Today we’re kicking off another project—but this time it’s at our own house, and it’s one that all three of us have been looking forward to for months!
Esmé’s big girl room!
With only six weeks to go before baby boy’s arrival, we’re going to have to spend most of it focusing on this room to get it done in time. We want to make it extra special for our girl, so this isn’t a quick and easy makeover, but I think it will be well worth it in the end.
Before
This is one of two bedrooms upstairs, and measures 10’6″ x 12’3″.
We’ve used it as a temporary office, spare guest room, and overflow storage.
The room has a modest footprint with an interesting(?) ceiling line, but it gets a ton of natural light from those nice large windows. And the best views in the house to watch summer thunderstorms! 🙂
Inspiration
If I could only design one kind of room forever, it would have to be kids rooms. Where else can you have this much fun bringing a creative vision to life?
The vision for this room is collected cottage, with muted earthy pastels, subtle woodland motif and a Scandinavian feel. I came across a photo a while back that kicked off the inspiration…
I immediately fell in love with the built-in bed storage, play cave with arched entrance, and shiplap cladding. The built-in bed will look more like this example below, with two large drawers underneath, additional storage on the left with an open bookshelf up to the ceiling:
This example below captures the feeling of the overall design—whimsical woodland wallpaper, soft earth tones (love that sage green!), plenty of storage and pattern play.
With the unique layout of our room, I wasn’t able to find any examples online of exactly what I had pictured, so you’ll have to use your imagination on this one!
Design Plan
The big feature of this room will be the custom built-in bed with storage and loft/play cave area. Here’s the layout I landed on:
The main considerations for this design were maximizing the footprint with ample storage, configuring different zones/play areas, and a creating space that would grow with her over the years (all within a six week timeline and reasonable budget!)
Here’s the design board:
I haven’t finalized most of the shopping list, but these are the current front-runners. Tap to shop my finds:
There’s actually only one thing we’ve decided on and ordered for the space, and arguably the most important—the wallpaper! After a long search, I narrowed it down to these options:
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8
Option 1 was what caught my eye initially, but I kept searching and ended up with several more. I wanted to give Esmé plenty of choices! When I presented them to her, she immediately chose Option 2 (Bygga Bo)—without hesitation.
After seeing them in person, my personal favorites were 1, 2 and 4. Esmé and I placed them around the room just to be sure…
I would have been happy with any of these, but I am most drawn the color palette of the Bygga Bo. The woodland village motif is so charming and I think it’s something that can grow with her throughout her childhood. Our girl is obsessed with storybooks and fairy tales so it really suits her. She knows what she wants!
Progress
With a general idea of the built-ins sorted out, it was time to get to building! The night before, we taped out the footprint to get a visual…
There won’t be a dedicated tutorial for this build as it’s completely customized to fit our room, and Lucas just made it up as he went. I’ll share the general steps so far to give you an idea of the construction. First up: the bed platform:
Next, framing the cave/loft area:
I haven’t quite decided what will go inside the cave area—any ideas?
Lucas built the arched opening and installed it with Esmé’s help. She’s a natural like her daddy!
The bed and loft platforms were cut down (using 3/4″ MDF) and lower left cabinet added:
And that’s how it looks as of now! Over the next few days, Lucas will build and install the bookshelf, drawers, and finish framing the loft. I have a long list of to-do’s including choosing paint colors and sourcing/ordering everything. It’s our full-time job right now, but worth every minute to see her light up.
There won’t be another blog post before the reveal, but you can check out our progress on my Instagram stories over the next several weeks!
In between our to-do list for this room, we still need to make time to finish the Hacienda Hideaway bathrooms. We’re in the final stretch for both, and I’m aiming to have back to back reveals on the blog in the next few weeks. Wish us luck (and lots of energy!)
Teddee Grace says
This looks as if it is really going to be fun and charming. My sister and I had to wait until I was in the seventh grade and she had only one year left before high school graduation to get our own bedroom. Before that we slept on a roll-a-way bed in either the kitchen or living room. Waiting that long made us really treasure it. Looking forward to the reveal.
Sue says
My first thought was a chalkboard…. My kids loved to play “school” and the chalkboard has so many different uses for an imagination! I have been following for so so long and am so thrilled for you! Much love and happiness to you and your family! ❤️
Jenna Sue says
Love this idea! Thanks Sue ❤️
Paula says
I started following you when you were creating Esme’s beautiful and creative nursery. You and your husband are so talented and make beautiful rooms! Can’t wait to see how this turns out. And best wishes for baby boys arrival!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much, Paula!
Kathi Sardy says
These popped into my head – White shiplap (?), fairy lights, one partial wall of chalkboard, a few peachy/cream floor pillows, a few wire magazine wall racks that don’t protrude out more than a few inches, stuffies, a small rug, and a super plush cozy blanket for the floor.
https://a.co/d/1qQEWn2
Laurie says
Love love love everything about this enchanting space! You’ve done it again!
Vicki Bray says
How about a bean bag (kids version – smaller)? It would work in the loft or play area! Love the wall paper! Can’t wait to see it finished!
Karen says
I’m with Raesha. Doll house. Maybe tea party fixings. Or picnic.
Reo says
This is going to be amazing! Love all the ideas for the space, can’t wait to see the finished product!
Renee says
I love this! It’s going to be the cutest, best ever bedroom for your little girl!
Nela says
Can’t wait to see the finished project!
Gail says
Adorable kid! Love the room for her. How lucky she is!
I could see a window in the ‘cave’ facing her bed and my first thought also was for a ‘library’ / reading nook.
I’m new to your blog but am enjoying it.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Gail, and welcome!
Raesha says
I can’t wait to see Esme’s big girl room all finished!!!!! I’ve been a long time reader but rarely comment. My thoughts instantly went to a “hidden library” type setup in the cave area. OR a hidden doll house. Whatever you decide will be stunning:)
Jenna Sue says
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Raesha! 🙂
BETHANY says
Thank you so much for your beautiful blog (which I have been reading for a while now) and best wishes for baby #2. 🙂
Jenna Sue says
I appreciate that, Bethany! ♡
Rikilee says
How exciting! What about a reading cave with squishy pillows and a fun light?
Jenna Sue says
We did get a color changing light for her! The loft above will have cushions/pillows for reading so I picture the cave as more of a play house area 🙂
Caroline says
I love this! That wallpaper is great.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you! Can’t wait to see it all come together.