Sleeping in style

A fresh new look for a bedroom ensures sweet dreams for this lucky youngster.

My home isn't formal. I've tried formal before, and I always end up looking around the room wondering who I decorated it for," says homeowner Jane Hardin.

Nowhere is that casual feeling more evident than in daughter Tara's room. Both Jane and Tara sought a youthful look that wouldn't be outgrown quickly. It was also important that the design complement their 1920s Little Rock home.

It's the Little Things

To update the room, the hardwood floors were refinished; the walls were painted a clean white and the ceiling and new twin beds a pale blue. The beds' simple lines are balanced by white matelasse coverlets, colorful quilts, and pillows.

Between the beds, an antique pine desk with cubbies serves double-duty as a nightstand. A white-washed chair sports a comfortable cushion with coordinating ties. The handwoven rag rug brings the room's colors together. Artwork and accessories, such as the rocking rabbit and the papier-mache ruby slippers peeking out beneath a stool, add a touch of whimsy.

Crafted Closets

To keep the room clear of clutter, architect John Allison replaced the original small closet with three large custom cabinets. Bun feet give the pieces the appearance of freestanding furniture, and a coat of white paint freshens their look. "Treating the closet as furniture really added architectural interest to the space," says John.

"Organization is the key element in a child's room," Jane stresses. "Keeping things in order seems to be hard enough for adults, but it is even more so for kids." The extra closet space leaves the rest of the room open for sleeping and other activities. "Tara has always been a night owl," says Jane. "So a room that has few stimulants was important for her."

What's Jane's advice on creating a kid's room? "Ask for his or her input, and focus on your child's style and needs," she says. Tara agrees.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2003
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