Name: Emory (3)
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Room size: 12' x 13'
Like many interior designers, Danielle Oakey has made her own home a beautiful addition to her portfolio. So when it came time to give her daughter, Emory, a big girl room, she knew she wanted to go big on style. She started with Emory's love of animals and built from there. You can see the subtle touches of an animal theme sprinkled throughout the room, but nothing looks childish. It's young and whimsical with the bold black and white wall and fresh touches of bright aqua. And the gorgeous headboard? It's a DIY project made by Danielle. Read on...
What was your inspiration in designing this room? I wanted to create an inviting playful space that was unique. I tried to incorportate child friendly items and decor while keeping the overall design crisp and clean.
Your budget was tight, but you'd never know by the looks of this room. How did you do it? In order to keep the room in budget (just under $600 for everything including the furniture), I had to either DIY, search thrift stores or Craigslist, or find a fabulous sale.
Tell us about your DIY projects! Most of the items in the room were DIY projects. Some of my favorite projects were the $46 headboard, $13 animal silhouette plates, and the black and white stripes.
Do you have any thrifting tips? My number one thrifting tip is to be patient. Don't just buy the first thing that looks good, wait for the perfect item. You will always find it, just maybe not your first time looking.
The black and white wall was such a bold choice. Were you nervous about doing it? I was definitely nervous about painting the stripes, but I knew the room needed something bold. Taking risks can be scary but well worth it when they are successful.
What is Emory's favorite part of the room? Emory loves the animal silhouette plates. She has an obsession with animals and I selected a few of her favorites for the plates.
Source List:
• Animal Silhouette Plates: Thrift Store and Hobby Lobby
• Headboard: Fabric.com (fabric) Home Depot (plywood)
• Lamps: Target (shades) Thrift Store (bases)
• Bookcase: Craigslist
• Mirrors: Thrift Store
• Deer Heads: Michael's
• Curtains: Fabric.com (fabric)
• Globe: Thrift Store
• Trunk: Craigslist
• End Tables: Craigslist
• Chair: Craigslist
Thank you, Danielle! We're sure that Emory is going to enjoy this room for a long time. Be sure to check out Danielle's website, Danielle Oakley Interiors for more interior inspiration, thrifty tips, and beautiful DIY projects.
(Images: Danielle Oakley)
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Ahh, shoes on the bed!!!
haha that was the first thing i thought of was shoes on the bed!
this room is amazing though. great job.
I love all the black and white! And that headboard!
I know it's a "big girl" room but it looks a little too "big" for a 3 year old though.
I love the idea:). I do feel like this would suit a teenager or a guest room more. I love minimal design. I just feel for a young child this room doesn't express her. I mean look at those pink shoes and the jumping on the bed. this child looks like she likes to have a good time :). Maybe some of her art work in frames on the walls or a doll on the bed. The head board is great though.
How can you guys, who don't even know the kid, judge what sufficiently "expresses her"? I do kind of wonder where the toys are (I'm sure her room isn't always this clean, or maybe she has a separate playroom?) but as for what is in the room, I think it's totally child-appropriate.
Lovely headboard and animal plates. I also adore the bookcase and the color of it. I agree with other posts, the room looks a little 'too big' for a 3 year old, but perhaps she'll have her personal touch on it soon (with all her toys and dolls spread all over!). ;)
I love this room and have to say that I don' t think a kid's room has to look like a kid's room. Sure there can be toys, but put away after playing with them. I love this room! Plus, when people take photos of rooms to post on the internet they usually try to clean them first...why would they show the room all messy?!
LOVE the headboard and the blue furniture! There aren't many toys in my son's room either. It isn't where he typically plays, and the toys that are in his room are kept in his toybox when he's not playing with them. It certainly doesn't mean that his room isn't a kid's room.
hahahaha I totally cringed at shoes on the bed too. I'm such a nut. LOVE the room.
I love Emory's room! Such a lucky little girl.
This room is to DIE FOR! I want it for my own! I'm decorating my daughter's room in black, white, and leaf green.
How were the animal plates made? I'd love to make some for her room.
I love this room. I would never have thought of pairing black and white stripes with the rest of the patterns and colors on the bed, but it is so refreshing and dare I say it--cool! Lucky little one that Emory. :)
Yikes, tough crowd here. This is my first post and I looove this room. She is adorable and I love her shoes on the bed. Wait, she doesn't lick her bed does she? ;) Seriously, this room inspires me. I have a 2 year old boy and his room never screamed baby or toddler. I'm pregnant with a girl now and looking for inspiration. This is just so sophisticated and fun. Perfect.
Great room. Fun, recycled, stylish and ORIGINAL for any age or gender.
I am forever amused by comments...this site is for idea inspiration, not reprimanding. Really, people?
Please be nice.
Please be nice.
Wow, I love all of it, especially the headboard! I don't know what other people are talking about, but my 4.5 and almost 3 year old girls would love this room!