A Birthday Room

My darling Samantha's birthday is coming up soon, and this year we wanted to do something extra special for her.  With the new baby coming, we were already decorating one room.  And then I got bit by the nesting bug and wanted to redo Ruby's room.  So of course we couldn't leave out Sam.

And if anyone needed a room makeover, it was Samantha.  Her current set up was NOT working for her (or us).  She was constantly living in messy chaos - papers everywhere, bins full of toys, clothes, and garbage.  I swore she was going to end up a hoarder.  I'm sure every mother of a six year old has said that at some point in time, but I was truly starting to believe it.

Additionally, Samantha needed a space that not only reflected her tastes now - but one that would grow with her as she got older and more mature.  She needed a creative work space (because clay and markers should not be played with on CARPET!).  She needed organization.  And she needed a beautiful place that would make her feel comfortable, peaceful, and proud to call it "hers".  

In the end, I feel like we were able to capture all of those things for her!  And to be completely honest, I'm really, really jealous of her room.  :)  I never had a space so cool when I was growing up.  Thus far Samantha has truly taken ownership and has kept her space immaculate.  I only hope that she continues to appreciate the room we have created for her, and will enjoy it for years and years to come.

Of course, I can't talk about all of this without showing off the pictures!

Here are a few "before" shots.  I forgot to take them until after her clothes and bed were moved to the baby's room.  Additionally, I had already removed 3 big boxes of stuff for goodwill, and 2 large sacks of garbage.  I'm sure you can probably imagine the full effect though....  UGH!

Here are the "after" images.  Ikea came to our rescue for the loft bed/desk combo, desk char, new arm chair, most of the artwork, and shelves.  The bookcase is from Target (a few years ago) as are the balloon shades (current).  The dresser is an antique I picked up at a local show.  The paint is Sherwin Williams - SW6857 "Pink Moment".

I love how open Samantha's room looks now.  The loft bed adds so much space.  We even had room for a reading corner.  

I picked up some clear bins from Target and labeled them.  Now there is no excuse for clothes to be mixed in with art supplies, or balls and papers to be mixed in with baby doll clothes.  Additionally, having better organization keeps everything off the floor.

Pretty touches for less than $10!

I think she's a happy girl.