inexpensive things we could do to make her room feel a little bit less juvenile.
Some spaces that are girly with a bit of sophistication thanks to the details like lighting, wallpaper, window treatments, headboards and art…….
Kim @ Plumberry Pie says
Love the inspiration photos. Can't wait to see what you do! 🙂
Calypso In The Country says
Beautiful inspiration photos! That closet looks like a couple we have in our house…
-Shelley
Simply LKJ says
Love all the inspiration photos! Can't wait to see how it turns out.
Lisa Marie Wells says
Love the inspiration!! We have very similar taste!! My Gracie is five and already she is asking for a room makeover! She wants a "vanity" in her room not a desk! I love Pottery Barn Teen!! Can't wait to see what you come up with!!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i can't wait to see! and let me tell you i am SO happy we have curtains on emmy's closet now- it gives me so much pleasure to close them and hide her mess!
Denise Greenwood says
Love the direction you are headed Lisa! Can't wait to see what you do! 🙂 I'll be re-doing kids rooms this summer and fall. Yay!! Good luck on your bookcases!!
Dana Frieling says
What?! The boss is sick of having his wife consumed by the shelves?! I can't imagine. ha! Looking forward to seeing what you guys have planned for her room.
Christine @ Suburban Charm says
Love your inspiration photos! I'm almost finished with my daughter's room…I was in the same boat with my high school daughter wanting a more "sophisticated" room! Great ideas!!!!
Jenny says
Great inspiration photos! Now could you just slow down this ride a little bit? I'm kind of freaking out that the school year is almost over already!
Tiffany says
Those are such great inspirational pictures. I can't even imagine my babies being teens. Mine are 5 and 1. It does go by fast though. On a separate note, BOOKCASES!!!!! Can't wait!
pam {simple details} says
Oooh, I see a common thread – I love the wallpaper and those sophisticated bold colors!!
My boys haven't given me a deadline, but they are counting down! Are you seriously going to be done a week ahead? I'm impressed and envious!!
Mary Ann at classic•casual•home says
Your kids are so lucky to have such a talented and caring mom…this is fun to see what you are up to…love the inspiration.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
Love all of the inspiration Lisa and I'm with you on the closet doors. We had bifold doors in our old house and I hated them – they block off access to so much closet space. Love your idea of the curtains! Good luck with the bookcase!
Stacey {steward of design} says
I know how you feel about last photo. Looks familiar. Can't wait to see what tweaking you do.
Vel Criste says
Hahaha! The transition is always tricky hence my dilemma too when I re-did my tween son's room. I love your inspirations Lisa, I know you can do no wrong with any of it. And yes, Curtains are probably in order right now. 😉
Nancy {at} powellbrower at home says
They grow up too stinking fast. They deserve and need a little boost into teen hood with a more mature room! I love that you are so involved with your kids – nothing else matters
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
It all happens too fast! I'm working on a bedroom for a middle schooler right now so I know what you mean. Great inspiration pictures. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Such great ideas. Makes me a little itchy to tweak some things in Emily's room! Love the curtains on the closet idea, there's no way we could ever remove closet doors! 🙂