After several tweaks over the last year, we just put the finishing touches on my middle daughter’s lavender and red room. She initially chose the wall color, I added the red accents and we went from there. She has one of the two smallest bedrooms so we gave her a little more floor space by using a trundle bed.
I layered on the lavender for her bedding, using another one of Crane & Canopy’s chevron quilts. (I love these. So soft and washable. I also have them in the twins’ room.) I used the matching lilac border Euro shams (they did the monogram for me) and their red lumber pillow with a cute tassel detail. I’ve learned my lesson when it comes to overdoing the pillows on the kids’ beds. (They never ever end up on the bed. . . )
By the way, I always get questions about these red shades and lamps every time they pop up on Instagram. They are so pieced together. They’re actually the same lamps I had by our TV gallery in the living room of our last house. I used some very similar to these, spray painted them gold and ditched the shades when I found the tapered ones for $5 at a thrift store. I just sprayed them red.
This girl loves to do craft projects and her homework in her room by herself, so I was happy that we found the space to set up a little work area. We used a small parsons desk and this stool that can just tuck under and out of the way.
And I always try to use their own artwork if possible. You won’t find anything more fun or colorful and putting them all in white, matted frames makes it all look more cohesive. I used an IKEA Malm chest for her clothes and paired it with a vintage mirror (also thrifted). And, how could I possibly wipe off the Scripture she had written just so I could take pictures? ;)
The mini scribble lamp is a fun addition from Jana Bek Design. It’s the perfect size for a taller chest and I love the playfulness of the pattern.
- You don’t have to have a theme. Let the color story be your guide. Build it around their favorite color, pull shades from some of their art, or just come up with a combo that you both like.
- Pair pastels with primary colors for a fun, modern look. You don’t have to go all one way or the other.
- Instead of using lots of pattern on the bed, consider layering in more solid color. (For example, I used the same soft shade on the walls and the quilt.) Most kids’ rooms will have enough visual chaos from all of their stuff without bringing in more pattern.
quilt  //  monogrammed shams // red pillow  //  mini lamp  //  roman shades
Such a great post and a beautiful space! I have a question, I am looking for a daybed for my daughter and wonder about daybeds without padding against the wall. How’s that been going? Comfortable?
Thanks. She just uses another pillow as a buffer. No complaints yet :)
Who knew lavender and red would look so good together? I love your blog for unique design ideas and great use of affordable design tips.
Her room is beautiful! My master bedroom has dark walls, urbane bronze, with lavender, burgundy reds and a tiny touch of pink. I love the combo of reds with purples! I also love that you do your own thing and don’t sweat the unending judgement that every woman everywhere seems to experience. 😉
Thanks 😉
I never would have thought to pair lavender with red, but her room is stunning! I love the big art over her bed, but especially her artwork! How fun!
Thanks, Jennifer :)
I do not get that color combination.
But the important thing, Donna, is that you took the time to say so. Thanks.
Love the room! I’ve been tweaking my own tween’s room and she wants some type of cork board/bulletin board over her desk. What did you use over your daughter’s desk?
I would love to know, too! It’s hard to find something this size. Did you make it?
I am curious if you started with the large art over the bed or did you find that after choosing the color scheme? That really seems to pull it all together? I think it is a very joyful room!
She chose the wall color first and then I looked for art that would incorporate some of the other colors I wanted to add. Usually, I would suggest choosing the paint color last, but when you know you want purple walls, you just know! :)
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this color combination before. I think I really like it! It reminds me of berries….
This looks so good! Such a refreshing use of color – in a kid’s room – what a crazy concept! :)
Love the room! Can you share what you used for black/picture display over the red desk? My daughter needs something like this in her room. thanks!
Thanks, it’s just a regular cork board (maybe bought at Hobby Lobby?) that I painted navy.
This is such a beautiful space! I love the color combo. Such a fun, yet sophisticated room. My favorite thing is the scripture on the mirror 😊.
Love the parsons table. Can you share where you got it?!
I believe it was from Overstock several years ago but I couldn’t find it still listed anywhere online.
Her room looks great! The colors feel very sophisticated. I have a question about the thrifted mirror. Did the frame come with that finish? I found a mirror in that same style, but the gold is more on the worn side with little black specks. I’ve thought about spray painting it or using run b buff, but I’m not sure it would be that much better. The finish on your mirror is so bright and beautiful. It almost looks like gold leaf.
I didn’t paint it (but maybe someone else did?). I found it at a consignment store.
Her room is beautiful and I love the scripture she added to her mirror.
Hello Emily! I’m late to the party (by four years?!)…I adore the look of this room. I just spray painted some light fixtures myself, but I’m not crazy about the way they turned out. May I ask which brand and color of spray paint you used? Thank you kindly!
Honestly, I have no idea. I’m guessing it was probably Valspar or something I picked up at Lowe’s.