Design Dilemma: The Best Of Both Worlds

PN Reader: My husband and I are adopting a 2 year old little girl and a 6 month old boy. I had 2 rooms all planned out, but the social worker recommended we put them together for 6 months to a year. We had planned a modern nursery for our son. So, we have already purchased the Ouef sparrow gray crib, armoire, and changing table. We planned a bohemian – Anna Maria Norner fabric type room for our daughter. We already have a beautiful blue pottery barn wooden bed/daybed. I can’t seem to put a room together. I would love some help!  – A.S.

EXISTING:

What an exciting time for the S. family! First of all, mom designed two stunning rooms. However, we agree that the challenge of combining the two into one is a daunting task. Can Boho + Mod really be done? Here’s are our thoughts:

SOLUTION:

WALLS: This room needs some cheering up! Beige does nothing for your awesome gray Oeuf furniture. We suggest painting the walls white with a very pale yellow tint. Think “Linen White” or “Cottage White” from Behr. Now for some punch, paint the wall with the cool angles behind the crib turquoise!  Make certain the turquoise compliments the beautiful day bed that anchors the other side of the room.  Behr’s “Quiet Moment” or “Costal Surf” could do the trick.

FLOORS: While the existing rug is lovely, the best way to bring the two sides of the room together is with a large area rug. A burst of yellow will compliment the curtains and a bold striped rug adds a little contemporary to the shabby chic-ness of your daughter’s side.

Now here’s the fun part. To make the room blend, bring in modern elements to the girl’s side and add a touch of whimsy to the boy’s side. Continuing with your birds theme is perfectly gender-neutral and should be expanded upon.

GIRL SIDE: Put aside the floral bedding only temporarily. Use white bedding and for only $49, PB Teen has a pink ribbon trimmed duvet. The white is clean, crisp and contemporary. The ribbon adds a vintage touch. Add fun by using  floral printed sheets, a Euro sham and solid pink and yellow decorative pillows. Most importantly, we can’t forget that she’s only a toddler so this sweet quilted canary pillow is simply perfect. Add an oversized monogram initial above the bed (opposite the blue wall) in dark pink so she will know this space is all her own. The Hemnes bedside table adds functionality and charm, while the classic Serena & Lily table lamp has been updated with a modern and eco-friendly cork lamp shade. This sweet wooden leaf mirror, compliments the modern furniture finish. Add a few hooks nearby to hang costumes and volia! an instant dress up corner for imaginary play.

BOY SIDE: Forgo a crib bumper and go with solid or geometric sheets within the same color scheme (i.e. “Slate Dots” from the Modern Baby Co!).  A  letter initial or name in yellow, traditional font will pop when centered above the crib on the turquoise blue accent wall.  For a masculine twist on the bird them, we suggest you swoop up this darling Etsy Owl pillow by Needlings.  Soften your son’s modern wardrobe with removable wall decals. They will provide a personalized touch to his side of the room while matching her Anna Maria Horner curtains. Don’t forget to purchase large natural woven storage baskets not only to store blankets and toys but to also add some height when placed on top of the wardrobe.

And finally, a “LA LA LOVE YOU” poster framed above the changing table says it all. After all, it takes kind, loving people with big hearts to go to such great lengths to make sure these kids have a loving, happy home.

Thank you S. Family and we wish you all the very best with your growing family!

PS: This design dilemma was great fun, so much so, there are quite a few more links we couldn’t fit on this board!  (i.e. the Stella Shade Pendant light – white and modern on the outside yet a whimsical pattern appears when the light is turned on). Inspired? Please stay tuned for our new LAD website, launching this April with the opportunity to purchase custom design boards for the little ones in your life!