Greetings all, welcome back from the long holiday! We had a blast down in So Cal soaking up the sunshine and I spent an afternoon helping my oldest move into a new room in a house she is renting with roommates. The bedroom is small measuring 10 x 12 feet, but we were able to fill it with a few essentials, mainly a cozy bed, a combination desk plus vanity, and an accent chair for a place to sit.
My stepdaughter is twenty and just moved into her first off campus house so I offered to help her decorate her room when we came down for a family visit to San Diego. She wanted a youthful sophisticated space filled with navy and coral accents with a Moroccan vibe. Thankfully the walls were already a nice pale shade of gray so that worked with her color palette. Here’s a peek at the space we pulled together on Saturday.
The bed is IKEA and the linens are from several sources (see below). I kept the sheets and duvet white but added those coral and navy accents she loves with a combination of large and small scale pattern.
The side table I found online and we primed and then painted it a gloss navy blue. We had a lot of fun out in her backyard painting together, she now knows the power of a can of spray paint, ha!
On the other side of her bed we were able to squeeze in an upholstered sitting chair from Target. Gray linen like panels hang in front of the window - if you’re looking for an inexpensive but chic set of gray window panels, I absolutely love these (also from Target, source below) and they come in two lengths, but I recommend doubling them up on each side for fullness.
Between the bed and closet I set up a combination desk and vanity for her where she can work on her laptop and also prep for the day.
On the wall and desk are some prints I found on Etsy framed in IKEA Ribba frames.
This is a fun multitasking lamp made up of pretty ceramic bowls to hold jewelry but will also give her extra light when she studies at night.
The mirror adds so much sophistication to the space, it’s our favorite accent for sure!
I substituted the knobs that came with the desk for some chunky silver ring pulls instead.
I love her acrylic desk chair, it’s modern and fun and visually less bulky since it’s clear material.
Her closet has built in drawers and shelves (whew!) so we didn’t need to find her a dresser. My daughter picked up the bed and mattress at IKEA last week when she moved in, and I shipped most everything else to her house so we could pull it all together in a day. She works so hard away at school and makes us so very proud so I was happy to give her the special treatment and invest in a few pieces she will keep for many years.
Room sources:
Bed – Nordli, IKEA
Navy pinstripe pillowcase set – Jersey stripe from Target
Midnight quatrefoil duvet & sham - Echelon at Bobby Burke home
Coral and navy pillows – Trellis and chevron from Festive Home Decor
Writing Desk – Cami white from Overstock
Desk pulls – Belwith in satin nickel by KnobsnPulls
Swivel Chair - Rumor acrylic purchased from Overstock but also available here
Silver mirror – Quatrefoil by Shades of Light
Lamp and shade on desk – Just Jewels by PB Teen
Marble storage boxes – DIY project
Blue stripe accent rug – Suite Ribbon by PB Teen
Window panels – Scotland in Gray from Target
Gray side chair + pillow - Dolce from Target, Privet house pillow no longer avail
Pedestal end table - Bailey accent spray painted gloss navy
Picture Frame – Coral chevron by Anthropologie
White glass lamp on nightstand purchased at Target last year
Etsy art – Squirrel, Anchor, and San Diego city heart
White duvet and sheets from The Company Store
If you’re a fan of the coral and navy combo, or trellis pattern these bed linens would look fantastic in any bedroom! Also I love working with Michelle at Festive Home Decor on Etsy, she stitches up the best decorative throw pillows, so be sure to pay her a visit!
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What a great look! I love how Coral has managed to transcend from a springy color in the coral+mint trend, into this new, more fall-appropriate (without being dreary!) combo with Navy. And the pattern combinations used! I wish I was as confident in my own decorating! Maybe I’ll be adding some more coral in my own place. :)
Fabulous space! If I had a room like that at 20, I would have been over the moon. It’s the perfect combo of youth, style, and sophistication. Love the bedding. :)
I would take this bedroom at almost-30! It looks fantastic, and I especially am loving the acrylic chair and monogrammed throw pillow. :)
Wow, love it! What a cute room. I can tell you my college bedrooms looked nothing like this, haha!
I remember moving into my first apartment at college, so exciting! I love the color combo and all the little details in the room come together perfectly. My favorites are the mirror, the cute anchor art, and the multi-use lamp! Can you do this to my room?! ;) Jk, of course.
Such a pretty, preppy space!!!! I love that chair too!!! It really “disappears” and perfect for a cool gal like her. I must say, I have a lot of this stuff around my home already, only spread out over differents spaces – quatrefoil bedding (have mine in green) in my bedroom, target sheet in my sons room & quatrefoil mirror in black along my staricase! maybe I should merge them all together just like you did!!! Great job – I’m sure she is thrilled with her space. :-)
I love the coral and navy combo! this is a great inspirational space!!
Pretty space, love the chairs! Hope you had a chance to get out and see some sights here in SD this weekend!! Paint cans optional….
Absolutely beautiful! I just love the colors & the lamp is fab!
I love this room! Amazing job & has given me lots of ideas for my blog room aka guest room too:-)
Can’t wait to get Target here in Canada. Love that lamp too!
So classic with a touch of trendy! I’m such a fan of that color combo, and I really love the mix of patterns and prints – gorgeous!
What a gorgeous room Kate! Love that PBTeen Lamp!
Beautiful room! Wish my first apartment had looked like that! :)
Hope you had a great time here in SD.
Beautiful color palette and that lamp is genius!
What a lucky girl! You’re a great mom. :)
So pretty! My first place didn’t even come close to being that chic!
Wow! Wish I had that kind of room when I was in college! Great look!
I’d like to see how you made the marble storage boxes! Love those! And the whole room!
Wow! Love the sophisticated mix of colors and patterns. I so wish my first apartment had looked so put together. I still cringe over the fake flower garland I had up above my bedroom door – yikes!
Oh, Kate. It’s fantastic. What a lucky girl. It really is so pretty. I am in love with that mirror and the cute M on the wall, too. All done so well. Thanks for sharing.
I’m in love with that lamp. Best wishes to your daughter!
It’s a gorgeous room, and I love the color combo! I’m loving that chair also; where is it from? Fabulous job; I’m sure she is loving it!!
Wow – what a lucky girl she is to have you! I love the whole space but the acrylic chair and that bowl lamp are my absolute favs! Everything in this space could be used for many many years to come too – perfect!
Im a terrible commenter, but went thru the steps when I saw this. This is 100% what I want my bedroom to look like – you just made my job so easy!! Xoxo
Thanks so much Kristen!!!
What a beautiful room. I really like the lamp. I’m currently working on my on walk-in closet and that would fit perfectly. I’m really impressed, thanks for sharing!
Love this room. The mirror is gorgeous.
Wow, so cool! She must love it. The navy and coral are definitely a favorite of mine when combined. The acrylic chair is so modern and fun. It adds a nice sophisticated young adult touch :)
Absolutely GORGEOUS!!!
What a perfect room for a twenty year old, she is lucky to have you! so you got a feel of our HOT san Diego weather while you were here. I’m ready for fall :) have a great week.
xo
kristin
You did so much in this small space! It is so gorgeous and functional. I love your color palatte. The acrylic chair is p-e-r-f-e-c-t! I also think the lamp is funky and fun. Outstanding room! I know she loves you and your talents.
Its beautiful! She will be the envy of all her friends! I’m loving the lamp! Did you make it? Is there a tutorial coming…..I hope!
The lamp is not a DIY Jody! Wish it was! It’s from PB Teen – link below.
Kate
Wow! My rooms in college never looked half as amazing as this! Actually, my bedroom now still doesn’t!
What a GORGEOUS room. I love all the white paired with the navy and coral. What a lucky girl. Not many college students have a room that awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Love it! My twins are living in San Diego , and we plan on moving there as soon as our house in OR is sold-can’t wait to live by the beach again ( hubby and I grew up near the ocean).
My son just did his rental room in greys/neutrals-and he has the Scotland curtains as well. They look awesome in his space, as they do in your niece’s. Gotta ♥ Tar-jhay :)
My daughter is more glam/Hollywood, and her room is pale, pale pink-I call it grown up pink-with grey velvet curtains and white bed, bookshelf, etc. They are both working on art for their spaces now-and son has an ETSY shop should you ever need inexpensive but original paintings-
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfrancoart
VEry nicely put together and like the navy coral combo…
Absolutely gorgeous! What a lucky girl! Amazing! My oldest is in college, but he’s a boy and basically wanted a few posters and frig! lol!
Looks great! Love the bedding ;-)
Wow! Everything is pulling double duty! If only my college room looked as sophisticated!
It looks fantastic Kate! I bet your daughter’s friends are lining up for you to help them now! You put everything together so beautifully. Sophisticated, colorful and classy. She is a lucky young lady. I’ve bought several pillows from Michelle. She does lovely work and a real sweetheart to work with. That chair is a fun find from Target. Great fabric!
Everything is Gorgeous! Love that tiered lamp..
I can’t explain how much I LOVE this room!! Every detail is spot on! Definitely going to be purchasing some of the pieces you used. Thanks for sharing the Festive Home Decor Shop!! GREAT JOB!!
I absolutely adore this room! LOVE the mirror, curtains, bedding EVERYTHING!!!
Wow that room is gorgeous! I love all the details. And what a cool lamp! I’ve never seen one like that before. Great finds!!
I absolutely love what you have done and so age appropriate, modern and funky as well. She is very lucky to have such wonderful talent to give her such a lovely present….totally love the colour palete.
Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
So pretty Kate! Your stepdaughter is one lucky young women to have such a beautiful room.
Thanks for sharing your resources too. I found a couple new some decor websites today. Much appreciated!
Kate – could you tell us more about the marble storage boxes? I see they were DIY, and I’d love to try to replicate them. They are gorgeous! Thanks so much.
Hi Jessica, I’ll share the ‘how to’ on the boxes later this week!
Kate
This is an amazing room! Love it!
Are you using the navy and white duvet cover as just a throw or for color, or is it actually stuffed with a duvet. I looked it up because I love it but you are pairing it with another duvet so i was just curious about the “makeup” of this bed. I am clueless as the the basics of a well made/designed bed.
Hi Melissa, I bought her two lightweight comforters for inside the duvet covers – the main white is for sleeping, the quatrefoil is for decoration and/or for more chilly nights. If you want a few tips on a well made bed, here’s a helpful article, it’s mostly focused on comfort and layers! http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/08/secrets-of-a-well-dressed-bed/
Kate
looks amazing! would have loved this room for my first off campus apartment!
i apologize if i missed this in the comments… but where is the fabric M from?
I love this color combo! Everything is gorgeous!
ok, i wish my room had looked like this in college! love the duvet and crisp white/navy combo. this is amazing! great job!
The room looks beautiful. My first “grown up” room was not this sophisticated. I would have loved to have had one like this. I am sure she appreciates all the time and creativity you put into it. Plus it gave you an excuse to spend some extra time with her.
Kate, May I ask where you found the coral throw you have on the chair? Thanks!
Wow! What a beautiful space!! What a lucky girl your step-daughter is to have you design her room!! It is absolutely stunning!! I love the desk/vanity & how clever is that lamp/jewelry holder?! Genius!! I also LOVE that little side table you found & spray painted! It works perfectly as a nightstand!! Beautiful job Kate!
Wow! This is unlike any college room I’ve ever seen. So sophisticated and practical, too. I’m kind of obsessed with the desk chair an the linens. And I’m thinking I ought to paint our end tables a fun color now. I’m totally inspired by the space. And I’d love to know how you hide the cords for the lamps. My side tables always look a mess.
Don’t feel like you have to respond again. But after reading the makeup of a bed article and seeing your room, it appears she and you ascribe to using two lighter weight duvets, one more for decoration, or as a blanket. I guess having a duvet as your main blanket, or the item closest to your skin is different than what I am used to. Where do you see a quilt or blanket fitting in, which is what we have always done, a nice quilt or blanket with a duvet (which always seems to end up on the floor and finally put away during the summer). I haven’t quite figured out how to make a bed practical and pretty for year round!
WOW! This is one of the prettiest rooms I have ever seen. I just love the color palette. :-) Great job!
Kate, your rooms are always beautiful! Am particularly impressed with how you thought to change the pulls on the desk. It’s your attention to details like this that make your rooms so special.
I love this room! What a great color combo, I absolutely love that bedding!! All of her roomies will be jealous for sure!
LOVE the room! When I click on the Anthropologie frame, the link comes up with a “pink” chevron frame, not coral. I want to order this for my daughter’s bedroom, but want to ask you…does it say pink, but it LOOKS coral, or are they maybe out of the coral one? Could you let me know?!? Thanks!!!
Hi Stacy, I thought the same thing about the Anthro frame, it is in between pink and coral if you ask me, but closer to coral and so pretty with the bone detail!
Kate
This room is brilliant! Your rooms are so inspirational. Question: How do you BEGIN to decorate a room? You started with a gray box. Do you decide on a color palate and pick out the big pieces first
( like bed, desk, chair)? Do you see all of the colors and fabrics in person, or do you find them online ( like the throw pillows and the Target chair) and order them, hoping for the best?
God Bless you, Girl, you truly are Censational!
Cathy
I adore this room! the coral + navy combo is just amazing.
This turned out so cute. I’m amazed that desk chair is only $150.
Wow….now I don’t like my bedroom at all….thanks Kate! lol……
I’m now very inspired to give my own bedroom an update.
Your designs always brighten my day ♥!!
What a beautiful room…love that you made a muti-purpose desk/vanity…such a gorgeous room to retreat to….I am sure she is beyond thrilled with the room you so lovingly created for her!…
I love that desk setup!!!
I see an anchor in a frame. Is she a Delta Gamma?
Good eye Gina!!!!
Kate
Absolutely stunning! Maybe I would have studied more in college if my room had been a place I wanted to be. ;-)
Perfect! I love the mix of patterns and that desk chair….fabulous!
I also want to know what Cathy asked… how do you even start!! You are so talented… You should be on HGTV’s Design Star! That would be fun to watch you on there!
Oh wow too kind Kathleen! We sat down a few weeks ago with the room measurements and decided on essentials, investing in a decent bed, nice linens, and a desk/mirror combo she will keep for years to come. We were both happy the room was already painted gray which gave us a neutral palette. For color inspiration, we looked at fabric swatches (usually where I begin) and she kept coming back to navy and coral. I love that combo too so I went on the hunt for accessories in those two colors. She loves the trellis and quatrefoil patterns – she spent a month in Istanbul this past summer studying so she was influenced by all of those Mediterranean inspired patterns. I think that’s the key, choosing colors and patterns that make you happy and then going in search of them. All of the bedding and accessory selections were given a thumbs up by my girl so I ordered them! It was a great “team” effort and so much fun!!
Kate
I love the new room! It’s so pretty and sophisticated–just what you were going for. I also really appreciate how detailed you are in giving sources. I’m a big fan of navy accents myself so I may pick up a few of these pieces for our living room and bath.
By the way, I used KnobsnPulls for the Parisian cafe-type knobs on our kitchen cabinets, which I painted and changed the hardware on. Their service was really good and the knobs came super fast! I can definitely recommend them wholeheartedly.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Alison, I agree with you on KnobsNPulls !
Kate
What a beautiful room!
Gorgeous!!! I wish that were my room!
Beautiful room–but I especially LUV the 3-tiered lamp holding the earrings! What a fantastic idea!
Catherine
Wow, if only you had posted this a month ago I would have stolen the entire room when I got into my new apartment! I love it all but especially the color combo and the duvet pattern!
so so pretty, chic, youthful and fresh…she’s a lucky girl! I’m sure it’s the best looking room in the whole house!
What an awesome stepmom! I am sure that she is very comfy and very thankful. It is a beautiful room.
That is a beautiful room. You are so talented and creative. Love your blog.
Simply splendid! Such a sweet and fresh color combination with so many thought about touches. She is a lucky lady, you created her a haven that she can easily take with her and use for many years in any home.
xo,
Jen
My wedding colors were navy, coral and peach! It turned out absolutely gorgeous and this bedroom reminds me of it. Beautiful, fun, sophisticated!
Where are the pinup prints from? Exactly what I’ve been looking for!!
Hi Jenni, they are old calendar prints from the 1940s, given to her by her grandfather! Wish I could link to them but they are originals, lucky girl!
Kate
Kate this room is gorgeous! I love the whole room, but both of those lamps completely caught my eye. I have been thinking about spray painting my silver lamps white and maybe even painting the lamp shade or maybe putting fabric on the shade instead and now I definitely want to paint it white. I have blue/gray walls, so it will look great as well. :) And the other lamp, I can see lots of people making that their next DIY project for sure. That is so cute for jewelry. :)
Do you know if you can spray paint burlap lamp shades? What they look good or turn out weird looking with the paint over the burlap? Thanks Kate!!! :)
This is stunning!
Hi! I just found your blog via pinterest and I am in love!!! I’m especially in love with this room and the color combination. It has inspired me to do my guest room in these same colors. I was wondering if you had any idea on what the wall color in this room is or if you might know of a similar color? I have the hardest time committing to a color to paint my walls. Thank you so much!!!
Hi Stacie, it was a light gray and unfortunately I didn’t have any of my fan decks with me or I could have color matched it! My best recommendation is to find a whole bunch of swatchs and then pick a few test samples, that’s the best way to find out if your gray reads as a true gray, or if it leans more green, blue, or lavender.
Wow….the best bedroom I have seen in a long time. You are amazing with “big picture” planning but also with all the tiniest details. I’ve gotten so many ideas just from this one post. Again… wow! Thanks for sharing.
GORGEOUS! Love the mix of patterns! Thanks for the inspiration!
I just love love love this bedroom! It is such a beautiful and sophisticated color pallet! I literally love all of the products in this room. My favorites however are the sitting chair from Target, the patterned bed duvet and the lamp and shade on the desk. This room totally makes me want to redecorate.
Hello all!
This is my room and I am so incredibly grateful to have such a gracious and talented woman in my life to do this for me! I am so happy with it and think it is great for my first house, and I know I will use most all of these pieces well into my future! I appreciate all the great comments on my room and am so happy that you all are giving Kate the great recognition she deserves!
Lots of love and thanks,
Mad
P.s. I am a Delta Gamma, and thats why we went with the Anchor in the frames. :) Always Anchored.
Wow what an amazing room! Your step daughter is lucky to have you! Making her college room such a stellar place to study and rest is not what most students expect!
LOVE this and pinning, for myself (an adult!) so sophisticated, clean, yet makes a statement! Thank you so much for the sources
Love this! I have this duvet cover in my room and would love to get the throw pillows. What size pillows did you get?
Hi Erin, I purchased the 20″ x 20″ pillow covers from Festive Home Decor.
Hi Kate! Can you find any comparables for the White glass lamp on nightstand and lampshade that you purchased at Target last year? I have looked all over the internet and cant seem to find anything like it. I absoultely LOVE IT! Please help :)
Also any comparables for the coral print pillow? I checked the etsy site you linked and other sites and cant seem to find anything to match.
Thanks for the inspiration Kate!
Lauren
Hi Lauren, PB used to make one like it but they’ve changed the shape, here it is:
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/gemma-milk-glass-table-lamp-base/
Haven’t been able to find anything like the pillow, coral is surprisingly hard to find!
Kate
Do you have any idea what the wall color is? It looks great with the color combination.
Unfortunately Amy I don’t have the wall color as it was painted before she moved in, so sorry!
Kate
Hi Kate,
The curtains you linked are discontinued now. Can you provide a similiar option for an replacement? I love the color and fabric of those curtains. Let me know if you know of anything similiar to those. I would appreciate it!!
Thanks,
Jess
Oh no Jess! It looks like the other colors are still available, they sold out of the gray though, too bad!
I’ll keep an eye out for something similar..
Kate
I just found your website through iowagirleats! I love this room! I think i may have to get this bedspread. Awesome blog!
Thanks Melissa, I love her blog too!
Kate
I love everything about this bedroom! I was curious as to where you got the “M” and the coral throw? Thanks!
Hi Kadie, the coral throw is also from Bobby Berke home but you’ll notice it does lean a little more orange than pink. The “M” was hers already, I believe it was purchased at Anthropologie a year ago.
Kate
Hi Kate!!! I’m totally in love with your blog! Soon much inspiration!! Could you please tell me where you purchased the coral colored throw? I looked in the item listing and didn’t see it mentioned. Thanks! :)
Hi Tierra, thanks so much! I purchased it from Bobby Berke home.
Kate
Hey Ladies! For those of you looking for the Scotland curtains from Target; the gray color may be sold out online, but are on clearance in the store! Scored two sets, as recommended, for $9.88!! I felt defeated when I couldn’t find them online because they’re perfect! Imagine the grinch like smile that grew across my face when I saw them with a clearance price tag! DOUBLE SCORE! “Thank You, I’ll take take two, don’t miinnd if I do! Good Luck!
Thanks again Kate! :)
Hi there! Thank you for all of this fabulous information! Im building a house and I want my master bedroom to be just like this! :) do you happen to know the paint color on the walls?
Thank you! Cassie
Hi Cassie, unfortunately I don’t know the wall color!
Kate
LOVE this room! You and your daughter have great taste!
Hi! What a fabulous room and a fabulous blog! I am wondering about the prints on the wall in the first picture. It looks like they are retro pinups maybe? I would love to know where I can purchase prints like these… Thanks!
Hi Jenna, they are retro prints and from original calendars from the 1940s, they were a gift to her from her grandfather’s collection – not sure where you can buy them but I’d do a search for vintage calendar girls, something like that!
Kate
This is fantastic. Could you please (please!) tell me what paint you used? I’m having such a hard time finding the perfect gray!
Hi Caroline, I don’t know the name of the paint color but there are a lot of them out there! Revere Pewter by Ben Moore and Comfort Gray by Sherwin Williams are two popular grays!
Kate
Hi! I am in love with the duvet cover, but its sold out in full/queen. Are there any similar duvet covers you can reccomend to me in full/queen size?
Hi
I’m in the process of redecorating my room and I’m in live with this…. Has given me tons of ideas…. But where did you get the comforter for the bed?
CentsationalGirl,
I love the bed from Ikea. Did you find that you had to purchase extra supports? Also, do you have a box springs on their as well?
Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Holly, no supports and no box spring!
Kate
Kate,
I love this room! It so helpful that you have all the links listed for where to buy the stuff in the pictures. Do you have more rooms in your bog somewhere I can also look at with the links?
Thanks!
Ashley
Hi! I am in love with the duvet cover, but its sold out in full/queen. Are there any similar duvet covers you reccomend in full/queen size?
I can’t think of any substitutes off the top of my head Melinda, I think if you do an online search for “trellis” or “lattice” or “moraccan” duvet, something might come up.
Hey! What size are the decorative coral and blue pillows?
I think I ordered 20 x 20″ and a 12 x 16″ but check with Michelle’s shop, she will remember!
I love the entire room i am stealing some of these ideas for my first college apartment! Where did you find the white frames for all of the pictures?
Hi Kate!
Just finished doing my son’s room using the same colors and more masculine accessories. I did find several substitutes for the items that are no available. For the paint, I went with Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (HC-170); a very neutral gray that makes the navy and coral pop. For the curtains, I found a very similar color at Target: RE Chesapeake Window panels in gray. It looks great; thanks for the inspiration!
hi kate,
i used this as inspiration for my guest room! however our other bedroom is already grey…. any other thoughts on wall colors that might work with this bedding color combo?
Do you remember where you found the white vanity/desk with the two drawers? Will be perfect for my permanent cosmetic consult area and my laptop. TIA :) Susan
Hey! Do you happen to know what paint color this is? I absolutely love this color..