When you're a threenager, life can be so hard. You know, playing all day, attempting to share with your buddies at pre-school, everyone thinks you're cute. You have zero responsibilities whatsoever except to listen to your parents when its time to eat, use the potty or go to bed, none which you can meet promptly or responsibly. 

So, since life is so, so hard for Miss Avery Etta, I wanted to create a relaxing retreat for her to come home to after her long days. She does come home super tired, so the struggle is (somewhat) real, right?

We had quite a few decor items from her nursery in Brooklyn and our previous townhouse down the street here in Walnut Creek that my heart (and wallet!) were not yet ready to part with. Including but not limited to the white six drawer dresser, the mirror above the dresser, the fluffy gray pillows and pink and grey embroidered pillows. Also the "stuff" bin in which I stuff a large portion of her stuffed animal collection.  I had to find a way to make them all work but freshen them up for a room fit for a boho princess. 

So, how did I give it all a fresh spin? For fun, I decided to pull a different color out of the rug for her walls this time. Yup, that's right - pink! Previously we had done gray walls for her Brooklyn nursery (gender neutral, we didn't find out!) and then an icy pale blue for our townhouse (to accent her blue play kitchen, since we didn't have a playroom). I figured that this will probably the last time I'll have any say in what color her room can be, and that she may never want pink again, so I had to go for it! This color came out absolutely gorgeous - I love it! I honestly think it is pretty enough for a living room - Sherwin Williams "Intimate White". It's a very pale pink, so it's not in your face and as far as I'm concerned pretty darn sophisticated in the world of pinks. 

Next refresh - a big girl bed! I wanted something soft because sometimes she sleeps quite violently, and always used to bump her head on her crib! (Anyone else have this problem or do I just have a crazy, thrashing child?). Also, I didn't want it to be too far off the ground in case she thrashed her way out of bed one night! (And as a designer mom it kills me to use those guard rails. #beautybeforesafety #always). Lastly, I wanted it to be something she could grow with, so I went with a pretty neutral style/color and a full size since for once in our lives we actually had the space.

The chandelier previously resided in our townhouse living room, the lamps in our dining area, and the bedside tables are actually old Home Decorators Collection (said with a heavy NY accent) file cabinets I've had for years in my office! Just switched out the knobs to a lovely target gold, and pouf! Insta toddler bedside table. I also do not give two poops if they get marked up by toddler paraphernalia such as humidifiers, gummy bears, Boogie Wipes, stickers and what have you.

The little capiz shell mirrors you see behind the bedside lamps are actually super oldskool. They were a Marshall's find from way back in the day when Eric and I moved into our first apartment in NYC together! They always find their way back into our home, someway, somehow. 

So, big girl bed means new bedding is necessary! I just fell in love with this tassel duvet cover and shams from PB Teen. I know, daring to go white in a toddler's room but it honestly just looks the best. I figure the sheets are from Target, and the quilt is from Homegoods, so those are the first line of defense before the white (although Bear likes to park his muddy self right at the end of her bed, so I forsee a lot of trips to the drycleaner in our future!)

And did I mention yet how much I love Target? Their Pillowfort Collection is on point! Here in earthquake zone I've learned that people are a little hesitant to hang anything heavy over their kids beds, so this little plush friend (which Avery has appropriately named Fluffball the Unicorn) was the perfect accent. 

We had this swivel glider from the townhouse and the neutral style and fabric works well in this cozy little corner over by the closet and window.

So as you may already know, #casasaccullo has a lot of 90s hotness going on, including these brass framed mirrored closet doors. But you know what? We originally wanted to switch them out for nice wood ones, but each time we visited the house, Avery would come play in her then empty room and looooved the mirrors! And who wants to deprive a threenager of checking out her reflection? Not I. There have been lots of yoga and dance moves practiced already in front of these mirrors, and much more to come, I'm sure! So, they ultimately stayed. Also, I'll be the first one to tell you I don't hate brass. PS- The moroccan pouf was a major score from Homegoods. Seriously, what would I do without HG in ma life?

And speaking of TJX, the top and middle pieces of this little mini gallery wall are from Marshalls and TJMaxx. Bottom frame is by Pearhead, and a cute gift for an expecting or new mama if you're looking for something!

And, Homegoods for the win again with this pair of whimsical prints and little blue glass lamp! (I'll admit it, I have a problem. But listen - if coffee and Homegoods are the worst addictions I have, then I'm not sorry.) The dresser used to be a changing table back in the day, it's grown with us well! It's from West Elm, as well as this beautiful basket that I don't think I will ever tire of. Mirror is an oldie but goodie from Wayfair, and the Avery sign was a gift.

Last but not least, I really loved the idea of creating a cozy little reading corner. If you're into this kind of thing then I am sure you have seen this Ikea picture ledge hack on Pinterest about 8,760,423 times. But I really LOVE everything about it. I love the minimal projection into the space and great use of vertical wall storage, the clean lines, the way you can whimsically display favorite books as art. I've been having fun going to the library every few weeks and switching up the book collection. Av loves it. Whoever originally thought of this, major Ikea Hack props to them! These things cost $10 at the most and even yours truly can install them. 

So, there you have it. Some funky fresh updates for this deprived little child. But honestly nothing really broke the bank. The rug was definitely the biggest investment, but wow, does it make the room! PB Teen hit it out of the park with that one. I'm a big proponent of the area rug over the carpet situation. You have to be strategic in what you choose, but look how it pulls the room together. Imagine a life without area rugs.. so sad, so boring!

Anyways, thanks for stopping by and touring with me! Drop me a line in the comments below, I love hearing from you all!

~L.S.