Oh hey, no big deal. Just one more week until the reveal of the One Room Challenge! Ahhhhh. You guys! I am so excited. I thought I would be a basket case, but actually I am just so excited to wrap things up this week. We are down to the final details. Today I am updating you on art work and a few tears that were shed. Before I do, I really want to thank Linda for including me in this round because it has been such a special process for our family. For many reasons. And I am sharing one of the biggest with you today.
So before I get too sappy on you, I want to share a couple of fun art pieces that I selected for the room. The top piece is from Joss and Main and it immediately caught my eye. I placed it in more of a gray/wood frame rather than the gold. It was a bit too feminine looking for the gallery wall I am putting together. It also is a nice nod to the textiles in the room which you will see below. I like to always mimic other things in the room to marry it all together.
Not sure if you remember, but in the client interview, my very sweet client let me know that red was important to him. SO we went big and bold with a huge pop of red. This is being hung above his bed and is a great statement piece. I love the red drive in number juxtaposed against the white snow. My son helped me pick this out and loves it. Thank you to Minted for sponsoring this piece.
Now it’s time to get a bit emotional on you. Those of you who are long time readers know that we lost my brother tragically about four years ago. Our lives will never be the same. When our son was baptised, Tim was his God Parent. After losing my brother, we chose to put a decal of a tree on the wall of Grady’s old room. There was great significance to this image. The tree represented those of us here on Earth. Our family growing stronger each day and the bird that flew away was always looking down on that tree. It’s always been a symbol of the brother and uncle we lost. Over time, that decal started coming away from the wall. But no joke, the only thing that never peeled away was the bird in the sky watching over us. Sigh.
When we decided to makeover Grady’s room, I had to figure out how to incorporate the tree and the bird. I knew that I wanted a piece that could be passed down through the years. I immediately thought of my dear friend, Lucy. Do you know her? I have a hard time putting into words how I feel about her. She is someone who exudes love, talent, inspiration and kindness. She is a person that is good to the core. I was so blessed to meet her in person up in Sonoma this past summer as we are in the Michaels Makers program together. We have a print of hers in our children’s bathroom and we adore it. I knew that she would take all that I felt and translate it into a watercolor painting made just for our family. When I first saw what Lucy made, I wept. Happy, appreciative tears. And then she cried when I said I cried. We were a hot mess. And I know the pressure she felt to create something for us and I am so honored that she accepted this project.
Isn’t it beautiful? I love every aspect of this watercolor. And that gorgeous bird.
It takes my breath away. It’s absolutely perfect in this room and perfect for our family. Lucy, I love you and can not thank you enough. You all have to see how talented she is. Hop over here to see more beautiful pieces from her.
And talk about a huge impact in this room! The textiles from Caitlin Wilson. Ahhhhhh! So fun. The rug and the pillows are a great fit for this space. While sophisticated, they still have a playful vibe which fits Grady’s personality so well. It’s a great mix of preppy and fun.
And thank you all for your thoughts on lighting last week. I felt the way most of you did and thought a nice black lamp was the perfect fit. So I ended up selecting this one from Target.
What We Need To Accomplish
remove bead boardpaintreplace baseboardscase the windowwire for the new sconceturn his closet back into a closetmake a deskadd more lightingadd a focal wallfind a new dressercreate a reading cornerpaint the bed- hang drapes
- gallery wall
- have fun doing it all (said with a hopeful heart)
Such a feeling of calm when I look at the to-do list. We have worked our tails off as well as our arms with all of the DIY projects but it’s been so worth it. The drapes are going up and the gallery wall is almost finished. One more week, my friends. One more week!
Catch Up On Past Weeks Here
Week One: Before Photos and Interview Video
Week Three: Reclaimed Wood Wall and Paint
Week Four: DIY Industrial Desk & Lighting
Follow Along With These Talented Ladies
Really love the direction and choices for this room. Love that the tree painting is so special to your heart. Can I ask about the source for the frame? It’s gorgeous!
Lucy did an absolutely beautiful job recreating the significance of the wall decals in G’s room. I love, love it – what a treasure to hand down for generations!
What a treasure for you and your family! So pretty. Love those pillows! Looking forward to the reveal next week!
Oh, I just love this post. I absolutely love Lucy’s art work. She did a beautiful job! What a meaningful piece to have in your son’s room. I just know the reveal will be amazing!!
Wow! I must admit I had tears in my eyes when reading about and then seeing the beautiful painting for your brother. What a perfect image to cherish forever. Love how the room is shaping up as well!
What a beautiful and special way to incorporate your brother’s memory into this room. I’ve met the lovely Lucy. She did a wonderful job on the art. How thrilled you must be to see it all coming together.
I am pretty sure that we will all be crying after reading this post. What a beautiful, inspiring gesture to honour your brother and connection for your son. Your brother is with you. xob
Love you Courtney…that painting is just beautiful and so so special. Glad you have your brother’s love and spirit captured in such a sentimental way. xxoo
Beautiful watercolor and a beautiful story. So much love in that one frame!
What a beautiful painting and touching story. I’m so excited to see this room come together! It’s going to be great!! Xoxo
Lucy’s watercolor of the tree is breathtaking. It made me tear up. A treasure and what interior design is all about. Capturing the human spirit.
I’m a huge fan of Caitlin’s textiles. Going to look amazing in his room.
xo
cristin
I’m getting weepy over here! What an amazingly special piece to incorporate into the space. It’s gorgeous.
Both you & Lucy are such talented women.
xo,
Casey
Beautiful water color, and even more beautiful story! Also love the Joss and Main art piece. Can’t wait for the reveal 🙂
The water colour is stunning in both its beauty and meaning. And I totally understand why the bird never peeled off the wall – Tim is always there looking down on Grady. Your room is beautiful and can’t wait to see the final reveal.
The watercolor print is perfection!! I was so glad to see you incorporated the tree and bird into his new room. I love that this project has been a family affair, and that you are doing the work yourselves. It is easy to hire out a job like that, but truth be told I think it holds more meaning when done together as a family.
I love love love that print, and the precious story behind it. Lucy is so crazy talented and the most beautiful person inside and out. And I’m dying at how much you’ve got done in your room!! Send some of that mojo and productivity my way!!
Oh my sweetest Courtney…I’m sitting here in tears. I love your heart and the fact that you entrusted me with this means so much to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love you my sweet friend…xoxo
EEEK! Courtney, thank you so much for featuring my Minted print here. That’s so sweet. xoxo! Jennifer Little
Those pillows are so well done. I am looking forward to seeing this all come together. I want to cry with just the story of the art.
A beautiful story:) The art is perfect and I know it has such meaning for your family. Can’t wait to see this reveal!
So beautiful. The art, the room, the sentiment. You are creating such a special space 🙂
OMG! I am in tears! I can’t wait to see the full reveal of this room. I just love it so! The tree and bird painting is so beautiful. Something that Grady will cherish for years to come. 🙂 XO!
What a beautiful post Courtney. Love the new artwork, such a special reminder of your brother. Thanks for sharing
LOVE your beautiful, meaningful artwork. What a treasure.
Hi Courtney, I just checked out the finished room and it looks fabulous! I came over here to find out more about the original artwork and am in tears as well over that one. So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I lost my brother tragically 11 yrs ago so I can relate. I love the beauty and meaning behind the watercolor. I was wondering if you could tell me more about the framing. Is it DIY or purchased?
Congrats on a beautiful room!