Email
Print
del.icio.us
digg
FeedPerfect for a Princess
by Alecia Stevens
Photo by Alex Steinberg
Eight-year-old Ruby Walser’s bedroom is one daring and delightful example. Although Iverson has worked her way through every room of Paul and Becky Walser’s 1936 Colonial-style home in Edina, Ruby’s bedroom has taken on a special significance. Admittedly a tomboy, Ruby embraced the feminine florals and French influences. What does she like most? “I love the wallpaper and the chandelier,” she says. “It feels like a princess lives here.”
1. Dig
Iverson isn’t one to start where you might expect—i.e., the nearest wallpaper outlet. History is her muse, so she heads to the antique stores, flea markets, and auctions for inspiration. Hidden in a box at the back of a local antique shop, Iverson found more than enough of this 1940s European paper to cover the walls of Ruby’s room. “It was perfect for this old, classic home, and it was perfect for Ruby, who is something special,” says Iverson. “I couldn’t just paint the walls.”2. Think outside ... the headboard
There are plenty of standard solutions for children’s (or adult’s) beds, but this isn’t one of them. “I knew I wanted something overscale and tall,” explains Iverson. “When I saw this mirror in an antique shop, I called Becky at once to have her look at it—and she got it.” Ruby’s response? “Wow.” The finish, period, and size combine to create interior architecture. A headboard is a great place to make a statement, so use the unexpected. (If you use something overscaled, however, be sure to have it professionally fastened to the wall.)
Photo by Alex Steinberg
3. Re-cover
Iverson salvaged this pair of chairs from Paul and Becky’s bedroom, where the scale looked a bit dated. For a child’s bedroom, however, the sweet size is perfectly suited. She recovered the chairs in a bright Ralph Lauren floral with a vintage feel and added the detail of a solid skirt and blue bow trim.4. Aging well
Iverson cleverly avoids the clichés of childhood rooms. By using the French side table, vintage lamps, and gilt finishes, this room will grow up with Ruby. Perhaps the Hello Kitty alarm clock will be replaced with a cell phone one day, and the bedding might be tamed down, but the furniture is already perfectly grown up—and fit for a queen.Alecia Stevens is a Minneapolis writer and interior designer.
For more information on featured products and suppliers, please see our Buyer's Guide.
11 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
