Early Birthday Gifts

Catherine's bedroom has been...not my favorite room. But compared to the crazy mustards, browns and greens on the main level, it was fine, so I let it stay. But after I got everything else painted, her room kept driving me crazy. It was just too dark for a room with just one window (now why a corner bedroom only has one window is a question I would love to ask the builders). Plus that pink was just SO pink! 

My friend Melissa has a great eye for design and has been swapping piano lessons for decorating. I told her Catherine's room was our next project, figuring anything she did would be an improvement, not matter how small. My only request was for a change of paint color! I knew she would do amazing things, but I didn't realize HOW beautiful the room would be!

The Before:

(I do miss those cool princess prints, though!)

The goal was to have the room ready for her birthday on the 18th. Melissa bought everything and got it all ready to paint. We happened to have two weeks off our co-op, so I was able to do most of the painting. The pink was horrible to cover, but after 3-4 coats, it was done! Catherine helped me with the blue on the top:

Timmy, Jon & Elise were in charge of assembling furniture (thank you, Ikea!): 

We sent Jon & Catherine out to Red Robin for a birthday lunch date, then Melissa and Emma came over to get the room all set up. We got everything ready, wrapped the door, then waited for Catherine to get home:

(technically for Elise too since she'll be moving in at some point)

And the After! 

(the blank wall is where her art will go)

Aaron loved being the helper getting the room ready: 

He was also a big fan of the fuzzy rug: 

I took a video of Catherine seeing the room for the first time, but she also insisted on taking about 100 pictures to show to the Knoxes. 

Catherine on the top bunk:

Catherine on the bottom bunk: 

Catherine on the rug with the new soft, sparkly blanket: 

The blanket is now a dress: 

The mermaid pillows were a HUGE hit: 

Elsa is now sleeping on the desk: 

Final pose in her new, big girl room: 

I am beyond happy with her beautiful new room. It makes me happy every time I walk past (instead of cringing like I did before). It's amazing how much the decor and colors in a room affect your mood! Catherine loves spending time in there and has been prolifically creating art. Now we'll see if we can keep those art supplies in the room when Elise moves in...