I would love to have grown up as one of the Cook girls, with a mother who is a fearless decorator, who follows her spot-on instincts to create living spaces that are packed with personality. When I saw how Lisa and her middle daughter, Annabelle, reinvented Annabelle’s bedroom, I was agog. I wanted to pack my bags and move in that day.
When we first featured Annabelle’s room in my book Feather Your Nest, she was just 5. Back then, her room (pictured above) was sugar and spice and everything nice. Cupids, flowers and fancy tea sets were the choice of this little princess.
Today, Annabelle is a 16-year-old high school junior, and boy, how her taste has changed. Lisa uses these two words to describe her middle daughter: Creative and smart. Annabelle is the assistant editor of her high school newspaper, and likes marketing and graphic design. Her room needed to be an oasis that fueled her creative engine. I think they nailed it.
Once the walls were washed in vibrant pink, next up was to give Annabelle a bed more in keeping with her personality. Her flouncy four poster bed, capped by a crown, gave way to a contemporary bedframe upholstered in pale pink fabric. The bed alone instantly changed the look of the room, Lisa said.
One thing that’s great about having sisters is you get to share each other’s stuff. For the Cook girls, this extends far beyond borrowing sweaters or earrings. They swap furniture. This fabulous chair was last seen in little sister Georgia’s room. Lisa gave it a facelift by reupholstering it in this sassy pink and white buffalo check.
Once again, Lisa artfully uses a bookcase to tell the story of the room’s inhabitant. The wall of built-in bookcases hosts the things Annabelle holds dear, from her childhood to today: collections of horse figures and dolls, books, travel mementos and framed snapshots celebrating life’s special moments.
Lisa knows that the secret to making a room feel evolved and interesting is to mix together a variety of styles. This Chinoiserie style mirror adds an exotic touch.
Lisa and I are simpatico when it comes to artwork. Like me, she likes to experiment with art treatments, mixing all kinds of things together. She purposely chose different frame styles and sizes for this gallery on Annabelle’s wall. In other spots in the room, she’s pulled in three dimensional pieces, like the whimsical gilded dear head over Annabelle’s bed.
Once again, Lisa used new lamps to help finish this reimagined space. She knew she was taking a risk when she picked these statement lamps, with their coral base and apple green shades. I’m so glad she pushed the envelope a bit, because the bold lamps work brilliantly in this high energy room.
Next Week … We finish up our series by visiting little sister Georgia’s newly decorated room.
Judy English says
February 5, 2018 at 10:21 amThis new transformation of Annabelle’s room is breathtaking! I adore it. I have a sweet almost twelve year old granddaughter. Her sanctuary room is due a room change as she is growing up. I love how the designer and the mom have used so many colors, textures, and made them all tie together. I also love the collected items on the bookcases from over the years that are so special. It tells her story of her years. The coral wall color is right on. Is it possible to share the info on the color and maker? It would be greatly appreciate! I am presently looking at the older sisters room remake! Blown away with this also! Thanks!
Elizabeth Speicher says
February 5, 2018 at 2:20 pmAny idea what the fabulous new paint color is? I’m ready to move in myself. Beautifully done.
Mary Carol Garrity says
February 9, 2018 at 9:34 amSo sorry, Elizabeth, the paint was custom mixed by the homeowner, so we don’t have any info to pass on.
Melody Schaefer says
February 6, 2018 at 9:11 amMary Carol Garrity is the Coco Chanel in Missouri. Her opinions speak volumes. And even to my untrained eye, I absolutely agree. Every one of these pictures is clever and brilliant.
Paula says
February 23, 2018 at 9:40 pmMary Carol! I have so enjoyed looking at these beautiful rooms. My daughter has nearly the exact bedspread but in shades of blue. Could you possibly tell me where the adorable artwork came from? I love the poster prints.
Patricia Tramel says
March 9, 2019 at 10:21 pmLooking through your old blogs and saw this beautiful girls’ room. I’m in the process of updating my granddaughter’s room at my house and would love to know the brand of the bedding or where it was purchased. Thanks! I plan to visit Nell Hills for the first time next weekend and am out-of-my-mind excited!
Grace says
May 30, 2020 at 6:15 amMy girls and I love your daughter room can you tell me the name of the color you used.?
Phyllis says
July 14, 2020 at 3:11 pmLove the fabric on the bed. Does anyone know what it is?
Valorie says
February 17, 2022 at 10:58 pmI would love to know this too!