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Ayla’s Cozy Corner: A Home Transformation

Ayla’s Dreamy Bedroom Reveal: Creating a Cozy and Inspiring Space

Last year brought many changes for our family, especially for my daughter, Ayla. We moved into a new house, welcomed a new baby brother, and she started at a new pre-school. With all these transitions, I wanted to make her new bedroom in the Curbly House truly special – a perfect, inspiring, cozy, and uniquely *hers* sanctuary. The day we moved in, Ayla’s room was the most complete room in the house, and honestly, it remains the *only* fully finished room! This room is incredibly dear to me because it’s *for* my precious daughter. Today, I’m excited to share an extensive photo tour, capturing every detail of this special space.

Ayla's finished bedroom, a cozy and inspiring space for a little girl.

Do you recall what her room looked like when we first bought the house? While this particular shot might not reveal the full extent of its condition, it was definitely in need of some serious love. The plaster was crumbling, the floors were warped, the tiled ceiling was sagging, and shockingly, there were no electrical outlets – just a single wall sconce for lighting!

Ayla's room before renovation, showing the poor condition of the space.

Let me refresh your memory regarding the planning process that went into this room’s design. Like many four-year-olds, Ayla is absolutely obsessed with the color pink. While it’s a common and perhaps cliché preference, it’s undeniably a part of who she is and what she adores. I should also mention her love for glitter and gems; she never leaves the house without some kind of sparkly accessory. This flair for the dazzling definitely didn’t come from me, considering it’s a triumph if I manage to put on a pair of jeans before going out, and I struggle to accessorize any outfit properly!

Moving forward… Here’s the room after the floors were sanded and the walls were primed, a blank canvas ready for transformation.

The bedroom after sanding floors and priming walls, ready for paint.

And here it is with a fresh coat of paint! The delightful combination of pink and blue/green hues brings a sense of playful serenity to the space.

Bedroom with pink and blue/green paint, creating a calming atmosphere.

I’ve previously discussed how important this room is to me. I’d like to add that having this little girl’s room inviting, cozy, and completely Ayla from our very first night in the house made a tremendous difference to all of us. It helped ease the transition and made our new house feel like home.

Another view of Ayla's bedroom, showcasing the cozy and inviting atmosphere.

On moving day, when it was time for Ayla’s nap, she immediately jumped into bed and slept soundly, as if she had always belonged in that room. This was remarkable because our kids are typically not good sleepers. The fact that she felt settled enough to rest in her new room indicated that she truly embraced it. To this day, she’ll disappear into her room for hours, close the door, and engage in imaginative play, put on dance performances, and even write stories. This never occurred in her old room, and it’s incredibly heartwarming to hear her little voice narrating her tales in the privacy of her comfy sanctuary.

Let’s begin the tour with the scrap of fabric that inspired the entire color scheme of the room:

Fabric swatch from Spoonflower, featuring seafoam and coral colors.

This Spoonflower fabric swatch, showcasing a beautiful blend of seafoam and coral tones, served as the foundation for the room’s aesthetic. It brought together a sense of calm and playfulness, perfectly reflecting Ayla’s personality.

Another angle of Ayla's bedroom, highlighting the color palette.
A close-up view of Ayla's bed and bedding, showcasing the soft textures and colors.

Here’s the reverse shot of the other side of the room. Notice how the color appears different in the light. While the camera exaggerates this effect somewhat, the color definitely takes on different shades depending on the lighting conditions.

The opposite side of Ayla's room, showcasing different lighting effects on the paint color.
A cozy corner of Ayla's room, featuring a comfortable settee and wall decorations.
Another view of the settee, highlighting the soft textures and pastel colors.
The wall decorations add a playful and whimsical touch to Ayla's room.

Here’s Ayla’s bookshelf and princess storage area. I didn’t organize these; she did it all by herself!

Ayla's bookshelf, filled with books and Disney character figurines.

Here’s that scrap of Spoonflower fabric I loved so much, framed and displayed as art. I repurposed butterfly artwork from Ikea by removing the original backing and replacing it with the fabric.

Framed Spoonflower fabric, repurposed from Ikea butterfly artwork.
A closer look at the framed Spoonflower fabric, showcasing the intricate details.

Ayla’s reading nook: a special corner dedicated to books and quiet time.

Ayla's reading nook, a cozy and inviting space for reading books.
Another view of the reading nook, showcasing the comfortable seating and colorful decor.

Source List: Recreate Ayla’s Dream Room

For those interested in recreating Ayla’s dreamy bedroom, here is a complete source list. You can also find numerous links and inspiration on my Pinterest board.

  • Wall colors: Blue-ish aqua (“Rainwashed” by Sherwin Williams) and pink (“Lotus Flower” by Sherwin Williams). These colors create a soothing and playful environment.
  • Rug: Crow’s Feet Rug in pink by Land of Nod. This rug adds a touch of whimsy and comfort to the space.
  • Bedding: Dwell Studio Medallion (we purchased the bedding years ago, the crib set is still available on Amazon). The soft patterns and colors create a peaceful sleep environment.
  • Settee: angelo:Home Dover Settee. Perfect for reading, relaxing, or hosting imaginary tea parties.
  • Wall Flowers: Umbra. These add a playful and decorative element to the walls.
  • Orchid Art Wire: Umbra Loft. A creative way to display artwork and photos.
  • Ceiling Lamp: MASKROS Pendant Lamp from Ikea (Ayla thinks it looks like Cinderella’s carriage). A whimsical and enchanting lighting fixture.
  • Nightstand Lamp: Target base with a DIY shade. A personalized touch that adds charm to the room.
  • Print: Mischief Maker by dkim. Adds a touch of playful rebellion.
  • Print: Believe It by dazeychic. An inspirational reminder for a young mind.
  • Print: Hearts Screenprint by sassandperil. A sweet and affectionate addition to the wall decor.
  • Print: 10 Mil Besos by thebigharumph. A unique and artistic print with a personal touch.
  • Print: Personalized Ayla print by sarah+abraham. A special keepsake with Ayla’s name.
  • Print: A is for Adventure (free printable!) from The Handmade Home. Encourages a sense of curiosity and exploration.
  • Print: OLUNDA Picture, butterflies from Ikea with Spoonflower fabric. A beautiful combination of art and textile.
  • Letter “a”: Anthropologie Pinwale Alphabet. Adds a personal and decorative touch to the room.
  • Curtains: Sailcloth Panel by Pottery Barn Kids (white) with these pom-poms. The pom-poms add a playful and whimsical element to the curtains.

Creating a dreamy bedroom for your child is about more than just decoration; it’s about creating a space where they feel safe, inspired, and truly at home. With a little planning and creativity, you can transform any room into a personalized sanctuary that your child will love for years to come.