I am often asked how to make a design impact in a rental property. The challenge of working within the restrictions of existing wall colours and fixtures can at times feel insurmountable. It’s an issue we have tackled in the past.
Then we see a room like Ava’s. A stunning, whimsical room jam-packed with features in a rental property. Georgina Georgiou of Wool and Willow has used big impact, removable decor including hanging canopies and wall stickers to create a feeling permanence. Paired with solid, vintage furniture and Scandinavian finishes, the end result is a charming and unique room, full of personality. That can be easily packed up and re-created when the time comes.
TELL US ABOUT THE OWNER OF THIS ROOM:
‘Ava who is now 3 years old is the owner of this scandi-vintage inspired room. She’s a gorgeous little girl with so much character who has a fierce imagination, adores anything girly, dancing and tutus. Loves reading books and dressing up as a ballerina. Ava’s parents, James and Laura, contacted me to create a new big girl room for their daughter with the main idea evolving around a few key vintage pieces they already had to a scandi inspired room to reflect little Ava’s personality.’
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
‘Ever since I was very young, I remember myself as being a very creative person. I always involved myself in anything arts and crafts. I loved to re-arrange my bedroom furniture and also constantly changed the decor in my parents’ home.
In high school I studied arts, graphics and interiors. My passion for Interior Design continued through university where I learnt all about interior design, architectural design, furniture and lighting design along with graphic design and photography. I graduated with a B.A. in Interior Design in 2005. After my studies, I took on styling jobs working within furniture retail and architectural firms and giving advice in planning design and consulting.
I created Wool and Willow after I gave birth to my daughter as a way to express myself and let my creativity out. At the same time, I wanted to be able to help provide for my family whilst allowing me to stay at home to raise her. Being able to work as a stay at home mum allows me to fulfil my love for styling and design, and also be able to see my daughter grow.’
WHAT WAS THE BRIEF FOR THIS ROOM?
‘The room brief from the parents was to create a magical space that reflected little Ava’s personality. They wanted a Scandinavian vintage feel to the room and a place where she would also grow into and wasn’t too childish and baby like. We also wanted to create zones in the room to encourage imagination and creativity.’
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION?
‘My initial inspiration came from their vintage wooden headboard, and all of Ava’s gorgeous tutu dresses. Also the fact they wanted to create something magical with the use of a canopy in the room. Which lead to using the new drape canopy for a whimsical feel over the bed.’
HOW DID YOU SELECT YOUR COLOUR PALETTE?
‘The colour palate also evolved from the dresses and the headboard. James and Laura also wanted to try and steer away from a fully pink room. We tied in the wooden headboard with natural leather and timber pieces to create a cohesive room.’
ON THE WALLS:
‘As my clients are currently in a rental property, we could not use any wallpaper and had to make the room work with the existing wall colour.’
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE IN THE ROOM AND WHY?
‘My favourite feature in the room is the drape canopy and the vintage headboard, it creates a whimsical and special little sleeping area for Ava.’
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
‘My biggest challenge in creating this room was the fact that the owners are currently in a rental property and I had to create a magical room to fit their brief with the existing wall colour. We could not re-paint or use wallpaper. I decided to use larger coverings to hide away larger marks and imperfections on the wall with the use of two canopies. Another item I decided to use was removeable wall decals and a larger scale print. These hide away any major imperfections to the walls.’
WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THIS SPACE?
‘I love the fact the the room has separate zones even though it’s a fairly small room, the sleeping area is a magical space on its own especially when adding a few fairy lights. The second zone would be the beanbag reading nook which can also alternate for imaginative play under the canopy with easy access to all the gorgeous dresses.’
GET THE LOOK
Bed drape canopy by Nomades Home
Bean bag by Agnes Avenue
Quilt cover and round cushion by Linen House
Lulu doll by My Devine Baby
Luggage suitcase by Belle and Co Living
Mrs.Mighetto print and mobile from Design Stuff
Star cushion by Miss Angel Illaria
Tulle pompoms by Pretty Petite Co
Removeable wall decals by Sailah Lane
Wall hanging and sequin heart by Wool and Willow
Pink tassel throw by Mooi Baby
Leather magazine holder by Interior Motives
INSTA LOVE
@nomadeshome
@oh.eight.oh.nine
@mintymagazine
@petiteinteriorco
Photo credit: Georgina Georgiou
