I’m delighted to share a recent collaboration with Hygge & West, who recently featured one of my favorite projects, a whimsical, story-filled kids’ bedroom brought to life with their Dear Old Shiz (Glinda) wallpaper from the Wicked collection. This was one of those projects that reminded me why I love designing spaces for children; because they are meant to be playful, comforting, and full of possibility.

A Glimpse Behind the Magic

When I first spotted this wallpaper, I was immediately drawn to its whimsical, botanical pattern—an aesthetic I love incorporating into my designs. At the same time, one of our clients was getting ready to refresh her daughter’s room before welcoming a new baby. The little girl was soon to be a big sister, and this room was meant to feel extra special and supportive of that big life shift. The goal for this room was designing a space that can grow and evolve with her daughter over time.

We had already chosen a pink and olive-green trim for the room, and when we saw how beautifully Glinda tied everything together, the design direction emerged. The wallpaper became the foundation of the space, allowing us to bring our design vision to life with whimsy, layered textures, and thoughtful details.

The Story Is In the Details

My goal with this room was to create a space that felt inviting, creative, and filled with moments of delight and discovery. I always like to start with elements that inspire imagination, whether a particular color combination, a pattern, or thoughtful details that a child might appreciate. For this room, the wallpaper set the tone for the space by hiding a special, “good witch” among its florals and vines, and so I leaned into the pattern by adding thoughtful, kid-friendly creatures that let the whole room tell a story.

These pillows were custom-designed in Schumacher fabrics because I wanted to bring in pattern and personality without taking over the room. The prints pick up on the greens and soft blush tones already woven throughout the space, and the trims add that little tailored detail that makes them feel extra special. They add just the right amount of softness and layering making the custom daybed feel cozy, welcoming, and perfect for reading, snuggling, and play.

Bespoke elements help the room feel thoughtful, unique, and truly tailored. I loved this sweet little elephant side table from Pottery Barn Kids which brought in both texture and imagination, while also feeling like a cute companion in the room. The woven rattan gives it that natural, airy feel, almost like something discovered on a sunny holiday. Plus, the hidden storage in the back is perfect for tucking away tiny toys, making it every bit as functional as it is adorable!

I sourced the handcrafted rattan shelf from an Etsy artist. The arched silhouette softens the wall with a woven flower motif, while also adding warmth to the room. It is the perfect place to display favorite books, keepsakes, and little treasures.

I love pairing whimsical pieces with more grounded, timeless elements, like this carved dresser of birds and foliage, which helps the space feel both imaginative and enduring. 

For the drapery, I wanted something that would ground all the patterns in the room and still feel soft, and Pepper Home’s fabric struck that balance perfectly. I customized the panels with a beaded trim that adds a little sparkle. It’s a tiny detail, but it’s exactly what takes the windows from purely functional to something a bit more fun. In a kid’s room, even the tiniest shimmer gets to feel like its own celebration.

Pro Tip: For Those Exploring Wallpaper

Layering patterns has always been one of my strengths, and it’s something I genuinely love doing. Mixing wallpaper with additional patterns can make a space feel layered, intentional, and sophisticated, but there has to be a method to the madness. Contrasts are the key! For example, mixing a botanical pattern with tailored stripes in the same palette, or a tiny pattern echoed in a larger one. Wallpaper is often the largest visual, and therefore, it can take the lead in the story I am trying to create.

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Thank you to Hygge & West for the wallpaper collaboration. I also want to take a moment to thank my additional collaborators on this project, including my fabulous photographer Lara Kimmerer.

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If you’re looking to design a bedroom, play space, or any room that feels personal and joyful, I’d love to help bring that design vision to life.