Every once in a while a really inspiring project comes along. The inspiring part can be just about anything, in this case it was a fun, smart, teen girl who was getting an update to her bedroom. Straight forward enough, I thought when I took the appointment. But after our first interview, I knew this would be one to remember. My intent was clear and I was beaming and inspired.
The interview went as usual, an introduction to the family and a tour of the home before heading upstairs to see the room we are transforming. Along the way making mental notes of the tidy, well decorated home. The use of many colors but all very tasteful and happy. This of course continued upstairs where each bedroom had a warm color palette and structured theme. Mom and Dad had both a spring and winter theme that was changed out seasonally. It was obvious they had an idea of how to decorate a home, why was I here again?
Walking in to the deep bright pink room with white furniture and hints of a Paris theme, her mother expressed that she was at a loss how to make a transition that she and her “now in to blues” daughter could agree on. Ok now we’re getting some where. We continued the interview in the loft area, where I proceeded to pry in to the14 year old life of my new client. We covered the usual bases at first, which kind of blues she was in to, what furniture was staying what could be replaced. It wasn’t long before I realized that they intended this redesign to last her in to college and possibly later. Really? Ten years? That was a challenge for sure. Her mother then explained that in their Persian culture the children stayed home until they had a college degree or were married. Completely intrigued, I pried a little more to discover this teen was a budding writer, loved Harry Potter and had whittled her own wand and walking stick. There was so much more to know, it seemed she has a love of the out doors, a spunky outlook to match the blue streak in her bangs. Most of all I felt there would be a lot more to come with this girl. I was inspired to find her just the right balance of what she loves now and room that enables her to grow along with her changes.
Now that I was so excited, I had to bring myself back to reality and back to the work at hand. After all, I’m here to do a job. Next part of the discussion, the budget. This can be a little scary for both the client and the designer as we find how much the investment will be. I will admit I was taken back a bit when they explained that my young client would be using her savings of $1200. to fund the project, a nice tidy savings for a young lady indeed. While not my usual budget, I knew it could be accomplished with a little creativity and elbow grease. And lets not forget, some creative internet shopping.
With any budget, its important to set priorities, the must haves verses the maybe’s. Evaluating the items we would reuse was easy, not much. I liked the modular book shelves with decorative storage boxes, but the bed was being replaced the night stand was too small and while it was staying the dresser was simple and white and needed some updating. She needed a large enough to function in college desk, a new longer bed as she was already pushing off the ends, which would mean a new bed frame or at least a headboard. Those were the basics, but she also needed a desk chair and wanted a hanging chair to swing in.
With my list of haves and needs, I went to the drawing board. Thankfully the room was fairly versatile, and I was able to come up with a several great lay outs to create personal spaces, study spaces and a hang out zone. By reusing one of book shelves as a new night stand, I was able to eliminate the extra piece completely while giving her a larger area for a lamp and charging station and storage. I designated the desk area, moving it to a great nook in the corner of the room. These two plans alone allowed for a great open space to use. During her presentation I would be able to offer her a group of several lay outs to consider. A rare thing for sure.
Now its research time, internet shopping and Pinterest of course.
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