Hello, and happy Tuesday!
I am delighted to share two beautiful children's room with you today. Both were created by my internet friend, Louise, for her children. Based in Montreal, Louise is the owner of Pour Toujours, a sweet little vintage shop of children's goods.
First up is the shared space of her two girls, ages 6 and 8. Louise's eye for the vintage find has surely influenced this perfectly-done, sweet, sweet space.
Do come in!:
Two girls, one room: often a headache. But, Louise worked very hard to make the girls excited about their room, and her efforts paid off. The room is shaped like an "L," and this configuration dictated the placement of the beds. Actually, though, Louise says this turned out to be a positive feature, as it feels like the two girls each have their "own" space...
Louise's oldest daughter's area for treasures (above), with linens picked by herself, and even a pillow she sewed (the striped one)!
The younger daughter's sweet area, with her own fabric picks and a vintage metal wall lamp that belonged to Louise's grandmother. (And you must love the Kermit...)
More treasures of the sort that make a room special: fully-stocked bookcase (with Louise's basket from her own childhood), a vintage hanger that Louise's oldest loves to "dress," dolls with bed linens to match the girls', and an awesome, huge Nutcracker (from Santa) that is out year-round...
And check out this incredibly beautiful pink buffet-turned-toy-storage!:
Louise says, "My oldest wanted the new bedroom to be pink, but the room
had been painted just the year before (blue-lavender-grey)
and I was too pregnant to oblige. That's why the buffet went
from yellow to pink. The room isn't pink, but feels like it!"
Because the girls had a hand in picking fabrics and such, and because they have space for their artwork and treasures, they love it. And Louise says, "(and) I like it because it isn't matchy-matchy...It's very personal. It's them." Beautiful, no?
Louise is rightly very proud of her girls' room, and believe it or not, her son's is no less charming! He's just moved out of a crib and into a bed, and his room totally rocks:
Louise says of this space, "He loves trains. I made sure there were a few but I also tried not to make his room to "gimmicky." This old bed was once one of my brothers'. Now it is painted a dark blue-gray. The red blanket is a vintage find, perfect for his naps."
His shelving was economically sensible (discontinued at Ikea), and just the right height:
Louise places the puzzles that her son loves to do on a vintage red tray, to help keep pieces off the floor. Brilliant.
Her son (in the photo, with a worm!) also has ample space for his own finds and treasures. Louise often uses vintage books with beautiful pictures for affordable wall-art. She just props them on a shelf, and they can still be read when the fancy strikes...
Louise has done an incredible job of creating spaces for her children that are as unique and special as they, themselves, undoubtedly are. Surely memories of these happy rooms will go with them as they grow up, and head out into the world. (And that's why we do it, isn't it?) So well done, sweet Louise!
For more inspiration, do be sure to check Louise's shop for vintage children's treasures, and her flickr photostream for more beautiful pictures. They're really lovely.
Have a good one, friends. Cheers!
xoxox.
I love Louise, she has helped me with my French translations! Really cute rooms, I love that one of her daughters has 'groovy girl' dolls, very sweet.
Posted by: Vanessa De Lacy | January 05, 2010 at 03:50 AM
I have been reading your blog for months and months now. I never comment but today I just must. When I was a little girl, all I drew was houses. When the legos came out, I made houses. When I grew up, I eloped so that we could have our OWN HOUSE. I love this feature you are doing where you show these interiors, and people share their sweet sweet lives (like you have). I thought I should mention it so you would keep up the good work. I love most everything you post, but especially this part!!!! Thanks for the cheery uplift, and thanks for a blog that so inspires me...
You are wonderful.
xo J
Posted by: jessica | January 05, 2010 at 04:56 AM
Thank you very, very much, Jessica! I'm so glad that you like visiting here. I love what you say about houses--I have always felt the same way...I have images of houses all over my home, and it's not because I like architecture--it's because of what they symbolize to me--the love, the laughter, the hopes and dreams of those within...And I'll keep it up, here on the blog! It is always so nice to know that someone is enjoying it. Thanks again, for taking the time to say so... xoxox.
Posted by: Amy Hanson | January 05, 2010 at 11:52 AM
great room, another happy home:)
Posted by: v | January 05, 2010 at 12:06 PM
wanted to say bedroom:)
Posted by: v | January 05, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Loving these rooms! As my son switches to a "big boy" bed this summer, I'm keeping an eye on how to help his room grow with him without being too theme-y. This one is terrific to see.
Posted by: Angie | January 05, 2010 at 03:12 PM
The kids rooms should be arranged and decorated so colorfully and beautifully that it looks like something different and wonderful.The innocence and beauty of the rooms should be maintained as it looks like a babies room.
Posted by: All American packaging | January 07, 2010 at 05:11 AM