the cutest little girl's room you've ever seen, if I do say so myself.

I met my friend Gray yeeeeeeeeeeeears ago while we were just two crazy teenagers living in Tokyo. We didn't really stay in touch after meeting each other there, but, as fate would have it, we met up years later, when she turned out to be the photographer at my cousin's wedding in Orlando, FL. (small world, eh?) Now she specializes in children's photography and takes (hands down) the most gorgeous and breathtaking images I have ever seen. You can visit her website at www.graybenkophotography.com. 

When Gray decided it was time for her 2 year daughter Farris to get a big girl room, she called me up and asked if I could to help with the makeover. Um, of course! As the mother of two little boys, I am all over girly projects. I LOVE girly, I love foo foo, the ruffles, the pink...everything is just so precious. I couldn't wait to get started.

Here's the stool we nabbed off Craig's List.

and the desk.

Glossy. Blech.

and this dresser. Which I LOVE.

It had so much character to begin with. Original casters, carvings in the drawer faces...

love love love love love.

I started on the dresser  - I hoped to just paint over the existing paint, but, it was NOT going to happen. The previous latex paint jobs were so thick, so gummy.... it had to be completely removed, even though I was using the easy peasy, no prep Cece Caldwell chalk paint. Quality in means quality out, so, I painstakingly removed the old paint. Some parts were fun -

but mostly, I was really cursing myself for picking out a piece without thoroughly examining the existing paint job. I spent about 8 hours prepping this piece for paint. It. was. awful. Lesson learned.

Oh, and here's the hope chest "before."

Well, more like "during." We tried out a sample color or two. Or eleven.

And now for the reveal!

Here's the nightstand. (aka, antique washstand)

 Can you believe I forgot to take a before shot? Argh.

I got rid of all that glossy paint and redid this desk and chair set in chalk paint. It looks much more sophisticated now, don't you think? And this mirror? Ikea, $40.

I love the way this dresser turned out.

I love the soft blue, and I really love the way the dark wax brings out the carvings and details.

So did I mislead you, or is that the cutest little girl's room you've ever seen?

I thought so.

Photos by Gray Benko of Gray Benko Photography

till next time,
jess