Real Rooms: Paper Dolls And Pom Poms

Carmen Raynor from Retro Rooms has done it again! On Monday we featured her son Jack’s Vintage Cowboy room and today we take a peak inside Carmen’s daughter Lola’s room! With a little innovation and a big love for paper dolls Carmen created an enchanting room for three year-old Lola. I don’t know if it’s the old fashion paper dolls, cute pom pom accents or the glamorous silver mantel that really set this room apart but I can sure see why Lola’s room makes mom happy. Here are all the details on how Carmen brought her design to life.

What was the inspiration for the room?
I grew up playing with paper dolls and have always loved them. When I saw the paper doll fabric I fell in love with it and found it for sale on eBay in the US since it had been discontinued. I used the fabric for a duvet cover and matching cushion covers. I then collected pieces to match; cushions, throws and curtains. Once I started looking I stumbled across things in just the right shade of blue in all sorts of places. I had the feature wall color custom mixed to match the blue in the girl’s dress in the fabric. I also found that I had two other minor themes running in the rooms: pom poms and polka dots. The pom poms are featured on the cushions and hanging in front of the curtains. The polka dots are in the border of the duvet cover and in various cushions. I found old paper dolls in mint condition on eBay and turned them into wall art. I also collected small pictures which were paper doll related and have displayed them on the fireplace mantle, which has been painted silver. An art deco mirror hangs above the fireplace and a string of fairy light roses hang at ceiling level. The floor is covered with sheepskin rugs and a red chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

What best describes your decorating style?
Eclectic, with a vintage twist.

Please share with us paint colors, shops & suppliers.
The main wall color is Dulux Off White. The blue feature wall is painted in a custom mixed color from the Duchess Satin range of Porters Paints and the fireplace is painted in Duchess Satin Oyster. The wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table and sheepskin rugs are from Ikea and the pictures are vintage and sourced on eBay. The chandelier was purchased from Light Up Willoughby. The chair was found in a second hand store. The fabric used for the duvet cover is by Alexander Henry from the Sage Glen Paper Doll collection.

*We found a similar paper doll inspired fabric at Warm Biscuit Bedding

What are your favorite items?
I love the pom pom curtains, the artwork made from original paper dolls and the duvet cover. In fact, I love everything about this room, it makes me happy!

Anything else you can share?
My children’s bedrooms have inspired me to do an interior design course and set up my own business designing children’s rooms. It’s early days but I am loving it so much. I hope your readers like Lola’s bedroom as much as I do.

Carmen, I am quite certain that our readers will truly enjoy taking this tour of Lola’s paper doll inspired bedroom. It is bright, cheerful and would make anyone smile. Thank you!