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Before and After: Faye's Real Life Princess Room

January 7, 2021

This post is sponsored by Honey

Faye's room is done and we're so excited to share a bunch of photos and a video with you today! I would say out of all the rooms in our home, we can feel this room's transformation the most. Although the bones were good to start with (see the before from when we moved in above), it really lacked any personality. Now when we walk in, it feels like you could be in a boutique hotel or, yes, an updated version of Anna's room from Frozen.

If you've missed part of the process, check out Faye's Bedroom Transformation and Her Dream "Princess Bed"20 Cottage-Esque Storybook Princess Wallpaper + The One Faye Chose For Her Room!A Ceiling Treatment and Box Trim in Our Daughter's Bedroom!, and The Painting Projects We Tackled Over The Break.

We don’t really do themed kids’ rooms — so when Faye started talking about sleeping in her “princess bed,” we weren’t really sure what that meant. Then, I found a four poster bed that looked like something Anna might sleep in on “Frozen,” (her favorite princess) and — bingo. A vision started to form for a cottage-y cool room where our six-year-old could feel like royalty. A literal princess room, instead of a theme of "princesses" goes so much farther! I set a budget, and started shopping online using Honey.

You’ve heard me talk about Honey in stories, but if you haven’t installed the Honey button on your computer, you’re literally just missing out on tons of savings or the peace of mind that you’re getting the best deal.

You only use Honey on your computer or laptop (this isn’t a phone thing). It’s super easy to install (just two clicks), and the suite of online shopping tools is completely free. Shop online as you normally would, and when checking out, Honey automatically pops up and scours the web to either find coupons or confirm you’ve found the best price.

I shopped from at least 11 different online stores (all the sources are linked at the bottom of the post!) when putting together this room--we always like to mix save-splurge, high-low pieces, and Honey makes it even easier. We were able to save money on almost every piece — maximizing our budget and even allowing for a few bonus buys!

I put the bed in my cart, and Honey alerted me of a 28% off coupon, saving us money right off the bat! The bed was a total save, and we were able to layer on the bedding, which made it look more expensive and, well, princessy.

We knew the wallpaper would be a worthy investment, and we were prepared to spend a little money on this part. Wallpaper is a big design element — covering the top ⅔ of the room, it would decide the paint color, the color for the drapes, all of the finishes. It also allowed us to go more minimal with what we put on the walls and even allowed us to skip an area rug because it added a nice amount of pattern and interest. I ordered 20 samples, and after getting Faye’s help on the clear winner — Black Linen Hawthorne from Rifle Paper Company —  Honey found me a coupon for 25% off orders of $50 or more!

The light fixture brought in the modern element of this modern cottage bedroom. I had my eye on a few bubble chandeliers and, after rounding up my favorites, I played a little cart game and let Honey do its thing. In seconds, I saved a whopping $224 on the *prettiest* light fixture in the bunch! With the bonus cash, I was able to get the floor lamp in the corner. I love the modern take on a tapered shade--it fits so well with her room.

Amazon curtains, in a rich color, are my go-to on a budget. I have found that when you choose curtains in an unexpected color, they don’t feel generic. And generic is the thing that can sometimes read as “cheap.” These ochre curtains are already inexpensive, but just as an experiment, I added them to my Honey Droplist. Droplist only works on select stores, like Amazon, Target, Macy’s and Walmart, but it detects price drops at those stores and then notifies you. Within a day, I got a notification that the price had dropped on the curtains, and I ordered them. It feels like I got the inside scoop!

It’s worth noting that Honey doesn’t always save me money. The average user saves 17%, which is a lot!, but sometimes Honey just saves time. It tells me when I’ve got the best deal online, so I don’t have to keep clicking around, making sure I’ve got the best deal. Confidence while shopping online is so valuable, and I’m feeling that now.

Faye’s room, like all of the rooms in our home, was designed around a feeling. In this case, a princess feeling and well, she might be asking us to call her Anna now.

Sources:

Paint Color: Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball in Modern Emulsion
Wallpaper
Bubble Chandelier
Curtains
Curtain Rod
Round Gold Leaf Mirror
Four Poster Bed
Dot Blanket
Euro Pillow Shams
Narrow Stripe Fitted Sheet
Velvet Lace Flat Sheet
Duvet Cover
Cane Trunk
Rosalie Nightstand
Bunny Table Lamp
Faux Fur Chair
Floor Lamp
Floor Mirror

Prices are illustrative only; discount amounts and coupon availability varies.

 

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  1. I love the wallpaper, colors and styling but frankly for me the most unique and special thing about the room was the rounded window cut into the magical 1920's feeling ceiling. Losing the window and covering the lovely cut ins with heavy boarding kills its delicate charm for me.

  2. LOVE LVOE LOVE this room! Using some of this as inspiration for my daughter nursery. Question though- the link for the euro shams doesn’t seem to work :/

  3. I fell in love with this bed/color combination when you revealed it in your painting post and decided to shamelessly copy your style (sans wallpaper because I’m scarred) for my own master. (I’m 32 and clearly still need a princess room, dang it!) The first bed arrived broken, but we finally got the new one in and my very patient husband put it together with me tonight. I love it!

    I do have a question, though—did you use any sort of support like a box spring or bunkee board under the mattress? Our mattress was way too high with the old box springs, but it doesn’t feel like it has enough support or height with just a mattress on the slats. Trying to figure out what would be the best solution.

  4. Definitely and absolutely princess!! Wondering if you switched out the rabbit lamp shades? On PB websites they look to be a pretty dark gray. Thanks:)

  5. This is the most beautiful kids room I have ever seen. Breathtaking and magical. Completely random question, but I would love a source for your carpet!

  6. Breathtaking. Magical. Quaint....all come to mind. Well done. Would love to see an evening photo with the all of the lights on.

    Since you're not putting down a rug Julia, have you considered adding a bed skirt (not sure if the bed structure allows)? Also, if you plan to install a window shade, as you have in your other bedrooms, are you leaning towards a natural tone (similar to the toy chest) or a more contrasting cream/ivory tone with the ochre curtains?

  7. What a beautiful, sophisticated little girl’s room! I have no doubt you little girl will adore this bedroom for many many years to come!
    Do you typically not put a desk in a child’s bedroom? I know that you have a beautifully renovated office nook for the girls downstairs but given that many people are WFH or attending online zoom classes I would think a desk in a child’s bedroom is essential.
    Thanks for sharing your journey!

  8. I am so thankful you told me about Honey. I use it whenever I am making a purchase. I am wondering though if you could give us a breakdown of how much the room cost?

  9. That bed is from BB&B!!! ????????????????????That’s amazing, and totally unexpected! I hope they ask to use your finished room for their promo photos! ????

  10. You two never cease to amaze me. You’ll soon have to add your daughter’s name to the business because she chose the perfect wallpaper pattern and colour. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing all your finds. :)

  11. Hello Julia - the room turned out great. It's charming and seems like it will grow with your daughter. Do you have a source for the carpet? Thx.

  12. This room is DREAMY....I would sleep here! Makes me want to turn my bedroom into a boutique hotel inspired room. Once again, amazing job.

  13. I love it, the whole room ties together so well, bravo! I was on the wall to the curtains when you were putting them up, but the are perfect. With the cushions, they pull out the lighter wood tones on the bed frame perfectly.

  14. I have no words Julia! You truly have outdone yourself. This room is both cosy and sophisticated, yet makes you feel as though you’ve walked into your favorite Disney movie.
    Swooning over the wallpaper!!

  15. This is absolutely the bomb !! Everything from bed to ceiling , how fun is that !!! The wallpaper is gorgeous...
    Everything is perfect and I am sure she feels like a princess!
    Love the light fixture. You have wonderful taste!!

  16. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this room. It is moody and dreamy and princess-y and fabulous. I think the ochre curtains are the perfect pop of color against the moody blue-gray. Well done!! ????????????

  17. I love everything about this room from the wallpaper down. You've seemed to meld "princess" and cottage together and its just so, so charming. But I have to say, I feel like the shiplap on the ceiling doesn't go with either of those themes for me, and I know you've used it multiple places throughout your home, so its a tie-in elsewhere. To me, it reads more farmhouse. Especially compared to the lovely wainscoting. The two styles don't seem to mesh, in my opinion. And I want to love the chandelier, but with no other modern elements in the room, it seems a bit off balanced. I'd love to see another modern element or two elsewhere to reflect the chandelier. Nevertheless, thank you for taking risks and trying different things. I love your house and style and thank you for sharing it with us.

  18. I love this so much! I have a 3 year-old who loves Frozen, and while her room currently has a younger / brighter color scheme, I could see her loving this in the future. I'd also love to have a room that looks like this.

  19. As a little girl, this is the kind of room or even ballroom inside of a magical castle I imagined when I would pretend play Cinderella and other fairytales with my sister and friends. Beyond beautiful. I am absolutely stunned but not at all surprised that you made your vision come to life even better than anyone could have imagined. Faye is so such a lucky girl and I am so happy to hear that she loves her room. Truly fit for a princess. Great work!

  20. I. Am. Obsessed! It's so English cottage, which I adore. As an almost 42 year old grown woman I would be thrilled it this was my bedroom. :) I've wanted a 4 poster bed since I was little, and never thought it would work in my small house, but the posts on this aren't overwhelming and heavy. It's just lovely. I could totally see Faye having this bed for always and if she one day has a daughter, her sleeping in it as well.
    And, I just gotta say, this room feels more like Anna than Anna's actual room in the movies!
    You knocked it out of the park! Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

  21. Not since the cabin has anything in interior design moved me as much as this video of Faye's beautiful princess room. It is exquisite! I can imagine that she does feel like a true princess in that room. The fact that she was so involved with choosing items for it even more special. The woodwork, the paint color, the window, the bed (swoon), and that beautiful chandelier...all absolute perfection! You absolutely nailed the cottagey look and feel. Bravo CLJ and Bravo Princes Faye!

    1. P.S. I use Honey all the time...so easy and quick. Thanks for sharing about it in one of your earlier posts! I have already saved using it.

  22. This room is amazing! It has been a joy to follow along with the process. I am so impressed by your ability to envision a room when no one else can see where you are headed and how it will all work together by the end. And like many others have said, it is so refreshing to see color on walls! I bet Faye feels so special every day when she wakes up in this room.

  23. Stunning from top to bottom, literally. And I definitely get princess vibes...royalty almost. Lucky Faye. However, I can’t get behind spending thousands and thousands on a child’s room. This is completely unattainable for your average follower. $1300 for a mirror, $900 for an adult-sized bed, $500 for a toy chest....and unrealistic amounts for luxury bedding and wallpaper. Sure, you saved some money with Honey, but the prices still amount to a number only wealthy people can spend on a bedroom, let alone a child’s room. Again, it’s stunning and provides great inspiration, but I really miss the old days (pre-#cljcottage) of CLJ when things were relatable, and done on a realistic budget. ????

    1. None of this cost the price that you're seeing when you just click over. I got the oversized chair for $499. The bed for $450. The mirror was that, but we got it years ago and has moved all over the house! I think it's important to invest in furniture for kids' rooms that will last! But also, definitely get the best price possible through sales and Honey promo codes!

  24. As someone who was obsessed with the movie The Secret Garden and all things old-timey when I was a little child I would have adored this room! (and still would to be honest)

  25. Sorry if I missed it, is the mirror anchored to the wall? Or just leaning? I like the look of the casual lean but would be worried about it falling on someone.

    1. Absolutely anchored to the wall! This mirror has been in our room, the entry, Greta's room and now Faye's. But I think it found it's spot <3

      1. I thought the same thing! Where I live we went through a 6.4 and 7.1 earthquake, so that is always my first thought. I don't know if there are earthquakes in Idaho, but I'm glad it's anchored : )

  26. I have loved seeing how you carry "modern cottage" throughout your home, and Faye's room is no exception! The tones in this room are moody and mature, which I think will grow well with her over the years. I currently live in a townhouse which means you only get light coming in from the front and back, leaving the middle area the darkest- in some ways like how Faye's room is brightest by the window (or at least that is how it is looking to me). I was wondering if there are any rooms in your home that you wish had more natural light? Or do you just full on lean into it and play with the moodier tones instead?

  27. Ok, I’ve already left a comment but need to say one more thing. Some much of what I follow on IG for design tends to look and feel the same - nothing wrong with it, it’s just what’s currently in - not sure why I started following you, maybe another IG suggested it/lead me to you but I’m so glad I did find you. Even though your designs are not always (or at all) what I would want for me, I love your process and always love the final result. I’m always pleasantly surprised how much I love the final product/reveal and how well it works for your home. As I clean up and purge who I’m following on IG I will always continue to follow along because I love just how different CLJ is from all the others. Thanks for being yoi!

    1. I agree! Sometimes it feels like I'm seeing the same room over and over again but not with CLJ. They actually design - not decorate

    2. Love this comment and totally agree! <3 CLJ, you are not my style at all (I’m light, bright, colors that aren’t muted, youthful, beachy, etc) but I just ADORE your style and how you stay true to your vision and honestly have such a unique vision. Your whole house just flows so well and it is truly lovely <3

      1. I agree! That is why I will always follow CLJ. They are always true to their own style and not following trends, though always well upfront of what is new and fresh and different. I also like that CLJ takes you along on the journey instead of just a final reveal with before and after. At the end of the journey, you somehow feel you were a part of it since you were able to see a large part of the process.

  28. Wow- once again CLJ did it again. Simply amazing. I would never have gone with these colors for a little girls room but you showed us all that with some thought, a little outside the box thinking would could be beautifully accomplished. The design is so perfect for this space.

  29. As someone afraid of color and pattern, I had no idea how this room was going to come together but this is truly the cutest. I thought the color scheme would be too mature but its really not at all yet I think will grow with her forever. Love it.

  30. What a gorgeous room and an amazing transformation! She is one lucky girl. So sweet. I love how you combine shiplap, granny chic wallpaper, modern lights, and fur, and it works!

  31. I showed my niece who loooves Anna as well. She thought it was gorgeous and said “look at the Olaf cloud!” She thinks the light fixture is Olaf’s snow cloud! It’s perfect ????

    1. Your niece and I are on the same page--I think the light fixture looks like snowballs! :)

      So well done, Chris + Julia! Faye's a lucky girl with this real-life princess room.

  32. Julia, these pieces look like they are mostly heirloom. I was wondering where you got her bed. I assumed it was passed down. My grandmother had a bed similar to this. I love every detail, every bit of her room is well thought out. It is obvious that this was more than just another project, it is an expression of your love for her. I'm blown away....beautiful!

  33. Wow! This room is perfection! I think it’s my favorite room you’ve done—I love everything about it. It somehow feels both maximist and minimalist?! It is SO complete and cohesive and layered but not cluttered. Love it!

  34. Love her room! Looks beautiful. Just a little note: Honey informed me that I could download their app on my phone since I don’t have a computer. It might be preferable to use a computer, but I have successfully used it on my phone ????????

  35. You guys are awesome. I am NEVER bored with what you do (and I am bored very easily, lol). Even if it's something I would not do in my own home, I am always on the edge of my seat to see what creative design choices you make next. Keep up the GREAT work!

  36. What a beautiful room! I love how all the layers are working together. Kudos to Faye for her very sophisticated taste ???? Thanks for sharing, it is so charming!

  37. WOW. It's hard to find the right words to describe just how magical this room feels! I'm constantly inspired by your work, but this just takes the cake. Bravo!!

  38. I absolutely love this room. The play of colors and patterns and layer of texture is both exciting and comfortable. Perfect! Would you talk a little about clothes storage in this room? I noticed there’s no dresser (that I could tell), did you not need one or find enough storage in the closet? Just curious how you integrated that type of storage.

  39. Incredible transformation!!!! It’s absolutely gorgeous!! And I think Faye is a genius!!! I was a little unsure of that wallpaper choice at first, but man, did she nail it! It’s like she had the vision all along!! And of course her mama too!! Enjoy..????

  40. Sorry, I think this is a "nice" room and would be satisfied with it if it was at a Bed & Breakfast in an older home in England. But a little girls princess room? Nope. Just don't see it.

    1. It sounds like it was exactly what Faye wanted, and that's all that matters. She had a hand in picking some of the elements, including the wallpaper which makes a huge impact. I have a feeling Faye feels quite special and like a little lady having such a beautiful space. A princess room does not have to be pink and purple and cartoony to fit the description, and I am so thankful CLJ has shown us how we can think outside the box. I was surprised by the wallpaper choice at first but once I saw it with the paint color and ceiling, I was blown away.

    2. I couldn't agree more. There is also just so much going on in the room and so many elements competing for attention. The wallpaper scale is off and the ceiling clashes. A miss for me!

  41. Stunning!! I love that it's a refreshing departure from the typical kids room. It's relevant to her at this age as well as when she's older.

  42. I’m a mom who really values a beautiful, functional home; for myself and my family. Especially now, when we are all spending SO much time at home, our space is like an invisible Mary Poppins: when it’s cheerful and clean we all feel upbeat, when it’s cluttered and unattended to we all get a bit grumpy. In that spirit I wonder if you might share more of the “guts” of some of your spaces. There is nothing worse than walking into my child’s “clean” room and opening their closet to discover all sorts of detritus or being in a sparking kitchen and rummaging through a junk drawer.
    Thank you for so generously sharing your lives and home with us all. Happy New Year!

  43. The room is beautiful Julia! Such a special place for Faye! I love the light fixture and need to find a place in my own home to put one now! Definitely taking notes on this one!

  44. This might be my favorite room in your house, and I love all of your rooms! I would have loved a room like this as a kid. She's going to feel so magical growing up in that room.

  45. I’m absolutely enamored with this room! Might be my favorite yet. We are frozen obsessed in our house right now too. Oval Room Blue was a big contender for our kitchen remodel. That light fixture is amazing!

  46. Is it just me or did Faye's room video make anyone else teary eyed?! When she falls into her bed! So sweet!
    Gosh, you guys got me!

  47. It's absolutely perfect and it's cool that Faye had a choice in selecting the wallpaper. She has good taste like mama! What are some of Faye's comments about the room besides asking to be called Anna? She always has the cutest comments. The ceiling and light fixture are dreamy. Alot of ceiling gazing to be done in this room!

    1. She feels incredibly special and is spending so much time in here. Sometimes she asks if she can leave the dinner table to go sit in her chair! ????

  48. Incredible. I love how the light fixture feels playful and whimsical- an unexpected element that works perfectly in a princess room.

  49. Absolutely stunning!!! I love the pop of ???????? against the blue walls!! The shiplap ceiling and that light fixture is sooo good! Perfection!

  50. Love it! I'm not a fan of the ceiling light fixture, I feel like a dainty chandelier would "go" better with the feeling of the room but to each their own! Well done!

  51. This room is gorgeous! I love the bunny lamps and how they really add that touch of "little girl" to the space. She's going to love this room for a long long time! As another plug to Honey - what about Honey Gold! It's amazing! Keep earning honey gold and you can swap it for gift cards at Amazon, Lowes, Macys... I was able to swap for a gift card to Lowes for a small project and got all my supplies without opening my wallet! Honey is the best.

  52. WOW! It's really stunning. And it's unlike any room I have seen recently online. Beautifully done Julia, Faye, and team!

  53. Is it weird that I now want a princess room, too? I have all daughters, too, and showed them these pics and they couldn’t be more obsessed. It will grow well with her over the years. Well done!

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