On cooking shows, when, say, Martha Stewart whips up some eggs, scrapes in some butter, dollops perfect spoonfuls of creamy batter into muffin tins, it happens gracefully. Dishes magically disappear when she’s done with them, and of course she sprays her counters clean in between each step. Because that’s the way it’s supposed to be done. And cupcakes with lemon curd frosting taste so much better when you’re enjoying them in a clean kitchen, right?
The way I cook? Complete opposite. Egg shells cracked and thrown on the island, melted butter slopped on dish rags, batter carelessly dripping onto cookbook pages and never wiped off. It’s a measure of excellence: the more crusted crap on a cookbook page, the better the recipe.
Throw in a home improvement project with the cooking? Hay-ell no.
So it was last night, as I was making lasagna and tying up the last bits of my weekend home project, the kitchen took a beating. It had already served as the holding tank for all tools and homeless knick-knacks that I cleared out of Lainey’s room while I worked. And cleaning it up before I made lasagna wouldn’t have been any fun. So I spread noodles into my pan while I elbowed the cordless drill. I knocked over an Allen wrench, two screwdrivers and a USB cord while I stirred my sauce. And yes, it would have been so much easier if I did it the Martha Stewart way. But Girlfriend ain’t Martha.
Thank you Dad for giving up your weekend to make a couple girls very happy.
I like to mess up three rooms just to clean one. I rob Peter to pay Paul, dumping piles from Lainey’s room to the kitchen, from the kitchen to Nella’s room, from Nella’s room to the entry way, until the entry way serves as the audition tape for Hoarders. But what happens in the end is that I’m so excited about what I accomplished–about all the rooms that look new and refreshed, homey and inviting–that I’m inspired to clean that last room, those remaining piles–and clean it I did. I love new projects.
I needed a change, that is all. I wanted a new inexpensive home project and felt it was time Lainey had a space that was all hers. Most everything from this room is stuff we already had around the house. What we added was extremely inexpensive (Mason jars, marbles, dominoes, cardboard letters, paint, etc.).
When I was pregnant with Lainey, I poured all of myself into her room. When it was finished, I’d spend my evenings sitting on a chair in her room taking it all in. Sometimes I’d cry because I couldn’t believe the crib I ran my fingers along would hold a baby–my baby. Brett would wake up every morning to find me sitting in there–lights dimmed, feet propped, coffee in hand. “What are you doing in here again?” he’d laugh. And “Just dreaming” was how I’d reply. There’s something special about the space you create for your kids. This one was especially meaningful because now that I know her–what she likes, how she thinks, what turns the corners of her mouth into her infamous shy smile–it was so much fun to create ideas that would capture who she is. My creative, curious, colorful girl.
Her new space:
Lainey’s old Pottery Barn Kids kitchen–used to be pink. I repainted it red and put a coat of chalkboard paint on the refrigerator. My friend Rebecca made new curtains for the pie cabinet.
My one hold-up in this room was the chandelier. I hated it. This room used to be a dining room a long time ago and, to me, the light screamed dinner table. I wanted it gone. When my dad suggested we keep it, I fought him hard. He suggested painting it funky; I thought I’d hate it.
I humbly admitted once we were through that he was right. I freaking love this lamp.
Plain ‘ol toss pillow jazzed with some felt we cut, glued and stitched.
Toys adhered to wall with Velcro.
Discontinued Ikea curtains: $15 for both panels; shelf: $4 piece of wood painted and screwed into window opening.
Prints above dresser are 8×8 photos mounted on Styrene. I like canvas, but it’s expensive and I can’t justify it because I like to switch out photos and wall art when I get bored. These were $7 each from WHCC. You can also get them mounted on mat board with varied thickness.
Since we’ve finished this room, Brett has again found me sitting–lights dimmed, feet propped up, coffee in hand. “Just dreaming,” I say. Because it makes me happy.
It makes her happy too.
*****
More from the weekend:
I scoured paint stains off my forearms and enjoyed my babies.
Devyn Bag: best multitasking bag ever. Laptop, purse, insulator.
I love their secret language. I love the way Little Sister adores Big Sister.
We spent a lot of time with Poppa this weekend. I opened the door to Nella’s room last night to see little globes of light skipping across the ceiling. The room was dark, and Lainey and Poppa twirled flashlights like batons. “Sssshh. You can’t come in,” whispered Lainey. “We’re on a camping trip.” They stretched out on their backs and hid under blankets so the mountain lions wouldn’t find them. And I closed the door smiling, thankful for grandparents and flashlights and memories of imaginary campfires.
Poor Nella got kicked out of the room because she didn’t like it dark and cried every time the flashlight clicked off. “No Babies Allowed,” as Lainey says.
*****
I enjoyed your insightful comments from the Lake post. It reminded me of one of my favorite children’s books, All the Places to Love (actually someone else pointed that out). If you haven’t read it to your kids, it’s worth buying your own copy just so you can inscribe the front with a letter to your littles and a running list of all the favorite places you enjoy together.
I used my 16-35 mm (2.8) lens on most of the photos in that post, and it’s tied with my 50 mm for favorite lens. The wider angle allows for a more interesting and detailed background and fun possibilities for focus and subject placement within a shot.
*****
We have more projects this week–some we didn’t ask for. Like when Lainey went out on the lanai to paint, I thought she was using her easel but instead, she went bananas on her table and chairs.
We have no choice but to turn it into the coolest paint-slopped art table you’ve ever seen.
I’ll be back tomorrow for a special Hallmark post!
Have a great night! There is a colorful room calling my name.
Lauren {sippinglemonade.com} says
Kelle, it’s beautiful! What a girly little wonderland π
Zoe Stewart & Joanne Odgers says
I totally need a painted chair like that!! π
Handmade in the Bay says
LOVE IT! It’s gorgeous, can I come stay! You are so clever!
carlotta says
can you come and redo my room? because that’d really kind of make my year π but seriously, Lainey’s new space is beyond adorable. what a lucky little girl!
SallyGirl says
What a completely lovely, playful room! It screams, “We love our girl” in every inch of care you clearly put into it. What a lucky little lady.
SMM says
Really awesome!! Lainey is VERY lucky!! YAY!
Squiggly Rainbow says
Just gorgeous – so simple and sweet xx Lovely to ‘meet’ you – your girls are beautiful!
Tina says
Love Lainey’s new room. She must be totally stoked to have her own special space. Our girls (18 months and 4.5 years) share a room in our home but when we move to a bigger one in the next year or two, there will be space for them to each have their own room and it will be interesting to see whether or not they still want to be together.
I love all the mounted prints you have around your house and I am dying to print some of my own shots I’ve done of my girls around my home. I love the clean, crisp look of square photos mounted without a frame.
Your chandelier kicks ass. Killer idea!!!
Tara Marie says
Serendipity…..the room breathes moments of pure delight!!!! What a fun place to grow and imagine and dream and celebrate childhood in!!!
Alison says
Love Lainey’s new room! You are so creative and your girls are adorable. π
teal915 says
Love the room. You make me want to redecorate my entire house.
jacin {lovely little details} says
it’s perfect!!!
i love how you choose the music for your posts. it makes me savor each moment as i read and learn new tunes.
Sara C. says
Love this post! It made me smile and laugh out loud LOVE comparing your hallway to an episode of Hoarders! That’s how I clean…and redecorate! AND cooking….who doesn’t have food crusted all over their cookbooks? π The new room is so fun!
Team Lando says
I need to set up my classroom even though I’m on leave the rest of the year. You just provided some awesome inspiration. Thank you!!
songskatesang says
Great job, Kelle!
Katie B. says
LOVE the new room!!! I’m sure she’s having a blast!
shadylanestyle says
I simply adore your style, your photography, how you express your thoughts, EVERYTHING!!!! I too find myself sitting in my daughters room savoring every moment and thing in there!! Your girls are adorable and your family the sweetest. Thanks for your lovely blog, it gives such inspiration.
Victoria says
super cute new room for lainey!!
is nella’s going to get a makeover too?! π
love that bed hair on lainey, too sweet. and oh my goodness i want to eat nella right up, her smile is darling!!!
Ariel @ Dreams To Do says
Love Love Love Lainey’s room! I need to find the time to revamp my kiddo’s room. You are GOOD!
Lauren says
Love it. You and I seem to have very similar ideas about how to get a project done! I’m sure your big girl is loving her new room. It matches her perfectly.
wonderchris says
Your girls and their love for each other is just precious. They radiate for each other!! Love Lainey’s new room!
ralphnmonica says
My favorite quote of this post, “…until the entry way serves as the audition tape for Hoarders.” I totally feel ya! So funny!! I cannot believe how grown up the girls are looking all of a sudden, as in the last picture; and I never miss a post. Gorgeous girls!
lynne says
My Jamin and Kelly let their littles decorate their art table with messages, names, drawings. At first, we freaked and then looked closer…what a wonderful creative memory.
megatron! says
ITS GORGEOUS!
This whole post was!
Come makeover my house! π
The Mac's House says
Simply delightful. I missed reading your posts while I was in Western NY without the tools of civilization. π LOL
Karyne says
You were born to be a mom. You inspire me. Your girls will grow up to do great things. What a blessing your blog has been.
Renee says
OMG, I absolutely LOVE the new room!! I love the prayer flags, and the read letters and attaching the toys to the wall, I just love it all!! I used to sit in Arya’s room before she was born and do the same thing. It was the best feeling in the world sitting in her chair and imagining what my life would be like and what she would be like.
The pictures you capture of those girls together are priceless. My husband wants a boy the next go around, but I secretly want a girl. To see that sister bond is an amazing thing. I can’t imagine what it’s like to witness it in person.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful life! As usual, I have tears of joy after reading your lovely blog.
Have a great night, I’m looking forward to read what you have in store for tomorrow! π
P.S. I am also a messy cook. I think the mess we makes is the evidence of how hard we’ve worked to make our amazing creation. Just sayin… π
erika says
The homeschooler-girl in me is crazy about that gorgeous bedroom! (Velcro on the wall to hold toys? Brilliant!) I think it’s fantastic and creative, and I hope your little one loves it too.
Evelyn Louise says
Velcro on the walls? Seriously? I never would’ve thought of that! Your creativity kills me! LOVE LAINEY’S ROOM (and that she kicked Nella out of Nella’s room for her camping trip). I’m feeling inspired!
Heatheroo says
Hilarious cooking segment…I looove to cook but clean up after myself not so much…so I feel ya on that one! The room is amazing… and I am also diggin Nella’s onesie with the eyelet trim;)Have a great week!
Summit of Glory says
Perfect down to the last detail….I would expect nothing less. It looks awesome. I would love to see a before picture of it. I’m sure there’s one on your blog somewhere. Oh, and I love chalkboard paint. Love the way it goes on. Lainey is a lucky little stinker…..my childhood room never looked like this! xo
It Is What It Is says
I wish I had one iota of your creativity. Velcro toys to the wall? Genius!
Ashley says
I love this post. I just changed my 2 year old (almost 3) son’s room into a big boy room. I love it. I also sit in his room and just look around smiling because it captures everything he loves. I also had the pleasure of finishing a nursery for my twin boys…I love this nursery so much. I thought I was the only one who sat in my children’s room and dreamed. Thanks for your post…I also find them inspiring.
Katy says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katy says
Gorgeous room, gorgeous kids! The toom gave me great ideas for my two year olds new bedroom π
mrc-w says
Oh my word, the girls look so big in those doorway pictures! Like real “kids” haha, not babies!
Chris, Australia says
I’ve been an avid fan since I discovered your blog about a month ago. I have never felt more inspired. What an amazing talent you have for making people feel good. Keep it up!
Dani says
OHHH! what an amazing room! LOVE the light fixture! I guess parents are always RIGHT! ha!
The pictures of the girls sitting on the steps…so cute! Lainey looks SO grown up!
Tiffany says
It’s perfect! You are so brave and bold…I’m a boring old Pottery Barn catalog. I envy your ability to put it all out there…
cheryl says
so fun and playful – love the new room! and so timely for me – i remember reading a while back about you mounting photos – and was wondering what you use to do so? what kind of glue? i have just got a poster size photo in the mail that is waiting to go up!! thanks for your help. =)
FEAS613 says
A beautiful room for a beautiful little girl! I need you to come to my apartment and redecorate… actually it’d just be decorate!! 4 months here and my walls are pretty bleak! Who needs Martha and her cleanliness?! I’d take a Kelle creation any day! I love the attention to all the little details! =0)
That shy smile is a Lainey trademark! Love it! And she’s takin after her Mama – she needed some change and grabbed a paintbrush! Look out world! Anything’s game!!
Have a great week!
~Beth
Farmgirl Paints says
oh girl it turned out so sweet and colorful. i love it. great job on the collage focal wall. that’s hard to do. so glad to see that butterfly shot of lainey up on the wall. what an amazing pic! thanks for the lens info. i’ve got my 50 which i use everyday…could use another to compliment it.
Alie says
All that in one weekend?! Amazing! The colors and details are so funky and fun, from the clock to the crayons!
Alie says
All that in one weekend?! Amazing! The colors and details are so funky and fun, from the clock to the crayons!
Kendall says
Her room turned out really nice! I love what you did with it, especially the four pictures of Lainey on the wall. Super sweet! π
Happiness is... says
So is that the color paint that your sister chose? Something like tranquil seas? You know what, I give you huge credit for reusing a lot of toys and items in your life for her room. The quilt. The adorable transformed throw pillow. The toys on the wall. Upcycling the extra books onto the letters. Awesome. Great job.
Alex spied me reading this post and kept asking about the room and had me scroll back through the pictures. Her favorite picture was the shot of Lainey’s face with a butterfly on it. That spurred a good 20 questions. She’s 3 and we are in process of changing her room. Half way there. Bigger but low dollar projects to come.
Love your descriptions of trying to cook in a kitchen with all the tools. I can see it now. No curse words as a result? Impressive!
That colorful room brought some sunshine to all of us. Enjoy savoring it.
Off to play…
Jennifer from Annapolis
jrosie says
Vodka might get the paint off the chair….worth try.
MG Atwood says
Such a fun room! It’s amazing what you can do when you choose to repurpose items. I love the way Lainey and Nella are together.
the Goin's says
Love Lainey’s room!! I’m stealing your “read” letters idea….love the decoupage. Fun way to incorporate child’s favorite story into their room!! Way to go momma!!!
Just Trying Not to Blink .... says
Love the letters above Lainey’s bed and the mason jars – I’ve got a little girl’s room to decorate and can’t wait to get started. Poppa and Lainey’s camping adventures sound like fun!
Scott and Jean Lucas says
Kelle – you must look on Facebook for a company called Artscow. They have 8×8 streched canvas prints shipped for $8.99. They have all kind of picture special items I buy from them all the time. You have to buy their stuff when they post specials or the shipping is bad. It takes a full four weeks to get your stuff and sometimes longer at Christmas, but it is worth the wait!
Love her new room
Katy says
I love Lainey’s new room! π
maryβ₯cate says
I love Lainey’s room! I cannot wait until I can help paint and decorate my little guy’s room to his liking π I love projects, but I do wish I was more creative. Thanks for be inspiring! xx
sheri says
Lainey’s. Room. Rocks. Emphasis intended. I wish I had that kind of imagination.
Sarah says
okay, so KY is beautiful in the fall. Wanna come visit and help me with my kids’ rooms?? you do such a great job, and it looks unique and comfortable and just plain awesome. Also, those pics of Lainey with the pinky tutu on: she looks 12!! how do they grow and change sooo fast??
karlamcurry says
Lainey’s room is BEAUTIFUL and WHIMSICAL! I just might have to steal some of those ideas. π Now… are those toys meant to be taken off the wall to be played with?
marissa (stylebook) says
I LOVE THAT CHANDELIER. her room looks so badass!
Ashley says
Kelle – thank you for always providing me with inspiration, grounding words. I tell my friends it’s like my “church” because after I read your entries I feel likea better person who wants to enjoy the small things, slow down and be a better person. I don’t think you will ever know how much this blog helps me.
lynxymama says
looove the room!
i hate to say this, BOTH the girls look like they have had growth spurts! little beauties!
i am DETERMINED to try and remember that you spell LAINEY’S NAME LAINEY and not Lainie!! I have made that mistake more than once.
from ALISHA not Alicia π
Douglas says
I love all the bright colors. And I love the toys on the wall with velcro. We actually did that with our blueray player, but I hadn’t even thought about extending it to fun objects. Thanks! And Nella in front of the door in the green shirt…did she suddenly grow up in that picture? So adorable…once again, thanks for sharing. Marissa
mrs.t talking says
This is great! Such a cute room! I did the exact same thing as Nella, sat outside my sisters room crying because I was a baby… π
genderist says
I stil want to see how you have the girls’ art decked out on your fridge!!
lbfoster says
Super cute room. We’re in the midlle of a home makeover. Think we could borrow your dad? Very cool idea with the light.
Enjoy. Oh, and I did the same thing with both kid’s nurseries. I’d sit and rock in the dark, anxious to meet them. Now they’re here, and I still do it. Always dreaming.
xo
Jules363 says
Absolutely love it Kelle, gorgeous! I have four little girls rooms to go nuts on – they are all painted girly colours, and they are pretty, but I have done nothing to “personalise” them for the girls since we moved in (nearly a year ago)…this has really inspired me to sit down with my girls (well 3 of them anyway, Georgia will just let me go nuts on hers!) and find out what they really want and love, and get creative! Thanks Kelle, you never fail to inspire me to be better.
lauren says
my favorite: the re-appearance of random underwear in unrelated shots … it reminds me of my house. π
Debby says
I want a room like that. It is perfect.
HCH says
Love the room and the colors. What is the little quote say in the blue frame?
moolalaba says
The chandelier looks like candy. Yum.
Charlotte @ Cowgirl Clippings says
Love, love the room. I know my girls would love such a colorful (but with the ability to change) room.
Ali says
Cute! Cute! Cute! Laineys’ one lucky little girl and you are one very talented mama. π I would love to know the concept you used for the three canvas hand-drawn artwork with the black decorative borders you used? I very much look forward to reading your life’s adventures. You have such a precious family.
Ali wife to Sergeant Rowe, USAF
Angela Bowden says
Lainey looks so grown up in that last photos!! Love her new room. I had the same experience doing Henry’s room- I wanted to create the perfect little nest for our boy. It’s a Mama’s job, right?
http://www.ramblingsfromtheanimalfarm.blogspot.com
Kayla Ryan says
Love the bright colors my daughter’s room is lime green and purple
Jorie says
LOVE her room! Awesome!
Benay says
Gorgeous room! You’re brilliant!
ST says
Gorgeous room! Just went on to whcc because I must hang photos like that for my kids rooms!
How do you compare the 2mm styrene board to the 1/4″ foamboard or matboard? Also do you use any coating? Thanks for your advice!!!
Casie Parrott Tyson says
I love your design on a dime theme and how fabulous the room turned out! I’m impressed with all you had time to accomplish this weekend! π
Kelly says
Her room could be in a magazine. It’s adorable!
The Hartsfield Family says
Oh Kelle, her room is so precious! You did a fabulous job! When I look at it, what I see most is your LOVE for her written all over it. π
Coincidentally, I just finished Chloe’s room and I can’t stop admiring it either. Like you, I find myself sitting in there “dreaming” a lot of all the adventures and fun things we’ll do in it. My favorite part is her name I had carved and painted by a little shop I found on Etsy. I’m seriously addicted to that website! It’s like Target — I can’t ever leave there without buying something!
Cheers to new projects and adventures — those you find yourself yearning to do and complete and well, those that come up by surprise like Lainey’s table. π
XOXO
Andrea says
I love Lainey’s new room!!! How fun and spunky it is! I just bought a new house and reading about this makes me so excited to create spaces for my girls π
Jen says
the room looks fantastic! i need to do something interesting in my kids’ rooms… this may just get me going! π thanks!
Deedee says
Geez, you are seriously talented. I need to hire someone like you to help me decorate my house!!!
Amy says
HELLOOO>> let’s start with that ROOM>> seriously Kelle? the pics. .the velcro toys? the lamp. .c’mon! You rock .. and the little butterfly on Lainey’s eye. Oh my. .how I need a little baby girl.. I swear.. it would complete me. Thank you for, Once again, inspring me to be a better mom. Even if it is for boys!
I love you girl..
Amy
Karen Sue says
Oh Kelle, I freakin’ love your lamp too! What a beautiful job, what a lucky little girl. You’re amazing.
Annette says
Kelle, you are the most creative person I know… Lainey’s room is AMAZING… I love the lamp, the wall with the toys held on with velcro, the curtains, the pictures..All of it π Great Job!
Sarai says
Love the room!! So colorful and pretty. What you did with the chandelier is awesome.
Amy Cappelli says
What a wonderful space you have created to celebrate Lainey’s individuality! The chandelier is inspiring- such a great choice to keep it in the room.
jen says
Whereever could she have gotten the idea to crazy paint her chairs? I hate when they come up with superty creative ideas without running it by mama first.
Adorable room! My favorite part are the letters. So. Cute.
Shannon says
Love Lainey’s new room. So gorgeous, I am an avid reader so I am loving it!! Nella is just growing and growing… Gorgeous girls, Kelle!
theoregontail says
I loved your description of the chaos that arises when you have a project going on. I miss those project weekends now that we are renting our house. There is something special about the glow of a Sunday night knowing that a transformation has taken place. Beautiful wonderland of a room!
Becky@IfTheseWallsSpoke says
1: I am in love with the xylophone on the wall, in LOVE!
2: I’m so pumped you gave me a new camera lens to look for. I love my nifty fifty, too, and I have no clue about photography, but I feel like I need something a little wider sometimes!
Thanks for sharing, love your posts!
Jennie says
What a gorgeous bedroom!
I especially love that you’ve put the word ‘read’ on the wall, instead of her name. Beautiful!
Callie @ InfiniteMonkey.co.nz says
“I like to mess up three rooms just to clean one.” Oh I love that quote so much. In fact that whole paragraph is my full-scale-tidy-up style in a nutshell. However I never quite seem to finish the job…
And that beautiful brightly clad wooden chair in Lainey’s room is gorgeous. As is the rest of the room. Nifty ideas there, I’d like to steal them for my own! π
Sheri says
adorable room. loving the last pic of the girls – nella looks like such a big girl.
Jenn says
I’ve been waiting anxiously for the new room photos! It looks awesome!! I love it!! I wish I had your creativity!!
Naomi says
I love how vintage and colorful her space is! You’re a good momma!
Kaia says
I love the vintage toys.. some day I hope to have a playroom with only vintage toys!
Kelly Cach says
Oh my goodness…..the last photos of the girls against the door!!! They both look soooo grown up. And Nella in the black (navy?) outfit and white collar? She is so beautiful, Kelle. Really.
I felt I knew what you were going to say about your kitchen π Because you described mine—haha!. I would feel very comfortable there, and probably wouldn’t notice or care about the mess. Mine looks like that for EVERY meal….even when I’m NOT in the middle of projects!!!
The room. Oh, her room. Love. It’s so whimsical and inviting. What I would have given to have a room like that. And a mama like you. And to call her “mama”. Lainey is a blessed little girl π
Swooning,
Kelly
Katie says
So perfect! How could anyone not love a room with all that color?! Ps. Those shoes Nella is wearing, I WANT THEM! xo
Sarah RDH says
Love the room! I wish I had the vision you do!
Nella’s hair is getting so long!! She is so beautiful! Love them both!
Jennifer says
Precious, precious room…love what you did with it! π
Gigi says
Wow, you are so talented. Beautiful!
Andrea says
I freaking love the room!! Velcroed xylophone on the wall? Genius.
Wendy says
I love her new room! Did you make the wall letters (READ), or did you buy them?
Julie says
Oh how I love this post! I have similar feelings about my little guy’s room as you did with Lainey’s nursery. He will be 3 in November. I LOVE LOVE LOVE how I did his nursery (mama and baby jungle animals with the coolest poster size photos)! I want to keep it this way forever! My husband is always saying, “When can he have a sports themed room?” Maybe when he’s 15 or so…
Jessica says
I love the room!!!!
Meagan Kenney says
Oh Kelle, thank you so much for answering my question on the lens! I don’t know if it was just me, or if other’s asked, but thanks! π
Lainey’s room is adorable, and so… HER! Isn’t double sided velcro the best invention EVER!?
Both girls look so big in the pics in front of the door! When did Nella’s legs get so long? And Lainey looks like such a little lady in her tea length skirt!
Melissa says
Aw, i LOVE her room!! PERFECT little girl’s room! The chandelier turned out adorable! LOVE IT ALL!!
And i love her pj’s. π
Hazel says
Lainey’s face in the pic with your dog is priceless! Looks like your project was worth the wait and the mess! I’m no Martha in the kitchen either!!
Abs says
That room is sweet!! But I must know…what’s WHCC?
By Word of Mouth Musings says
Sort of sad that i creep around your blog feeling at home here, like an old friend – yet, when the opportunity was there for me to say Hello at Blogher … i let it pass me by.
So back to meandering here, admiring, and enjoying your beautiful bloghome. Next time we drive over from Boca, maybe you can show my nine yr old that light – she has light envy π
Wendy says
that room is amazing! I want one just like it!!! Well done, mama π
April Vernon says
I am diggin’ the new room! So vintage and with so much character. Styin’ and profilin’ as we used to say when I was in high school!!
I am sitting amongst my own disaster in the playroom…and we haven’t even been doing home improvement!! Oh, well…maybe I’ll get to it tomorrow!
Nella’s black onesie with the white accents in the last few pictures is the coolest!
Have a great week.
Carrie says
Thank you for the inspiration. My daughter’s room has been barren for two years while I decide what to do with it. Your photos have lit a fire under me!
Beth Layton says
hey kelle,
just read your last post about “the lake” and i wanted to let you know that the dora fishing pole has a chemical in it that causes cancer.
eek! it’s in suuper SMALL print on the back of the packaging. so no one ever reads it. but just from this auntie who almost bought it for her niece, i wanted to let you know:)
sallyadams says
I agree…the chandelier is amazing. Reminds of something from Cat in the Hat.
Janet says
OMG!! Her room is a little girl’s dream come true! So perfect!! Every little detail is so precious and sweet!
Julie-Anne says
Dear Kelle,
This blog is my happy place. When guilt over some under-achievement in my motherhood journey threatens to choke out my smile, this place teaches me to celebrate it ALL! I smile, sometimes giggle and laugh when I come to this little piece of life-celebration and I am reminded and always inspired to go and celebrate mine, messes and all. Thank you so much. I always tell my 13 yr old daughter this blog is a slice of happy for me. She told me I should tell you in the comments and promised you’d read it π She loves your blog too. It is a sweet place. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Julie-Anne
Jessica says
I LOVE the chandelier.
Candy says
Your 8×8 photos you mounted on Styrene…how did you hang them???…also what kind of vercro wall mounts did you use to hang the toys…ok sorry for all the ??? But girl you have great funky ideas!!! I love the old dining room light painted…love the toys & crayons in the jars…well I love it all…oh & by the way I first read your blog yesterday when someone posted Nella’s birth story…I thought she was still a newborn…little did I know she is almost a toddler…let me tell you she is a total doll baby so beautiful! You are now on my google reader & I can’t wait to read more π
Rebekah says
You are so cute- you make me want to be a Mom.
sarah says
Love Lainey’s new room! Nothing beige about it. π And I’m absolutely going to try to re-create Nella’s cute little black onesie with the “bib” and button front. Too cute. Hooray for grandparents…I’m so grandparent spoiled with both sets within 3 miles. π Happy Monday.
Nadine says
Love the room, great job Kelle! Where did you move your desk to now?
Love Love Love the picture of Nella and Lainey on opposite sides in front of the window, so cute!
Have a great week!
Roksalanna says
Lainey’s room looks fantastic! You’re so creative Kelle. Thanks for sharing it with us!
xo
Life with Kaishon says
Perfection! Just as I suspected!
Stef says
everything looks great!!
Minimalist Mommi says
Love, love, love it!! Firstly, you know it’s awesome when you’re 3 year old is BEGGING you to go play in that room. And also? He wants to know what the dog’s name is. It’s super important. Like life or death to this poor kid.
Jars. Wall xylophone. Chalkboard paint. All genius!
Tiffany says
Great job! I’m almost inspired to tackle the kids’ room, but my weekend sounded a lot like yours, only we didn’t end up finishing cleaning up the kitchen. Whoops. And we remodeled the bathroom, which is also still rather … dirty. But it looks so much better!!! Even with the crap everywhere! And we’ll get there eventually, right? Like, before the baby comes in less than 4 weeks? …breathe, breathe…
Jess says
My youngest daughter is 5 months my oldest is 3 and we are just getting into the adoration stage. I’m loving it.
Hopefully it will stick.
LilianEveDesigns says
Awwwwwww! This will be something Lainey will always remember- I remember my change from baby to young girl and then again from young girl to big girl. Carefully selecting paint you knew would be there for years, trinkets to darn the walls, and just the right look. This one is darling- and I love those IKEA curtains… I was going to get them just to repurpose into something because they were so flippin cute. AND I’M A RED GIRL. π
Enjoy!!! XOXO
heather says
And there’s a little piece of Park City in her room. The Christmas nesting dolls! It looks amazing and my favorite part is probably the butterfly picture. Still my absolute favorite!
xxannakate says
tonight is the first time there hasn’t been a button for ‘newer post’, and i’m so sad. i have been shamelessly obsessing over your blog since i first found it – when “big bird in a small cage” was #1 on the playlist. eleven songs later, i’ve read the entire thing, all 817 posts. thank you, kelle, for all the little happies you bring to the blogging world. for being an inspiration to so many. for giving your girls the gift of a mother who loves them to smidgens – a treasured blessing too many aren’t fortunate enough to receive.
Ashley J. says
I’m sooo jealous! Amazing job, mama!
And Nella is getting so freakin’ big! Look at those long arms and legs! They are both so beautiful. Give them extra hugs and kisses for us!
Monique says
Beautiful bedroom Ms. Lainey Love!! Your Mommy and Daddy sure did put alot of thought and love into your magical space.
Your painted chair reminds me of when I was about your age- my twin sister, our little brother and I were each given a can of paint (a red, a blue and a yellow) and were all instructed to paint three old wooden school desks my mom bargained at some garage sale. We ended up with three colourful-grooving-hippee desks…good times…your chair is looking groovy girlfriend:)
Happy week to you and your family
Monique
Shannon says
first of all, I freaking love you and your messy non martha stewart way… because that is so much more up my ally of how to do things. Second, the room is awesome! Completely in love with the lamp and every little detail you spiced up. So estero buddy walk is off-naples IS doing theirs again! Still not on the website when, but I am writing Patricia tomorrow to see who is running it and when it is.
Southern Gal says
It’s just beautiful.
Sarah says
The room looks amazing. And I absolutely love the chandalier! It’s that little extra thing that just makes the room look so “wow!” And I just love the photos of Lainey and Nella on the step. Beautiful!
Mrs Males says
I love Lainey’s new room… but the thing that stuck out the most to me was the old school Little People dog… my mom saved our Little People and now my dear daughter plays with them and the dog is her absolute favorite!!!
StarMommy says
Absolutely gorgeous room – you have given me so many great craft ideas for Katie’s room. I especially love the “READ” letters above the bed. And, as always, your daughters are beautiful and your story-telling makes me smile. π
MrsConos says
I love your daughter’s room! It came out AMAZING!! Thanks for the velcro tip! I now plan to start adhering tons of toys to my son’s room!!!!
Natasha Carneiro says
Your posts are always so inspirational!!
Love that room, so girly, captures your girl so perfectly.
My Secret Rooms says
Yes! This was worth waiting for. Of course!
I saved this read as a treat, after an unusually demanding workday.
It delivered: beauty, happiness, creativity and lust for life.
I LOVE the room! Lainey must be soooo happy!
And what a fab poppa π
Thanks for sharing and enlightening!
I’m forever thankful and happy!
Liz says
I absolutely love everything about Lainey’s room! You are awesome!
Daniele says
I went to check out that lens you mentioned because I’m in the market for a new one- but oooooweeee I guess I’ll just be thankful that my hundred dollar 50 mm 1.8 exists haha π
tracyallegre says
Love Lainey’s new room. It must hurt your head to have so many great ideas running through it! Thanks for sharing your life with us, doesn’t it make it more fun?!
Jannice says
Laineys room looks great! How in the world do you hang toys with velcro??
K-Nap says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Donna says
oh my! I love her room. I’m trying to decorate my baby to be’s room and we can’t afford to go with a whole store bought theme idea. I love the beauty of just creating. Now I have to learn how to be as creative (and free) with my ideas. Lovely!
K-Nap says
I love that you also feel the true sign of a delicious recipe is an ingredient splattered cookbook page…my thoughts exactly!!
Theisen Trio says
great room, thoughtful, well executed and perfect for little lainey! I love the 50mm 1.4 I just upgraded too (from the 1.8) and the 16-35 mm is the lens I covet…I cannot wait to get it (only $676 left to go!).
Kristin says
First off – I love all you have done to L’s room<3 I had to chuckle a little over the table and chair that got a new art look to them. Lucky you that it was paint on wood. I guess my little girl had the same idea the other day, but she “painted” our couch in sunscreen lotion!
Have a great day!
Hugs,
Kristin
The Mommy Therapy says
Oh I adore her room! I’m sure Lainey must love it.
We are getting ready to do this to our guest room, turning it into a big boy bedroom for my oldest who is starting kindergarten in a week and needs a space separate from his little brother. I’m excited to create for him and him alone.
Thanks for sharing, you gave me some great ideas!
Debbie says
Love the room! Perfect and adorable for a little girl!!!!
Alicia says
oh my! L’s room turned out so fun and colorful and whimsical. love every bit! great idea with the light. repurposes can be so cool!
and all the sudden your girls look so BIG! i feel like that with my own kids too…9,6,3 π i like ’em little.
B's Mommy says
Laineys room makes me smile with joy! Twirl and dance! A very happy place to be!!
Life with Claire says
great detail in the room! i about snorted my coffee out my nose when you wrote…she went bananas on the chair instead. lol. awesome!
Laura says
Is it wrong that I’m 25 and I’d like to live in that room? π It is fantastic! I’m all of a sudden inspired to do some cleaning and retooling. Thank you!
Kacey Haffner-Bruce says
did you lose the mailbox!!??!!?? that was our favorite part!
shell says
that room is so darling. i’m so jealous.
my dad and i used to read pippi longstocking books under covers so the pirates wouldn’t find us!!
Helena Zubkow says
Lainey is kind of a genius… that chair looks AWESOME! Send her to my house with a bucket of paint, please!
Alicia says
So totally, completely in love with Lainey’s new room. im praying that my creative side doesnt go away and I learn how to re-do stuff like you did here
kayla*marie says
i oh so badly want your talent to capture such amazing moments. must learn how to use an slr camera.
Beth says
I don’t comment often, but I do read regularly. I have to say, if you WERE like Martha, I would not be reading… ;o)
villemezbrown says
You may have answered this in a blog entry before, but what is in “Lainey’s Sweet Dream Spray”?
The room looks great!
Adele
Patty @ A Day in My NYC says
WOW! That room is amazing! π YOu did an excellent job! And the chandelier looks brand new and I love the funky touch!
Just beautiful!
Joelle says
Amazing! What a wonderful room
momto1 says
You are amazing and so creative! I love her new room! You did an awesome job! Kudos to you!
Kellie says
Love the room. I also love your playlist. When my pandora time runs out, i often just open the window to your blog. π Thanks!
Emma Krueger says
We are getting ready to move into a new home and this post has given me some great inspiration for her room!
Anna Ruth says
You are so creative! I love the new look of Lainey’s room. Very big girl looking.
Erikita says
The super organized room looks picture perfect..great staging you did there? now if only it could be maintained right?…Why do the kids go in pj’s and slipper outside after nightly bath..by the time you return inside you already smell like the humid air not to mention outside grime on indoor slippers is just plain yucky!
melifaif says
That room is just fantastic. I heart it so….
Kelly L Boots says
Love the room!
Emma says
What a fabulous room. It looks funky but really cosy too. Sure that Lainey loves it xx
Heather :: AFD Jewelry :: says
What a sweet room! And I really love Lainey’s owl pj’s!!
Siri says
I MUCH prefer your way of cooking and redecorating anyway…Martha always seems so pissed off. Who wants to have her life anyway?! NOT ME!
gkey says
dear Loving Places,
Magnifique!! Great ideas girl. Here at KeoniCountry, we are all about creating unique rooms for little cost.
Oh, yeah, we LOVE LOVE love that book by Patricia MacLachlan.
You continually impress me here. And so often I am not surprised to see that you appreciate things that I already love too!
love,
All the places to Love
in
NE
Julie says
Cute makeover! Can’t wait till we move into our own place and can create an escape for my own little boy. π
Carrie says
Beautiful room, Kelle!! I bet Lainey just loves it!! And I love the old toys on the wall! Wherever did you find them? This inspires me to redecorate my daughter’s playroom! Just did her bedroom, but I need a new decor project!! Thanks again, as always, for the inspiration and for sharing your lives with us!
TRB Holt says
xoxo, Bug & Ruby’s Gram
K_Fitz says
I love the makeover and overall theme of the room which I believe is “Colored with Love”. I love the old school little people – I had those myself when I was a girl.
Different aspects of the room have inspired me and I have a list and doodles piling up as a result.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, crafts and love for being a mom. Your girls are blessed.
BTW – I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pics of Nella giggling. She has the BEST smile ever! I also love the pic of your husband looking at Lainey, lakeside. You captured a moment of pure love.
Brit Girl says
That. room. rocks. As I knew it would! I love the Velcroed toys. In fact, I might look into whether I can buy a huge piece of Velcro to cover an entire wall. That way, I could just fling toys at it when I am trying to restore order to our home. Certainly would make the shakedown more fun! p.s. Today we made cookies and when an expected visitor dropped by just after we were finished, her first words were: “What the h- happened in here?!” Martha Smartha. xoxo
Natalie says
Lainey’s room looks fantastic! I love how colorful it is and the old fashioned feel with the retro toys – LOVE it. You are amazing. π
Ariel says
It’s super adorable!
H. Conwell says
her room is amazing. Your post reminded me of my kitchen tonight while cooking dinner moving a drill, a screw driver and the child proof locks for the kitchen doors.
Children steal your heart and your home. π
Rachel says
I just reorganized a bit, but I love the extra touches you did. And, way to stretch that imagination of yours to create such amazing decorations. Where is your nook now!!??
laugavitz says
I SOOOOOOOOOOOO did the same thing with my baby’s nursery before she was born….now that my baby is almost 3 I feel that it needs a make over, but I still LOVE it so much I just don’t know π also I’m not sure if the room will fit a big girl bed
Lola says
Creative, fun, beautiful and personal….but mostly love is spoken in this room. In every detail and corner. π
Where’s your office now?
Melissa :) says
We’re short a bedroom. So I’ve thought about doing *this* a million times. But. What about a door????? I haven’t figured that part out yet. π
Marie Rose says
I love Lainey’s room. You are awesome. I found myself doing the same thing with my little girl’s room when I was pregnant. It’s still my favorite room in house. I can’t wait until I get to do it again. I also just finished my little’s girl 2nd year book…thanks to you for the idea. I saw Laniey’s a few year ago and I was hooked. My little Eden loves her 1st year book and we read it every night. She’s going to be stoked about this book as well. You are a rock star and I love your blog!
Ashley says
Love Lainey’s new room- you are so creative!!
Annie says
Very funny how the paint stops right near your desk…rather than clear out the entire room, it’s like bits and pieces got done here and there – like a REAL family does it when they have busy littles!
Colleen says
I love, love, love Lainey’s room! Especially the READ letters on the wall, and the paint color… oh, now I am gushing. Well done! You did a great job.
CoyGirl says
Where is Nella’s awesome navy Bib onesie from??? Looks like Anthropology for babies!
cindynemmers says
Thank you for giving us an insight into the lenses you use. I love your blog / stories but I also totally love your photography and have learned so much from looking at your pictures. So thank you for posting which lense you used for your recent post.
georgia b. says
oh… and now this post so similar to another post that i have been planning. just a couple days ago, i took a bunch of photos of my 2-month-old son’s nursery to post about.
your room for you kiddo is sooooooo precious. beautifully decorated… with so much love and care… it all seems so perfectly natural and lived in… not pretentious at all.
Jennifer says
Oh my gosh.. LOVE L’s bedroom! Everything you did.. Awesome!!
LOVE it all!
Lovely family!!!
The Chatty Housewife says
I love the warm evenings with a breeze because neighbors are gathering on front lawns and kids are running around playing with each other.
JAQY says
I LOVE the orange frame next to the chalkboard frame!! I can never find that style when I want it though!!
Thank you for the WHCC tip, I didn’t realize it was an option and looked at the standouts… the styrene is much better (as i also like to change a lot!)
Lori says
That is a fantastic room! You did an awesome job. I’ve been looking for a bookshelf similar to yours for my two little guys… where did you find it?
Hannah's Song says
I love the mason jars filled with crayons and marbles!!! I’m gonna copy!
SuperMilf says
Can you please hop on a plane and fly out to Santa Ynez Valley and help me decorate my son’s bedroom and playroom? I’ll repay you in wine… π
Lainey’s room is adorable, she is so lucky to have such a creative momma!
Brooke says
The room looks so great! I am addicted to those velcro 3M strips–aren’t they the best??!! We are in the middle of putting up a wall in my son/daughter’s room so they have their own space. I love your idea of putting the toys on the wall–what a cool idea! You did an awesome job!
Jessica says
Lainey’s room is so adorable and has so much character. I love it! One little thing has my wheels turning, what is really in that bottle that says “Lainey’s Sweet Dream Spray”?
Bethany Sines says
where did you get that crate book holder on the wall? i need/want one for my boy’s room desperately!!
abi says
Kelle, where did you find that sweet red book shelf? I LOVE it!
Monica says
I am copying your 8×8 photo idea because it’s super cute. How did you mount the styrene to the wall?
Sundi says
This is the cutest bedroom I have ever seen! And trust me I’ve been around π Can I ask where you got the red clock?