After months of dreaming, planning and building… our big girl’s room reveal is finally here! Let’s jump right into it.
Before
We chose one of the two bedrooms upstairs to transform into Esmé’s big girl room, with the best views in the house.
It’s not a particularly large space, measuring 10’6″ x 12’3″, but it’s plenty for a kids room.
During
I shared our plans to create a ‘collected cottage’ inspired space with a Scandinavian-woodland feel in my Design Plans + Progress post a few months ago:
With Esmé’s help, Lucas got to work constructing the built-in bed, play loft and cave:
I shared a lot of the progress on my Instagram stories, saved now to a highlight in case you missed it.
Esmé chose the wallpaper while I spent weeks mulling over paint, lighting and bedding options.
We paused the renovation when baby boy was born, and finally got around to putting on the finishing touches last week. Here’s how it turned out!
After
Be still my heart.
Countless hours were spent carefully selecting every detail—from the wallpaper to the bedding to the hardware, paint, lighting and fabrics—making sure it all went together.
I wanted to design a space that fit her personality, and would also grow with her over the next several years.
I think the loft/play area is my favorite feature.
Inside the cave, we hung a wooden shelf and magnetic picture rail to display her artwork. Lucas also wired a recessed LED light, that can change colors via remote control. On top, a loft doubles as a cozy reading nook and castle-inspired lookout tower.
My second favorite part? All of the storage! I designed the built-ins to maximize every square inch of space, including a pull-out wardrobe rack:
Two large drawers underneath the bed to hold all of her toys…
And an open bookshelf which she can access from her bed.
There’s also an entire wall of closet space, which will be a separate organization project to tackle down the road. We painted the vinyl windows Sherwin Williams S
It feels like just yesterday I was designing her nursery, and now here we are. Such a bittersweet moment for me.
After a month of keeping the door closed to prevent Esmé from peeking, we finally revealed her surprise on Monday after school.
It was such a joy to watch her reaction, and hear her express how ‘wonderful’ everything was. She said she couldn’t choose a favorite part.
I captured the reveal on video and will be sharing it on Instagram soon!
She didn’t want to leave, so her and I spent some time reading, cuddling and playing games before dinner. I can only imagine the memories that will be made here over the years.
Having her sleep upstairs, away from us for the first time was not easy for this mama. I’m trying to hold it together but it’s hard watching your baby girl grow up. I’m not ready 😭
My sweet girl, I hope one day you’ll understand just how loved you are. Now excuse me while I go cry into my coffee.
Sources
- Paint: SW Svelte Sage (built-ins), SW River’s Edge (window trim), SW Shoji White (ceiling)
- Wallpaper
- 5×8′ Rug
- Floors
- Mirror
- Chandelier
- Wall sconce
- Kantha quilt
- Quilted sham
- Lumbar pillow
- Linen duvet set
- Sheets
- Table/chair set
- Roman shades
- Baskets
- Loft cushion
- Drawer handles
- Magnetic art holder
- Wood shelf
- Stool
- Wall hooks
With her room now complete, we’re focusing our attention back on the Hacienda Hideaway. We have a few projects in the works, and are trying to balance family time with renovation progress. It’s certainly a juggling act (especially with the newborn sleep deprivation) and I can’t commit to a consistent posting schedule, but we’re doing our best 🙂
For more frequent updates, make sure you’re following me over on Instagram! Until then,
Val says
What a beautiful room! I love the colors and wallpaper. It’s so appropriate for now and as Esme grows. The built-ins are beautiful, fun and have great storage. Lucas is a master carpenter. Great job to the both of you.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much, Val!
Caroline says
If you could make an adult version of this, that would be perfect. I would really like a hideaway with a loft.
This is beautiful!
Nadine says
Glad I am not the only adult thinking this. Love the room!
Jenna Sue says
Agreed! I plan on spending lots of time up there myself 😀
jamie says
I know from experience how tough that first night away from your girl can be, but I’m curious how Esme did? What a lucky little girl…that room is what dreams are made of. Beautiful and oh so cozy!
Jenna Sue says
She did great — better than I did! She asked Lucas to stay with her while she fell asleep, but she fell asleep on her own the second night. She feels very safe and comfortable there.
Kim Bauer says
This is so precious! Love it! I’m not generally a fan of wallpaper, but I agree that this paper is so cute and it makes the room come to life!
Denise says
As usual, breathtaking! Am I correct, you have no formal training? The creativity of the pullout wardrobe! Job well done 👍. Congrats on the birth of this room but more importantly the birth of your son.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you, Denise! No formal training but many years of renovations/DIY/decorating 🙂
Annemarie says
So so sweet! Beautiful work. Is the Kantha Quilt the peach colorway? None of the colorways on the
Amazon link looked like the perfect match to what’s in the photos so just wanted to double check. 🙂
Jenna Sue says
It’s actually the brown! The color in the product photo isn’t very accurate. It’s more of a medium peachy-brown, not the mustard and dark brown as they show.
Annemarie says
Thank you!
Jennifer says
My goodness you are immensely talented. I follow several design sites like yours and you are just in a class by yourself. Amazing.
Jenna Sue says
That is so kind of you to say, Jennifer! Thank you so much ♡
Heather Colberg says
Wow! Everything you do is drenched in details! Thank you for sharing.
Jaclyn says
This big girl room is stunningly beautiful. So well thought out.
I have a question…..can you guide me through your choice of the white ceiling?
I want to learn the thought process there…
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Jaclyn! The color is more of a dark ivory, almost light beige in person. I wanted something simple and light to balance the busyness of the wallpaper and keep it airy, but not stark white.
Barbara says
Absolutely beautiful room but I question the wisdom in placing the bed and a climbing center directly under/next to a window. Especially concerning since the bedroom is on a second level.
Jenna Sue says
The window takes a lot of force to operate. Even if she was able to use the crank, it’s locked and she’s unable to unlock it (we had her try).
Janet says
Such a cute space for your daughter! All the details make it truly special ❤️
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Janet!
Carly says
Jenna- Everything you do design wise is wonderful but your nursery and Esme bedroom is another level of design and beauty. It is magical! NO apologies for spending newborn and recovery time. It is a brief moment in life and you need to worry about you and your family first. So well done by Lucas as well.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much, Carly! I’m definitely taking the 4th trimester slow and allowing myself to enjoy it more this time ♡
Maritza Pierret says
Jenna as always you exceeded our expectations. It’s so beautiful, i need to paint my kitchen cabinets and install backsplash but sometimes is overwhelming. I love the fact that you and your hubby work together and still have time as family.
Blessings to you and your family!!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you for the kind words, Maritza!
Kristin says
Beautiful!
Teddee Grace says
This is beautiful. Now go hug Luca.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you! He’s currently sleeping like an angel next to me 😉