Style Solutions: A Teen Retreat
Today’s post is another installment of our Style Solutions series, and one that really struck a chord with all of us in the office. This mom wrote us about her 12 year old daughter, Ellison, who is having a bit of a tough time in middle school (who didn’t, right?) On top of some social stress, her father also has been diagnosed with stage IV cancer and she’s been spending a lot of time in her room. Her mom wants to redo her room for her 13th birthday and make it much more teen and less “little girl”- and as a person who had a pretty tough time in middle school too, I of course wanted to help out! Ellison’s favorite colors right now are navy, gold and hints of lavender/ mauve. She’s sporty but still a girly girl, and wants a space that looks feminine but grown up. The space she has is a great size, and very sweet as is- but I want to give her a dramatic look that’ll make her feel special.
Here’s the space we designed! Navy walls with really fun, bold drapery panels will make this a total jewel box of a space. Ellison needs a desk for homework but also wanted a fun chair to lounge in (I love this one from PB Teen). And what young gal wouldn’t love a gold canopy bed?
1. // 2. // 3. // 4. (for a more budget friendly option try these) // 5. // 6. // 7. // 8. // 9. // 10. // 11. // 12. // 13. // 14. // 15. // 16. // 17. // 18. // 19. // 20. // 21.
Here is the floor plan just to show you where everything goes. I really hope Ellison likes this design, and I’ll keep you posted if they execute it like our last Style Solutions space!
Browse:
What is your favorite store white linen type curtain plain or to add trim? (to use w/ring hooks)
Love this! How about a high school boy room??
Erin, we have to say a huge thank you!!! You have helped Ellison to feel special during this trying time! She is beyond thrilled with the design and can’t wait to get started on the transformation of her room! It will take baby steps on our part, but someday we will have something to show your readers!!
It’s been wonderful to be so close to your work- you are an amazing and talented woman, with a great team!
thank you from both myself and Ellison
Love that Angela Chrusciaki Blehm art! So good : )
http://www.erinwalshdesign.com
Poor design and clutter indeed disturb our subconscious mind which often goes undetected. Love the way you told the story and sorry about their situation. However, Ellison’s family is lucky because they got an expert’s attention. I’m sure they will feel much better.
Erin, I love your work and most importantly your true concerns about your clients. I think this is another time I just learned about it after reading your book Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life.
I appreciate it.
Middle school is the pits, and high school can be tough too, but there’s always a turning point and once you hit it those challenges drift away seemingly overnight. Best wishes for Ellison, her father, and their family.
On an entirely superficial note, Ellison’s adorable light fixture has me thinking about bedroom light fixtures. In our old house, ceiling fans are a must. Full stop. But ours are decades old and need updating. If there is any other interest, a post on “attractive” or not hideous ceiling fans (with lights) would be awesome!
Hi Erin, I absolutely love your work and what you and your team do. When I was around Ellison’s age I redid my bedroom in lots of Navy but after living in it I found the walls to be too dark and it got me down. At that age I decided to go the yellow route when my Mother had money in our slim budget to redo. I recently designed a bedroom for a young woman who was rather depressed and I had her walls painted a blush pink along with accessories and lighting and colors much like you have here. She said the pink walls gave her a zen like feel and she loved it. Just a thought since Ellison may looove the dark blue walls but I have found sometimes in a bedroom it can be too dark. Best wishes to you all for this project!!
I love this so much (and as an adult woman, I would still love a gold canopy bed!). Hang in there girl, I despised middle school too (I had braces with double rubber bands stretched across my front teeth), but I stayed true to myself and found that it does get better. You’ll find your tribe that will accept you for you, and when you do, keep those people close. They’re the ones that will bring you up in times of need and remain in your life for years to come. Hugs!
Ellison …. junior high is the pits! You’ll get through it and be better for it (easy to say now but hang in there!). Love this space navy and gold two of my favorites!
Hi Erin! Quick question – what program do you use for your floor plans? Thank you!
AutoCAD
This looks great! Would you paint the ceiling and trim navy blue too, or keep that white? I’m thinking of doing a navy bedroom too but not sure how far to go!
Looks like a beautiful plan, but not sure why you would get a new white dresser, when the one she already has is so similar, and provides more storage. I say swap the chest of drawers with the desk, but keep the current dresser.
She wouldn’t need to replace the dresser necessarily , just flushing out the design fully.
So pretty and looks like a beautiful retreat. Hang in the Ellison. Its hard to believe now but Junior High comes and goes but strong kind girls like you have so much more ahead of them than just junior high drama! Lots of love to you and your family. Hopefully some of the amazing collaborators of EOS style help out this family. Sounds like a much need room but I am sure this family has a lot of expenses at the moment.