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emily p. freeman

Creating space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing.

for the girls

October has brought out some serious nesting instincts. I’ve been cleaning out, getting rid, and froofing up like a mad woman. One place I’ve spent some extra time in lately is the twins’ room.

To fully appreciate the after, you must first see what their room looked like before we moved in.

girls room before

Nothing says ‘princess’ like a wall of dark paneling and a pile of junk in the corner. So when we first moved in, we painted the walls Sherwin Williams Celery and put up their bunk beds: instant girl room.

girls room after

Still, I felt like it was missing some magic. Then, I saw this post a few months ago from my friend in real life, Amy at Playing Sublimey. She took tulle, white lights and some leftover wood scraps and made her girls room look fit for a castle. We don’t have wood scraps, but we did have some nets in the closet just waiting for inspiration. I thank Amy for giving it to me.

girls room after 1

We hung the nets from the ceiling and tacked white lights to the wall behind it. Mirrors were already hung over their beds. I was too lazy to take them down and then I realized it made the twinkle lights that much more twinkly. What a happy accident.

girls room after 2

There is little I love more than some tulle and some white lights. The girls think it is the most fantastic thing ever. I have wondered more than once if The Man would let me do this in our room. I’m thinking not.

the princess in action

DIY Day @ ASPTL

Filed Under: Home

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hopefull says

    October 5, 2009 at 12:28 AM

    I love little white lights too – so magical – maybe over my desk and I would like working more…

    Reply
  2. Lisa says

    October 5, 2009 at 2:11 AM

    A WOW, AND A OH MY!!!

    http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/

    HUGS FROM MAINE

    Reply
  3. The Accidental Housewife says

    October 5, 2009 at 2:22 AM

    I love it! That celery colour is gorgeous, I would never have picked it but it goes perfectly. Do you mind if I save that second picture in my inspiration file?

    Reply
  4. Corinne says

    October 5, 2009 at 6:12 AM

    So beautiful! I’ll have to remember that for when Paige is older – I just adore the white lights & the nets.

    Reply
  5. Bonita says

    October 5, 2009 at 6:26 AM

    What little girl wouldn’t feel like a princess in that room? And you thought your sister got all the decorating genes!

    Reply
  6. Emily@remodelingthislife says

    October 5, 2009 at 7:06 AM

    brilliant! that room is really stunning. from the glimpses, i can tell your whole house is gorgeous. what lucky little girls.

    Reply
  7. Marcy says

    October 5, 2009 at 7:19 AM

    The room is so sweet – what a great job you did and the “inspiration” is just dreamy. Your girls are so lucky!

    Reply
  8. Sissy says

    October 5, 2009 at 7:52 AM

    I would want to live in there, too. I think Charlie would have an issue with lights over our bed too, but it is so pretty.

    Reply
  9. Amber@theRunaMuck says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:03 AM

    You are such a fun Mama.

    I sort of miss you and would like to have coffee very soon. One day.

    Reply
  10. Mom in High Heels says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:19 AM

    So cute and sweet! I don’t think Mr. HH would let me put lights up in our room either. Men are such ho-hums sometimes.

    Reply
  11. Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:27 AM

    My three year old is loves all things princess and sparkle. I’ll have to try this in her room. Your daughter is reading one of my childhood favorites. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  12. Joanie says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:45 AM

    So lovely!! I love the twinkly lights and in fact the whole room! So cozy. I love your whole blog as a matter of fact. It is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  13. Michelle says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    That is truly magical! Oh to have girls…dinosaurs and airplanes aren’t quite the same…

    Reply
  14. Amy says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    I will have to go around my house today and count how many ideas you have given me through your blog….too many to count really :)! I love it that you found a tiny bit of inspiration over in my world of insantiy. And can you believe that the samples from SW are fake paint?!?!? You should have seen me in the paint store when the guy told me that, I was gasping! All the paint in my house is eventually going to peel off the wall, you’ve gotta love it!

    Reply
  15. Danielle says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:37 AM

    What a lovely, magical room! I hope I have a girl one day so I can decorate a bedroom like this! For now, I’m looking forward to my boys getting bunk beds, which may be quite soon now, as just today they learned to get out of their cribs.

    Reply
  16. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    What a magical place you’ve created for them! I love it!! (I also love that you have been froofing. I know exactly what you mean when you say it like that!)

    Reply
  17. Kristen @ Beautifully Imperfect says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:20 AM

    What a perfect girly room. It makes me want to be little again.

    Reply
  18. Valerie at Home says

    October 5, 2009 at 11:04 AM

    I have one of those canopies in pink for L’s room, but it fell and I haven’t had time/motivation to put it back up. The lights on the wall behind it may be just the inspiration I needed to get back in her room and *finish* it!

    Reply
  19. melissa says

    October 5, 2009 at 11:04 AM

    Emily~ Oh my goodness, what a sweet room! The twinkly lights always remind me of You’ve Got Mail~they are magical! Such a creative idea and those window treatments are perfection too~love everything.

    Reply
  20. Tamera says

    October 5, 2009 at 11:49 AM

    It does look fit for a princess!…or princesses in your case:)
    It turned out lovely and I love the window treatment…is that a mistreatment?
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  21. Shannon says

    October 5, 2009 at 12:46 PM

    What a sweet and girly room! I’m about to redo my oldest’s room so that the younger sister can move in soon. Lots to think about!!

    Reply
  22. Kelly says

    October 5, 2009 at 1:28 PM

    I love it! Makes a great princess girly room! I love your curtain on the window.

    Reply
  23. Karin @ 6byHisDesign says

    October 5, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    Emily – I have never loved tulle and lights more than I do now — I have seen this before and absentmindedly thought ‘oh, that would be cute to do…’ to no real move-your-body-off-this-comfy-leather-chair response. Not so, today, my dear. I must MUST do this is the girls’ room now. They will love me forever. I think I’ll go NOW and wrap some shiny white ribbon around those old hula hoops outside…

    Love ya!
    Karin

    PS – I even love the mirrors behind them, too. I might have to go buy some mirrors after I’m done ribbon-wrapping…

    Reply
  24. Lisa says

    October 5, 2009 at 2:26 PM

    AAH! I would never want to leave that room!!! I adore twinkle lights and think they make everything magical. That is GORGEOUS!!!

    I, too, have been a nesting fool (being 5 months pregnant does that to a girl) and painted my entire kitchen on a whim yesterday. I am thrilled with it.

    I hope you’re well, Emily! I haven’t had a chance to stop by and visit your blog nearly as often as I’d like.

    Love and blessings,
    Lisa

    Reply
  25. Dayle says

    October 5, 2009 at 4:25 PM

    FaBulOus! Who wouldn’t want to go to bed in that room?

    Reply
  26. Just a lass hiking with Jesus says

    October 5, 2009 at 5:45 PM

    Awesome idea!!! Great inspiration! …hoping to be decorating a room for my two girls soon!!

    Reply
  27. Life with Kaishon says

    October 5, 2009 at 6:39 PM

    I hope he lets you because I think this is too fantastic for words! Crossing my fingers for you : )

    Reply
  28. Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt says

    October 5, 2009 at 7:05 PM

    I remember that book!! The room looks darling, I LOVE it.

    Reply
  29. katy b says

    October 5, 2009 at 7:45 PM

    Great Great idea!!! My princess would love that, it looks great!

    Reply
  30. thegypsymama says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM

    Oh that is just delicious! I love me some fairy lights! What a great room. I have two boys, so am wondering how I can work twinkly lights into the house…hmmmm… The closest I have come is a string of football night lights. I am curious, however, if you just painted over the paneling or if you had take it down? If you painted over it, was there a tricky pre-painting treatment? We have similar stuff and I have been wondering what to do with it. thanks!

    Reply
  31. Traci says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:52 PM

    SO SO SO SO… did I say SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Gorgeous!!!!

    Reply
  32. Jamie @ Six Bricks High says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:52 PM

    Absolutely perfect…what little girl wouldn’t love a room like that. Such a transformation from when you first moved in that’s for sure.

    Reply
  33. do it yourselfer says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:03 PM

    ooohh! we have that book! i love the twinkiling lights…so girly! i’m finding that one of my girls is not so girly…so enjoy it while it lasts!!!

    Reply
  34. aubrey says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:22 PM

    Emily–that room is so darling. I wish my girl was more girly, but sh’es digging the celery walls since green’s her favorite color. And I love those beds–where did they come from? Surely they were not handed down from your parents who bought them used 20 years ago and wobble mercilessly whenever anyone so much as BREATHES on them. πŸ˜‰ Anyway–good light idea, I may have to actually try it–your sister would tell me to–and do it now–right?

    Reply
  35. Misty says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:25 PM

    I’m sure the twinkle of the lights puts a twinkle in their eye. I love your inspiration pics. Hope you are well.

    Reply
  36. Amber says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:04 PM

    Love love LOVE your pic with your daughter reading! That just speaks volumes!

    Reply
  37. JILL says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:11 PM

    My mouth fell open when I saw the after pictures!!

    You worked some magic, girl! Love it!

    Reply
  38. Kelly says

    October 6, 2009 at 4:26 AM

    Yeah, so I always wanted a room like that when I was growing up… My tomboy sister roommate would have died. πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  39. Katie Reeder says

    October 6, 2009 at 11:36 AM

    This makes me want to have a little girl! So beautiful!!!

    Reply
  40. Rachelle says

    October 6, 2009 at 11:51 AM

    Welcome to my idea file, Emily. πŸ˜€

    Okay, well yooou aren’t in my idea file. That might be creepy. But the lights are! Ohhh how I can’t wait to move into a house with a big girl room for the girls! This definitely made my wheels turn! Thanks!

    Rachelle

    Reply
  41. The Scooper says

    October 6, 2009 at 3:02 PM

    Good heavens, that is just the prettiest thing I ever saw! There is nothing like a good Before and After {especially when it involveds twinkle lights.}

    Reply
  42. kim says

    October 6, 2009 at 4:38 PM

    GIRRRRLLL . . . . I.LOVE.IT!!!

    Reply
  43. Cheryl says

    October 7, 2009 at 9:27 AM

    How beautiful. I bet your girls feel like princesses…and do I spot a “nester window mistreatment?” your sis would be so proud. I love that fabric for the window treatment with the fringe.

    Reply
  44. Rebekah says

    October 7, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    This makes me feel all giddy, girly, “dreams do come true.” LOVE it!

    Reply
  45. Anna says

    October 7, 2009 at 3:06 PM

    That last photo is like a storybook in itself. What a lovely time I’m having in your blogland!

    Reply
  46. melissa @ the inspired room says

    October 7, 2009 at 3:17 PM

    oh that is way cute!! I love it!!!

    Reply
  47. Terri says

    October 7, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    How so very precious!!!! I love it!!! My 10 year old daughter is looking over my shoulder and asking for me to do the same for her. Blessings!

    Reply
  48. Jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas says

    October 8, 2009 at 10:31 AM

    Just adorable! I want to do a sleepover!!! Okay, that might sound creepy! But it looks just magical! Lucky darlings you have!

    Reply
  49. Southern Fried Gal says

    October 8, 2009 at 11:12 AM

    So cute! I’m with Kimba – I want some in my room, too!

    Reply
  50. Kara says

    October 8, 2009 at 11:38 AM

    This is such a fabulous idea! We are trying to adopt a little girl, and when we do, I am totally going to do this in her room. Love it!!

    Reply
  51. stefanie says

    October 8, 2009 at 11:40 AM

    sooooooo sweet, i would feel like a princess to! I know my daughter would want this now

    Reply
  52. Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage says

    October 8, 2009 at 11:49 AM

    That looks magical! What a lovely place for a little girl to dream while growing up…. I LOVE THIS!

    Reply
  53. Amber Filkins says

    October 8, 2009 at 12:01 PM

    Oh Emily, that is just the prettiest thing ever. My girls would flip over that. I may have to give them some twinkly lights. Can you imagine how much more magical that’s going to be around Christmas?? Oh my goodness. I better get to work.

    I absolutely ♥ the girls’ furniture. Can I ask you where you got it?

    Thanks!

    ♥ Amber

    Reply
  54. Jenn V says

    October 8, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    Wow!!! Makes me wish I had a little girl so I could imitate this!

    Reply
  55. Dawn says

    October 8, 2009 at 3:13 PM

    Love it…just perfect for a little girls room.

    Reply
  56. Brenda says

    October 8, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    what lucky girls! I agree….tulle and white lights….a wonderful combination…..never too much

    Reply
  57. Brenda says

    October 8, 2009 at 4:45 PM

    I bought a net at IKEA last year and have it over my little princess’ bed, but it is a bit boreing now… I am painting and froofing her room soon and I think those twinkle lights are just what she needs (or maybe I need them). I love it!!! And that celery color is just what I need for our baby nursery (due in Feb.) Oh, and the valance – LOVE IT!!! Did you make that too, if so, please share info on those!!! I too am nesting – painted my kitchen last night… off to buy twinkle lights!!!

    Reply
  58. Logan says

    October 8, 2009 at 4:52 PM

    I have to tell you that I wish I had known to do something like that when my little girl was still little. She is almost 19 now. Bet she would like it anyway!!!! πŸ™‚ Precious!!

    Reply
  59. Jennifer Allwood says

    October 8, 2009 at 10:45 PM

    Dreamy….. I just adore it.

    Reply
  60. Jennifer says

    October 8, 2009 at 10:49 PM

    What a beautiful and perfect girls room! Hmm… I am thinking I need some tulle and white lights somewhere… πŸ™‚

    Reply
  61. niki says

    October 9, 2009 at 1:37 AM

    Oh my gosh! I want that to be my room, and I am nearly 30! LOL

    πŸ™‚

    Love it. Love it lots.

    Reply
  62. Christi {Jealous Hands} says

    October 9, 2009 at 8:35 AM

    It’s so magical – just perfect!

    Reply
  63. Amber says

    October 9, 2009 at 12:44 PM

    Wow. I want that room. That’s gorgeous and made a huge impact on the room.

    Reply
  64. Amber says

    October 9, 2009 at 2:17 PM

    So magical! I definitely would have done a happy dance to have those sparkling drapes over my bed when I was a little girl. Actually, I might still do a happy dance to have them over my bed now!

    Reply
  65. Kelly @ Dare to be Domestic says

    October 10, 2009 at 4:42 AM

    I would have been over the moon if I had this bedroom as a child. The last image is so delightful – makes me think of warm nights before Christmas Eve! I always enjoy your blog! ox

    Reply
  66. Katie says

    October 10, 2009 at 10:29 AM

    the room is beautiful
    I love that they have a stepping stool to get to their bed! precious!

    Reply
  67. Jennifer says

    October 11, 2009 at 3:14 PM

    Perfectly adorable!

    Reply
  68. Motherhood says

    October 11, 2009 at 10:42 PM

    Those are some magical rooms! I really enjoyed looking around your blog! What great ideas!!
    *Eliza’s blog*

    Reply
  69. sarah h. says

    October 12, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    unbelievable. simply magical. i would have killed for a room like this as a little girl.

    Reply
  70. Abbi says

    October 12, 2009 at 10:44 PM

    Awww, how ADORABLE!!! I LOVE the lights! I just bought a canopy like that for my girls’ room. The lights are SUCH a great idea! Thanks!

    I hope it’s OK to link to this post later this week…I would love to share this! Incidentally, it shows that we both copy the Nester, because I recently re-did a kitchen window with a very similar valance to what you have there in your girls’ room. Great minds think alike…or copy another great mind. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  71. Tiffany says

    October 13, 2009 at 3:02 PM

    Wow! This is incredible! I loved the room before and now it is absolutely spectacular! What a dreamy room for a little girl. I love it! Beautiful.

    Reply
  72. Catherine says

    October 14, 2009 at 8:52 AM

    My almost 5 year old daughter is on my lap and literally gasped with delight when she saw the pictures! Absolutely beautiful! I have to ask, where did you get the beds? We are looking for something very similar that can be set up as twins or bunks. Do you recall? Thanks!!!

    Reply
  73. Mary says

    March 11, 2010 at 6:36 PM

    Lovely girls room. By the way, where is the dresser from? I would love something just like it for my little girl’s room. Thanks!

    Reply
  74. Melanie says

    October 15, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Wow, I love this room. I really need to do something like that in my girls room!!

    Reply
  75. .Com says

    April 21, 2013 at 3:36 AM

    Reliable information. Truly helpful and not a considerable amount of filler.
    It’d be fantastic if more webpages had this level of content, then maybe the big g would lighten up on their strict policies!

    Reply
  76. Lee says

    July 4, 2014 at 4:17 PM

    Das ?esentlich? dieser Website ist knorke, hab es am Anfang ni?ht glauben wollen.

    Reply

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