Kids Room Update: Do We Lean In or Pull Back? You Want BOTH. We Try 12 Different Colors Of Scallops On The Wall…

A direct quote from my mother in law, as if she would explode should keep her opinion from me for one more second, “I’m really sorry, but I have to tell you, I HATE the scallops”. I had no idea what she was talking about at first, the comment seemingly out of nowhere, then I laughed because A. I don’t take anything design-wise personally and B. I’m not even convinced of the scallops myself because I haven’t even been in that room since the canopy was installed. So I figured why not spend hours tweaking it to prove to her, you and myself that scallops are what we should be doing in this bedroom.? What a fun use of Julie’s time, no?? (I love you Julie and appreciate every set of university taught skills you have).

Listen, Suz (MIL) isn’t the only one full of doubt on this project, based on the comments in the controversial update post. I thought it would be fun to share some of the more critical comments, expressing an unbridled distaste for this room design.

“It feels dated and mismatched, and the canopy, oh the horror.” – Holly

“I guess my reaction is happy b/c I burst out laughing. I think I would LOVE to stay in that room on occasion, but I might twitch after a week. I love everything individually, but together I think I am experiencing some drug widely used in CA in the 60s-80s. ” – Christina

“Hmmm. I have never not LOVED anything you’ve done. But…this is incredibly perplexing to me and seems completely overthought for a kid’s room and oddly out of character for you. I’m actually shocked at what a visceral reaction I’m having. Almost nothing about this looks fun or whimsical or styled by the genius you are. It honestly feels kind of sad and dreary, I’m so confused.” – Kelly

“It feels very “prison bars” – Anonymous

“I adore you, love your family, colleagues, designs but…I want to whisper this to you as I would a friend who is wearing an unflattering dress…this is awful. I would start over. So sorry.” – Jill (this has made me seriously LOL every single time I’ve read it)

If you are cringing for me as you read them know that I, too, am a player in this game, having fun, and most of these made me laugh a lot – NONE of them offended me. I PROMISE. I asked for it, literally. There is no way I could be a blogger if I got offended by criticisms about my designs (now personal attacks are a different thing). Maybe I made some mistakes, or maybe it’s just not there yet – I can’t really tell having not been in the room. But no one will die, and the creative process is FUN and messy and full of mistakes. Listen as a designer you should never design the same room twice, so no matter WHAT, every single room is a first-time experiment. It’s my style laboratory and sometimes we have to clean up an explosion.

I also was/am ready to do something VERY risky. The mountain house was relatively easy to decorate and style. It’s not that I didn’t take risks, but it is neutral, minimal, and modern – and that is easier than mixing pattern, color, vintage, and whimsy. So I was just ready for a challenge and to “play” again, knowing that of course there is a chance I can “lose”.

I think that we have forgotten what “process” posts are because the blog world has changed so much that we only show the “messy dark befores” and “beautiful bright pinterest-worthy afters”. So admittedly even to me it’s weird and kinda anti-climactic to see a project, midway, where things aren’t working without great photography and bad lighting. I wish I could defend it even more but my reaction wasn’t positive either and I haven’t been in the room so I don’t know what my defense would be – I haven’t met “the criminal” in-person to get its testimony so I can’t even say “its great! we are innocent!” This room might be a fail right now that has to start over a bit. I DON’T KNOW.

But not all of the comments were bad, although most had an “I’m worried” vibe.

“My initial thought: SHE’S BACK! This has resonated with me more than anything in a while. It does feel very “Old Emily,” which I hate saying because YAY growth!! But this is weird and exciting and risky and thought-provoking and some people are going to HATE it, and that is Emily Henderson to me.” -Jade

“Thanks for sharing the process! This is the fun part I think and we often miss out and just see a finished shot with no back story.” – Kel

Okay, so I have a lot to love here, and it’s really not just about the design of the room. 1. I’ve been playing with the same design style in my house for the last year or so, so I LOVE seeing your take on it. 2. I love seeing you not get it totally right. Because, as you said, it’s a kind of off right now. But I know it will be so good! – Kelly

Thanks, guys.