Hey there- and welcome to another installment of Pick My Presto!
This week, I thought I’d play around with a photo of the Drummond family’s “Long Room”.
A couple weeks back Mrs. Drummond, a.k.a Ree, posted some pics of the room on her blog, and talked about their plans to turn it into a room for their daughters.
She and the girls have decided they’re going to do all the makeover work themselves, and I’m so excited for them to be able to collaborate on this special project together!
The (just for fun) drawings I put together for them feature some of the ideas Ree blogged about (hopefully it will help her to sort of see them in the space), and some of her readers ideas (good call on the fun layout, Lauren!), and of course you’ll see a few of my own ideas thrown in there too. (Have I mentioned how much I love goin’ wild with Photoshop?)
Before I got started, I wanted to see little bit about the rest of that lovely home on the range, so I took a gander at some photos of some of the other rooms in their house and guest house…
They all say “contemporary rustic with a traditional twist” to me. Tradustorary? Rustempoditional? Hmmm…how ’bout we just call it Warm and Woodsy with a side of Ranch!
Next, I pulled together some pics of some elements that Ree said she loved in a recent blog post. Dark-stained, cubby-style wood shelving units; a pecan-stained, turned-leg coffee table; and a clean-lined, charcoal gray sofa.
She also said she liked the fabric on the top of this bench, and this wood chandelier…
She listed “mauve, khaki, taupe, pale pink and barley” as some of her favorite hues, and said she’s thinking about using Flor carpet tiles on the floor on top of a wood laminate floor in the room. Here’s the inspiration pic she posted on her blog which sort of shows the look (not necessarily the colors) she’s thinking about…
Oh, and she loved the layout in this photo from Coastal Living magazine too…
So it looks to me like she’s into lots of texture; warm, earthy and sunset-toned colors; and woods that are on the warmer side too. Sweet!
I sent her a tweet asking her what kinds of things her girls were into before I hit the e-drawing board, and this was her tweesponse:
“My girls aren’t picky. It doesn’t need to be overtly girly, either. They’re easy!”
So I took my cues from colors that might be named things like Sheeps Wool, Prairie Peach, Worn Coral, Crushed Lavender, Tattered Twine, Cloudy Gray, Sunset Pink, Rustic Red, Wild Watermelon and Honeysuckle- and went to town creating some inspiration drawings.
For Drawing #1- I coated the walls in a “sheeps wool” color. An dark off-white that’s a little on the dusty side, so that the bright white furniture and trim would pop. One that would add a bit of contemporary flair, and that would be a little edgier than beige and friendlier than gray.
(Move your cursor on and off of the photo below to see the interactive version of the drawing. PS- Google Readers have to click over to our site to view this one!)
(Note: My drawing is for inspirational purposes only, and the ideas shown in it are just that. Spontaneous, totally flexible, just-for-fun, ideas. I didn’t include lighting, ceiling fans, and many other things that would obviously be necessary in the room. This is just about palette and pattern and throwing ideas around. And since this is a just-for-fun-photo-consultation, and not an actual-and-perfectly-to-scale-virtual-consultation, I have no idea if any of the furniture, ideas or accessories I used in the drawing would actually work in the room. Boom.)
After the walls were painted, I popped some wallpaper on both of the long walls. Again, this is just an idea, and you could go with a million different papers or even wall stencils if you like the idea, but when I saw Amy Butler’s contemporary take on a vintage floral pattern I was like, “Whoa. That kinda reminds me of the cover of Ree’s book.” Check it out, here’s the wallpaper:
And here’s Ree’s book…
Pretty cool, huh? The wallpaper I used in the drawing is called “Momento”. The description on the Graham & Brown site reads, “Momento is a wonderfully warm pop bouquet pulled from the fond memories of the happy floral designs Amy grew up with. This nod to flower nostalgia is made modern with its bold scale and fresh color.”
The wording made me smile, so I thought I’d include it in this post so that you would smile too! It runs $85 per roll, but if you’re just doing a couple of walls, it might just be worth the splurge! (?)
You’ll notice I also popped in a wood laminate floor and some Flor tiles so Ree could get a look at how that all might sort of come together.
And, of course, I had to throw in those awesome built-in beds too. Love those things!
A white-washed wood planked ceiling, barn-style closet doors (stained a luscious pecan color- mmmm!), a wall-full of white painted desks (maybe it’s just three white file cabinets, topped with a long table top?) and two, mismatched desk chairs complete the look.
I didn’t include them in the drawing, but on the wall above the desks I’d probably use some kind of organization boards, like these from Pottery Barn…
And a mirror would look mighty fine up there too. (Note: I didn’t show the organizers or a mirror in the drawing because they looked too tiny and blurry when I popped them in there and it was hard to even tell what they were.)
Here are some of the elements I pulled from around the weird wide web for the rest of Drawing #1:
(Wallpaper- GrahamBrown.com; “Shine” pillow, Desk, Striped Duvet, White Desk Chair- PBTeen.com; Rattan Desk Chair, Wood Trunk, and Jute-trimmed Pillow- PotteryBarn.com)
And while I was at it, I actually put together a few more drawings, that all feature slightly different ideas…
Drawing #2…a polka-dotted duvet…
Drawing #3…a couple wild watermelon walls and an indoor/outdoor rug…
Drawing 4…wild watermelon colored walls, an indoor/outdoor rug and a faux cow skin rug!
And because I remembered Ree mentioned possibly wanting to paint the walls a few different colors, I put together Drawing #5, which features a couple of sunset pink walls and a tiny slice of watermelon on the side!
I literally could have kept going and going and going (have I mentioned I’m obsessed with fiddlin’ around in Photoshop?) but my drawing hand eventually “suggested” I call it a day.
Anywho, before I sign off I also just wanted to take a sec to chime in on a few decorating-related questions Ree posted on her blog the other day. She asked,
“Where’s the best place to start? There are so many decisions to make. Wall color. Wall COLORS. Flooring choices. Flooring colors. What furniture to use. What furniture to refinish/repaint. Etc. Etc. Etc. Do you designers/design enthusiasts always start with the color scheme/painting plan? Or do you start with room/furniture arrangement? Or do you start with the floor/rug color you want first, and let everything build around that?”
Me personally, I always, always, always start with space planning. I think it’s the most important step to getting a room to function and feel comfortable. Back in the “old days”, I used to just buy furniture because I liked the way it looked, only to find out it totally didn’t work or fit into the room when I got it home. Not good. These days, I always work up a space plan first so that I know exactly how many pieces of furniture I’ll need and what size they need to be before I buy them!
Next, I move onto my “soft goods”. For instance, in this room, I’d start by picking out the bedding, because it tends to be the hardest thing (for me) to make a decision on. After that, I’d build the Flor rug around some of the colors in the bedding. And when that’s all nailed down, it would be easy to pick out the perfect wall color(s) by looking at paint samples up against the fabric and rug choices. Last but not least, I’d finish by choosing/building the furniture and accessories. That way, if something works shape/size/functionality-wise, but it’s not the right color, it’ll be easy breezy to paint it out in a color that coordinates with the new palette!
That being said, there are no set-in-stone rules, and what works for one person, may not work for another. The main thing is to have fun…by following your own instincts and creating a place that celebrates and echos who you and your family are!
Wanna submit a photo for our Pick My Presto series?
Send an email to LaylaPalmer [at] aol [dot] com titled, “PICK MY PRESTO- Living Room“. (Replace the words Living Room with whatever type of room you’re actually submitting.) In the body of the email, include your name, your blog name (if you have one) your design likes & dislikes, and one photo of the space in question. (No links please.) It should be clear, and measure at least 400 pixels high x 600 pixels wide. (In other words: at least 4″high x 6″ wide) The bigger the better though! Make sure it’s a photo you’re comfortable with us showing and writing about on our blog. Then, whenever I’m feelin’ the urge, I’ll randomly select someone’s email and have a little fun creating some traditional or cottage style presto change-o inspiration. Oh, and since I love surprises, I probably won’t email you to let you know I’ve “picked your presto” unless I have a specific question for ya about your space.
Ummm all I can say is WOW!!! Amazing! Love the watermelon walls the best.
Layla!
I absolutely love when you do your “Pick Your Presto” blogs – it is so fun to envision a room several different ways before you even lift a finger. Is there any chance you would post a Photoshop tutorial on how you create your fantastic images? I am helping a friend redecorate her place and I would love to create images like yours to help her visualize the space before we start spending moola 🙂
Best,
Erin
Hey Erin!
One day I’ll finish my Photoshop tutorial (video) series….I promise! 😀
Beautiful! I love the beds also, it’s like being at camp but way more comfy! I think the wallpaper in the first one is aweseome, worth the splurge!
All I can say is I wish I had a friend like you! I have a habbit of going to consignment shops and buying things I have to have….Then I come home and I have no idea what to do with anything! I have lived in my fun new house for 1 year, have only hung 3 pictures, and curtains in the guest room and master room! I love all your fun ideas and hope one day to transfer them into my home….
Have a lovely day!
Amazing! She must be so thrilled with what you came up with. The colors are so refreshing. Just love it!
Thank you Tanya! I hope she likes some of the ideas too!
Either way, it was a ton of fun to put together! 😀
Gorgeous…..I spy a Dash and Albert runner in one of the inspiration pictures :).
I lovelove the built-ins and the momento wallpaper is fantastic!
I always LOVE to see your designs and get inspiration. Great work. Thanks for sharing. Oh and if your email is flooded with pictures of every room in my house…I’m apologizing in advance. 🙂
beautiful! and very ranch-chic!
LOVE your idea with amy butler’s wallpaper. i totally agree with you, it does look like her book cover. plus it’s so sweet!
amazing ideas you’ve given her. she’ll love all of them!
“Ranchic”!
Love it!!! 😀
Hey Layla, great job! That last one with different colored walls is my fav. I love all those warm colors. It gives a warm cozy feel. Oh, and that wicker desk chair is AMAZING! Can’t wait to see what they decided to do. Just the beds are soo cool. Have a great day!! : ) ~ Catie
Epic!
love love love it! especially choice number one.. girly – without being too girly – and besides being beautiful it is FUNTIONAL. Fantastic job! (but you are scaring me with your”mmmm” stained closet doors today as I pick up a brush to paint my playroom doors bright green ….covering up the stain…first time any stained trim or doors in this house has been painted….telling myself to be brave.)
Anyway…love today’s pick my presto.
kelly in geogia
Hey Kelly!
I wasn’t sure Ree wanted to paint all the baseboards and trim molding, so I thought I’d make those doors match it. They could be painted some fabulous color though!
I can’t wait to see your green ones!! (Send me a pic when you’re done!) 😀
Love it! Now we need to see you two go to OK and help Ree get it done! That would be great!
the wallpaper rocks, would be worth the $ IMO, Just love the whole first picture makeover. The beds are one thing she really should do…just awesome!!!
OH wow, just love it. I am obsessed with the built in bed thing right now, I just wish I had enough room to do some! Wish you could Pick MY presto someday! I’m redoing my daughters room soon, thanks for the inspiration.
Very pretty! Love the wild watermelon color on the walls. =)
Love that you gave her so many options! The wallpaper is killer and the built in beds are a “heck yes!”. Another homerun, Layla!
AMAZING!! PW will love it 🙂
I love Drawing #4 but not the cow skin rug, looks out of place to me. I think some kind of chandelier over each bed would be cute, of course if there’s room and I’m assuming they would have to be small. A girl needs a place to go and be a girl…..I’m sure it’s gonna be gorgeous!!!!
Hey Rae!
Yeah, I just threw that in there for a little ranch-style fun. I figured it wouldn’t be for everyone. 🙂 You probably like Drawing #3…that one didn’t have the moo-moo in there! 😀
I love the two-toned room with the floral wallpaper 🙂 That skin rug made me smile too. Kinda girly meets ranch…..which is how I kinda relate to Ree’s ladies after reading about them for so long. Nice work Layla. Now, Resteth thy mousing hand.
I’m generally not a big fan if wall paper,,,,,BUT that wall paper is AWESOME!!!! Kinda makes me wanna go out & buy some remnants & cut circles! NICE job! VERY inspiring!
Blessings~
Rebecca
If the girls like your ideas, I think Ree should let you and your hubby “do” the girl’s room on your way home (with the three of them helping too).
Ooh…that would be fun! 😀
WOW~ I kinda sorta LOVE this!! AAAAMMAAAZZING!
I liked those beds when she first posted them…love seeing it all put together. Great room for an older and younger girl. Thanks for the planning ideas as well. Like you, I have purchased furniture only to find that it will not work. The tips will come in handy!
do you have the source for the wood chandelier???? LOVE it!
Ahem. I hope it’s not too vain when I say I TOLD YOU SO! I posted on PW’s blog with the instructions to run to Layla and TLC to solve her room worries. And was I right! You nailed, literally, her design challenge. I say don’t change a thing from the original vision (you know, the one with the darling wallpaper (I heart this…) and the striped duvets and the built in beds.) Would these girls not just LOVE this room?
You’re brilliant is what you are. Thanks for confirming my confidence in your talents!
You little genius, you! Coveting those cool beds today.
So lovely! You are amazing!
I like #5 the best. You did a great job and I love the colors and the feel of the room. Great job! I am going to be sending you a pic of our living room soon- I need help!
Layla,
You’ve provided Ree and her girls with plenty of inspiration. I LOVE the wall paper (it does look like the cover of her book!) and beds.
Your Friend,
Deborah
The first one is my favorite. Great job. I think the rooms says girls but not girly.
When I saw Ree’s posts about her long room, I was hoping you would chime in with your recomendations,, Layla! I discovered your blog through PW’s blog, so I know you are a fan, too! I love your advice on where to start, and especially love the first room and the colors you chose. Pretty and warm, and not too, too girly! Great job, as usual! 🙂
I love when my two favorite blogs collide. The last one is my favorite. I love the mix of wallpaper and two colors. Although, I think I’d stick with the striped bedding over the polka dots. If only I could borrow you and your Photoshop happy hands for a weekend!
Hey, Layla, wow this is fantastic!! I’m sure Ree is totally excited about your drawings & how her room came to life. Love, love all the boards, great colors & inspiration. I’m so excited you are going out there to the ranch (just sorry that I’m not going with you) 🙁 I know it will be fantastically fun & can’t wait to hear all about it. Miss you girl! xoxo
I can envision a job for Kevin and you on your way home from Denver.Great job on the room. I am sure those girls will like some of your ideas. Your talent is amazing!
Thank you Mama Palmer! We’ll miss you, and can’t wait to tell you all about it when we get back! XO
Fantastic. How about a little hidden door/window in the wall between the beds so the girls can “communicate” without leaning out of the bed?
Ooh- yes! That would be so fun!
first i just love your blog, you are amazingly talented. i am about to have my third baby and need to put my older two kiddos in a sharred room. any ideas on how to make it fun for a 5 year old girl and and an almost 3 year old boy? i am stumped. thanks
Hmmm…I’ve never thought about that combo before! 😀
I guess just keep it classic and fun. Any Mom’s out there have any suggestions? Please leave us a comment if you do!
Sara, I’m not an interior designer but I couldn’t help but respond to your question. Here is what popped into my head….
Keep the walls neutral and allow them to express themselves by letting them choose their own bedding. Pull colors from the bedding to use in accessories (lamps, rug, pillows). It’s easier to switch out the smaller things as they get older and their tastes change.
I hope this helps…if not, I’m still cheering you on!!
We have an almost 9 year old girl, a 6 year old girl, and a 4 year old boy in the same room. I am slowly working toward a beachy look (I would say nautical, but that sounds like navy and red and white with buoys hanging from the ceiling) with blues and white. Some denim and chambray and then some accent colors to suit the kids’ personalities. It seems hard to have that perfectly decorated look when combining boys and girls of several ages, but they don’t seem to care if it doesn’t look like Sarah Richardson designed it! Have lots of fun with your new baby!
My kids were 4 year old girl and 2 year old boy when they first started to share a room when baby bro was born. I found a fun Winney-the-Pooh wallpaper border that was pretty “gender-neutral”. Above the border it is painted a light blue sky color that matches the border’s sky. Below the border is painted a light green that matches the border’s grass. It seems to have stood the test of time as now all three are in the same room (at 8, 6, and 4) with another family member in the other bedroom. One more year and then our girl gets her own room and the boys share a room. Then I get to re-do both rooms again! Yay!
You’re a genius. That is all. Have fun on the ranch girl!
Spank you, ma’am! I’ll text ya from the road!
By the way, would I use 4349, or 5405 to do that?
5405 but my cell is so desperately in need of an upgrade so if you send big pics it might not handle it ;). Look forward to seeing some cowgirl pics though and yummy PW food!
Love, love love it. Am I picking up that you really are going to the ranch to help PW? That’s awesome. I echo the comment love it when the blog world collides.
Brilliant and fun, Layla! I like how the room feels unified but there are places that still allow for each young lady to express their individual styles. I would totally wanna hang there if I were a teenager again!
awesome layla. love it.
you’re so good!!! Love it all! Melaine
Love Love Love this! Fantastic ideas…,.
This is so special, just love it!
Wow! Just wow!
Love the pink walls and wallpaper combo! The arrangement of the beds is awesome too–it feels like a fun sleepover camp!
Amazingness! Love, love, love it!
I’ve been looking for some organization boards just like those! Can you tell me where they’re from?
Pottery Barn! 🙂
I love everything you do. I would love to see what it would look like with the walls in sunset pink and the wallpaper just on the doors wall- just for giggles. Hurry with that photoshop tute….what you do with photoshop is awesome! Good luck with your upcoming TV show.
i was wondering what software you used to do these rooms! i had no idea you could do this with photoshop! looks great! susan
Love it! Do you have a source for your indoor/outdoor rug?