I’ve got something realll exciting for ya today, friends. As you know, the Rona has shaken up our worlds, has us bingeing Netflix a bit more than usual (or Star Wars…), and has turned pretty much everyone and their mothers into joggers (gotta get out of the house somehow, amirite?).
Although our full-service design projects are still moving along steadily, we had an exciting project come our way for virtual design refresh — and I can’t wait to share it with you!
I know, you didn’t think virtual design could work, did you? After all, how can we design a space we’ve never actually seen with our own eyeballs? Oh, we can, my friends. We sure can.
This particular project was a collab to test out how virtual design would work. Our fearless volunteer offered her five-year-old daughter’s bedroom as the space to refresh.
Now, if you’ve been around here for a while, you probably know that we don’t design many youngsters’ spaces here at DPI. Luxurious living and dining rooms? Totes. Sexy master bedrooms? You know it. Cocktail lounges for the happiest hour of the day? Ohhhh yeah.
But a cozy and beautiful child’s bedroom? Challenge accepted!
And we’re going to have fun doing it!
Step 1: Hopping on a Virtual Consultation
First things first, we started with a virtual consultation. This meant hoppin’ on the Zoom (Zooming?) with our collaborator, let’s call her Mrs. S, to virtually tour her daughter Amelia’s space and discuss her functional and style goals.
Here’s the before sitch…
Before: Amelia’s Bedroom
Okay, not a bad space but missing some cohesive style. Mrs. S envisioned it being neutral and boho, feminine and cozy, and a style her five-year-old daughter wouldn’t grow out of too soon.
Step 2: Creating a Space Plan
Before we talk to any of our clients about furnishings, colors, or materials, we always map out their space.
In order to know WHAT will go in the space, we have to know which layout makes the most sense for the desired function and lifestyle in the space. This is true of a sexy kitchen, relaxing living room, debonair dining room, or a child’s bedroom. It’s gotta work!
Amelia’s Bedroom Layout
This space was a bit simpler to plan than your traditional living room or kitchen, and the existing layout already made the most of the space. (Kudos to Mama!) We suggested keeping Amelia’s bed where it was with the bookcase against the wall. And now, for the design...
Step 3: Design Concept
M-m-moodboard alert! After hearing Mrs. S’s wishes for Amelia’s room, we pulled together a mood board to help express our idea for a design concept.
Talk about a classy little girl! ;) Black and rose balance each other, and we imagined natural textiles creating a cozy, organic vibe.
For #inspo, these photos strike the soft and classic balance we were looking for. Not too kiddie, not too mature. Comfortable and classy. And we LOVED the color blocking in these inspirational bedrooms. We ran the idea by Mrs. S and she was in for the win!
For furniture selections, simple but impactful was the name of the game. Amelia already had the black-framed bed (with great character), and we knew the walls and bedding would favor pink, so we suggested some neutral and complementary pieces.
For other decor items, we virtually “shopped their home” for pieces that might not have been getting enough love in their current locations but would work some refreshing magic in Amelia’s room... but I’ll save those for the reveal. ;)
Step 4: Renderings for a Visual Plan
When it comes to designing a space — virtually or in-person — renderings really help our clients visualize the potential of the final design. For this collab, we placed the rose color block behind the bed and suggested a whimsical gallery wall for a pinch o’ fun.
Elevation
3D Renderings
This was our concept for the pink stripe, but after reviewing the one stripe version, Mrs. S and I decided to go a bit of a different direction (see reveal photo) which turned out even better.
Now, we were ready for Mrs. S (and sidekick Amelia) to bring it to life!
Step 5: Bring the Design to Life
With virtual design, we offer direction, but our clients are the ones who get to take guided action on our suggestions. For this collaborative refresh, we worked with Mrs. S every step of the way as she picked the right paint color, tried different styling arrangements, and more. (And she really nailed it!)
Let’s look at that Before photo one more time…
Before:
After:
The verdict... It’s a dream!! Mrs. S brought this space to life for her daughter and it couldn’t be more perfect. The deep, rosy pink color block adds so much depth and interest to the space. (Told you we found an even more impressive block design!)
The textured blanket and pillows create extra coziness. Mrs. S also sent us a few gallery wall configurations to decide which would look best.
And we all settled on this one…
The empty pink frames were items that our client had in other places throughout her home. We suggested painting them the same color as the wall to invite in some creativity and subtle visual texture. She really nailed it, don’t you think?!
Also, I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again… every room needs a plant! Love the charming touch this hanging plant adds to the corner. And it really complements the pink.
The painting of ballerinas on the left side of the gallery is actually a piece of art sourced from Amelia’s grandmother’s house. For Amelia, it adds a special touch of family love to her space!
These decorative pillows came from elsewhere in their home, along with the white comforter, and these perfect white-and-rose striped curtains that you see here....
There. Aren’t they perfect? And the family already had them! Proof that you don’t always have to go out and buy all new items. Who knows what’s lying around your home just waiting for a new take on life? ;)
And would you look who’s already enjoying it? At 5 years old or 10, this room is comfortable, stylish, functional, and full of personality as big and warm as Amelia’s! That’s right, don’t let the calm reading photo fool you, we’re told she’s an unstoppable bundle of energy. ;)
So, what do ya think? Do you believe in the power of a virtual refresh now??
There’s no doubt that this space was a team effort, but if you have a room in your home that feels like it’s missing out on a whole lot of potential, well… let’s talk.
Or, heck, if you’re just ready for an updated space, and don’t want to lift a darn finger, we’ve got you too!
So, what space in your home would you LURVE to give a good makeover? Tell us in the comments below & let’s get daring, designing, and doing!
Xoxo,
Darla
