I love designing for kids.

They are fun little clients particularly when their parents allow them to be involved in the design process. Patty  contacted me and needed a new updated room for her son Kevin who had just turned 10. She wanted a room that would last him until going off to college.  “Style-chats” with kids are my favorite. Kevin was very clear on what he wanted — a lime green and black room because it was electric.

This is what the room looked like before, a room he had outgrown–

The young boy design wasn’t holding up anymore and he needed something that felt like him.

8-10 years old is a great age to redesign your kids rooms. It’s the perfect time to introduce a more adult room with a sense of fun.

I suggested a grass cloth wallpaper in Kelly green with lime undertones as I thought it would add a sophisticated feel to a bold color scheme.  Then lots of black and white accents to pop and some natural rugged elements to make it relaxed.

And of course we scoured the house to see what could be used and made over before buying anything new.

This was the STORY BOARD.

Several existing chairs would be reupholstered and a few pieces reinvented.

Redesigning existing furniture can sometimes be just as pricey as buying some new pieces (unless you do them yourself).

But on this job Jose and team came in and followed a makeover plan.

The green dresser would got new fun knobs and a dressy black and white gloss finish.

And a nightstand from another room got a detailed paint job.

So Kevin’s room went from this BEFORE:

To this AFTER:

Photograph Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Lime green and black with red accents.

Photograph Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Recovered slipper chair in jungle inspired fabric,  black Bang Bang bedding and custom Lucky headboard in charcoal denim. And my new Mark Pillow in custom color. (The headboard can be ordered in any color by e-mailing contact@livelikeyou.com)

The made over night stand.

Photograph here and below by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Here is the made over dresser with rope mirror. And another reupholstered chair in a wavy zig zag.

The book case got painted lacquer red.

The draperies are from my Jill Sorensen label. The Regency curtain in beige linen blend with black silk border.

It’s a ready made curtain but looks like custom curtains for half the price tag. My favorite design secret that also helps the budget!

I’m working on the new website for my company and will have a new online design service that I think will be perfect for kid’s rooms. Will share more on that later!

P.S.

If you live in the DC area check out this designer sample sale in Herndon this weekend.  I have a bunch of items in it as well. See info below!