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A Room Fit for a Little Princess: A Guide to Decorating with a Focus on Pink
When asked about their favorite color, it’s no surprise that the majority of young girls, particularly those under eight, will enthusiastically respond with “Pink.” Until my daughter was born, I had no idea just how many hues of pink existed. It encompasses their world so thoroughly that it might seem overwhelming. Yet, for reasons that could trace back to our primitive days, they simply can’t get enough of it.
I never set out to raise Emily as a girlie-girl obsessed with frills, glittery nail polish, and fragrant body dust. However, on most days, she’s decked out in pink—pink leggings adorned with butterfly appliqués, a floral top bursting with rosebuds, and pink sandals decorated with beads, courtesy of a grandmother who indulges her every whim. Despite the variety of clothing choices available, when I attempt to introduce her to other colors, she solemnly promises to wear them “tomorrow.” So, it came as no surprise when I decided to redecorate her bedroom, still a vibrant apple green from its previous life as an office, and she immediately insisted on pink.
“How about a fun orange for your walls?” I suggested, attempting to channel enthusiasm in a manner that often convinces little ones.
“I want pink.”
“I know, but what about…Tangerine?” I added a little shimmy to inspire images of tropical fun.
“PINK!” she shouted, her patience wearing thin.
Key Tip:
When planning to redecorate your child’s room, consider implementing the project as a surprise while they are preoccupied—at preschool, with Grandma, or at a playdate. This way, you can make significant progress without their immediate input. The freshness of new walls often makes even old toys feel brand new.
On our way to the paint store, Emily declared, “I want my room to be The Magical Meadow.” Her tone indicated she had thought this through.
Her older brother, Jake, perked up from the backseat. “Oooooh, do you want faeries in it, Emily?”
“Yeah, faeries and butterflies!”
“What about a rainbow?” he added.
“Yes, and a rainbow,” she replied thoughtfully. “And I want a unicorn!”
“Anything else?” Jake encouraged.
I felt my control over the situation slipping as I thought, “Faeries are doable, but a unicorn might be a stretch.” Luckily, Emily is both imaginative and accommodating, but Jake then chimed in, “I want a giant spider on my ceiling.” He currently had space-themed purple walls adorned with rocket ships and glow-in-the-dark stars, which I hadn’t planned on changing until middle school when the fear of ridicule might set in. As he elaborated on his giant spider with legs stretching down the walls, the idea of adding faeries seemed less daunting.
“Mom, can you do a praying mantis?” Jake piped up.
As I was saying—pink. The spectrum is astounding. Hot pinks, soft pinks, rosy, peachy, Dusty Rose, Ballet Slippers, and Bubblegum, to name a few. I picked three sample jars to help narrow down our choices.
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As the sample patches dried on Emily’s wall, she burst in to inspect my work. “Not that much pink! I want the whole wall pink!”
I tried to explain that I was just assessing how different shades would look in varying light. “Once we decide, we can paint the whole room,” I attempted to clarify, wondering what she truly thought of my judgment.
My husband, a minimalist, suggested opting for a more subdued approach, aiming for a balance with Emily’s pink paisley rug and polka-dot bedspread to avoid overwhelming the space. However, upon entering the paint store for round two, Emily instantly gravitated toward a sample called Easter Bunny.
Second Tip:
Avoid taking your child to the paint store. The overwhelming choices can lead to indecision, and children are naturally drawn to more vibrant colors.
I presented a lighter sample, but Emily insisted, “This one!” waving the Easter Bunny sample.
“But it’s almost the same name!” I countered, holding up another option called Easter Bonnet.
“What’s a bonnet?” Jake inquired.
While they whirled in store chairs, I seized the moment, knowing Emily couldn’t read, and discreetly exchanged Easter Bunny for a sample of Pink Peony. Unfortunately, Pink Peony proved to be a poor choice—too subtle, resembling an embarrassed vanilla at a pink family reunion.
Third Tip:
Always begin with paint samples. Colors can appear vastly different on your walls than they do in-store, saving you from the headache of living with an undesirable hue for years.
After multiple trips to the paint store and five sample jars later, we settled on Ballerina—a pale shade that was sweet without being overly sugary.
“But where are the faeries?” Emily asked as the walls dried.
“Flying,” I assured her, imagining they would soon arrive and find her Magical Meadow to be just as enchanting as she does—until she inevitably shifts her obsession to turquoise and horses.
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In summary, decorating a child’s room—especially when pink is involved—requires careful planning, creativity, and a touch of compromise. By considering their preferences and incorporating imaginative elements, you can create an inviting space that brings joy and excitement.