Decorating a "Big Girl" Bedroom with Pink (That Isn't Too Sweet!)

When some long time clients approached me about working on their daughter's bedroom, I was over the moon because I just love working on children's spaces and I know that they love color, too! There is something about channeling your inner child and seeing the world through their eyes that is just so much fun.

I approach design work a couple of ways - I either put together schemes for clients myself or sometimes it is fun to have the clients come into my studio to go through ideas together. For this space, my client came to my studio so we could brainstorm ideas together and she knew immediately that the Thibaut Willow Tree fabric was the one and we built the scheme from there.

It was months between when we finished the space and when I got to see it in person and when I did I knew immediately that I had to have it professionally photographed (thanks to the talented Anna Routh!) to be able to adequately capture the colors.

With all of the selections we made in the space, we wanted it to be fun and charming for a little girl but also to select pieces that will carry her for years to come as she grows.

Here are few tips for designing a sophisticated pink bedroom that's doesn't scream baby:

1. Choose the Right Shade of Pink

The shade of pink makes all the difference. Opt for more muted, sophisticated tones rather than vibrant, juvenile ones. Try to avoid bright fuschia or overly bubble gum pinks on the walls if you want to stand the test of time.

2. Smart Color Pairings

Balance is key to preventing "pink overload." Pink pairs well with a variety of other colors such as neutrals like white, cream, beige and warm grays, metallics and greens and blues.

3. Layer Textures and Fabrics

This is a tip that I employ in all my design work. Mixing textures adds depth, warmth, and coziness and varying the finishes and mixing in natural elements keeps the pink sweetness at bay.