Inspiration for a "Tween's" Room: Part I

I never knew what a "tween" was until I'd had a daughter. My daughter is now almost 9 years old, and I am quickly becoming acquainted with the world of a tween. She is part little girl, the one who wears glittery sneakers and plays with Lala Loopsy dolls. 

She fancies herself a teen (albeit, one whose developing tastes are trending classic-- yay!) who gazes dreamily at pictures of glittery high heels, long flowing skirts

and Audrey Hepburn.

She is the little girl who plays fetch and tug-of-war in the backyard with her dog and later draws sketches of what will one day be her very own veterinary clinic. (By the way, her name is quite fitting for such a career; don't you think?: Dr. Doolittle, the vet, she plans to be.) 

She loves to read and still prefers books to boys. To her, boys are still gross up close and in person (THANK GOD!), but through the video screen she is quite comfortable declaring one or ten of them the cutest ever! 

She giggles one minute and sits in deep reflection the next. To her a phone like this, while adorable, is quite old-fashioned, and I doubt that she would have a clue about what to do with a real rotary phone, but she is definitely master of the business of "thumb-talking".

She dreams of someday living in Paris,


via www.etsy.com/shop/chezjolly

 but for now is content to have her daddy and me tuck her into bed at night. 

She changes her mind with the wind, and if anyone dares to call her fickle she simply tells them, "My grandma says a lady can change her mind whenever she likes."
To watch her grow up is amazingly funny and wonderful and tear-jerking all at the same time. Am I sounding like the tweenager now?

It's time for some interior updates at the Ivy Clad Cottage, and her room is first on the list. I want to create a beautiful room that reflects her interests and personality, and one that will, I hope, be able to span that gap between little girl and grown up girl and last until her early to mid teens. This is the start of her room-- a virtual mood board to remind me of the colors, style and feel of things she likes. I feel lucky: I have a feeling that when it's finished I will be able to smile when I walk by it (so long as the previous day's socks are not lying on the floor).

Since she has dreams of Paris, I'm letting that guide me, however loosely.


Pale pink with gold and possibly pale blue is the tentative color palette. I hope you enjoy looking through the inspiration photos that I'm using to get the creative juices flowing!

Pink and gold luxe. Interesting how both cream (the dresser & upholstery) and white (the bed and window and baseboard trim) are used. I think the mix is pleasing. This room looks vintage. When I was 14, I had a bed so similar to this one from the 1940's.

Beautiful Venetian-style mirror on shell pink walls.

A lovely shade of blue compliments the mix of brighter pinks, gold and white.

That radio--too cute!

Gorgeousness!


It's a little hard to tell here, but the walls and draperies are a tiny pink stripe. This room has a whimsical vibe with the oversized paisley print.

This room has very little pink, but its composition and the use of muted, warm gold appeals.


Pinks in apricot tones, creams and vintage blue. So chic!

I love the beautiful straw-gold color of the seagrass carpet. These antiqued shades of gold, cream and pink really appeal to me.

Such pretty, girly little ballet flats.

Now, for the choosing, deciding, second-guessing... third-fourth-and-fifth-guessing too, sorting it all out and choosing and deciding again. I'll be back with more soon as I hone in on our actual choices.

What are your favorite variations on these colors? Do you like the pink and gold mixed with white or do you prefer the deeper, more apricot shades with burnished gold and tea-stained cream? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

One last thing, many of these photos are were found at Debby Steele of Inspired Design's Tumblr page where I find inspiration on a daily basis. If you are looking for beautiful inspiration or just need a glamour fix, visit her HERE and HERE. All photo sources listed HERE.

xo Keri