Guys, I am SO excited to show you the first completed room at the Merc!!
Sidenote: You may be wondering why we have a fully decorated space when we still don’t have plumbing but this is the sometimes reality of running a business like Vintage Revivals, I thought that the reno would be wayyyy further along when I signed on to do this makeover (remember our hopeful Thanksgiving move in date?) but it wasn’t and now here we are! I will say that having a room finished is the greatest morale booster ever, it makes it feel like we’re getting really close!
When I say that I’ve been dreaming of doing a It’s A Small World themed room makeover for 4 years that is accurate. I LOVE Mary Blair and the exterior of Small World at Disneyland so so much. So when Home Depot asked me to do a room makeover using some of their wallpapers I was excited, when I found the white and gold splatter wallpaper
I was I-Won-the-Lottery-Cause-the-Small-World-Room-is-Happening thrilled.
This is what the room looked like when we bought the Merc.
Right there in the center of that space. (You’re going to have to squint and use your imagination )
It went through a few changes (you know, like walls, and adding a window)
Sheetrock and paint
And now, if you can believe it, it looks like this:
If you follow my stories on Instagram you got a full on behind the scenes view of the creative process.
We laid the floor (don’t worry, there is a full tutorial + info coming on that) in 2 days, got the doors put in, light installed (yes that light is from Home Depot and, no, its not $$$$) and got to work!
Then we started on the wall. You should know that I’m not a planner, I had a very rough sketch of what I sort of wanted the building layout to look like.
Did I mention that it was rough?
We started building with 1/2″ ply and 1×2’s and adding details along the way based on what the design was missing. Keeping it all very Small World true to life.
This is when the buildout was almost finished and I was ready to start painting. I was so conflicted because I LOVED the plain wood but with the wood floor and the wood dresser it was just too much wood.
Also, do you ever try to be something that you’re not? Like I try to be one of those cool laidback California-ish designers that only use white, black, and wood and it’s all going swimmingly until I start to hate it and just feels flat. So then I go back to my true colorful roots and everything is right with the world again. This is a lesson that I seemingly have to learn over and over again, so if you find yourself physically unable to emulate the designs you love so much its ok, I go through that too.
The plan was to keep a lot of the wood exposed, mix in some awesome wallpaper and a few colors and call it a day. Well I hated it. After some serious trial and error, frustration, prayer, and a lunch break I finally got the inspiration that I needed. I’ve got a whole post coming tomorrow showing you every stop along the way and a time-lapse video. Until then, lets talk about the decor!
This Spatter Gold Self-Adhesive Removable Wallpaper was the jumping off point for the whole space. It is heavy duty, reposition-able, and has a great pattern. I love the fact that it’s removable (for the ever changing designer that I am) and one thing that I’m very much looking forward to is wallpapering the entire closet once the shelving is in! Speaking of wallpaper, head over to The Apron Blog to see some of my favorite wallpaper pairings!!
The giant schoolhouse light is just magical. It is HUGE guys, and is the perfect light to still capture the 1930’s vibe we’re going for in the Merc while being statement making enough that it can hold it’s own with the design of the room. And I love that it has such a unique shape, it just feels special. Check it out here!
My daughter’s single request (besides having dog treats in her room) was for a big bed. Knowing that the wall was going to be pretty intense, I needed to find a bed that complimented the accent wall instead of covering it up or taking away from it. This black iron bed was perfect! The color ties in with the doors, the vibe is 100% Merc, and it lets the wall be the star that it is. The best part is that a full size bed, including the frame is only $269!
I have a confession, a secret that is hurting me to my very core. Are you ready? I don’t hate beige right now. I KNOW!!! WHO AM I?! Though I will say I don’t love it as a whole house paint color, using it as an accent isn’t the worst thing that has ever happened to me. For example, the rug!
It’s subtle (which this room needed) and the cable weave on it is just so good!! The color is going to be great for hiding dirt, and for now it’s great at hiding dust…that keeps floating in from the transom that has yet to have glass put in it.
Ok lets talk about this dresser. Did you think it was from a place that rhymes with Crest Flelm? You did huh? Its ok, the vast majority of the internet is going to be shocked that its from HOME DEPOT. Seriously, and it comes in a dark walnut as well.
If you have not heard a single thing I’ve said this year hear this: HOME DEPOT HAS EVERYTHING. Rugs? Furniture? Lighting? Did I mention that our doors, hardware, and windows also are from Home Depot?
Thanks for following along with this crazy fun journey, you guys are the best!!
Oh my goodness! The paint rays make it perfect! Love the colors, love the room!
My Disneyland-loving soul wants to weep tears of the purest joy at this room! It’s so beautiful!
OMG it’s even better than I could have imagined! Love love love!
This room is so special Mandy!! Way to nail it! Like a floorboard to a subfloor. Boom. That was a construction metaphor. But seriously, your creativity always shines through and it looks so great in the end. Any one of my kids WOULD LOVE this room.
How cute would it be to put dog treats in the gumball machine! LOVE your process, and love following along!
http://www.jennblogshere.com
Creative mom and lucky daughter
Where is that pillow from?? I love the whole room!!
This is probably the BEST makeover I have ever seen! So creative and full of imagination. Beautiful work.
You did such an excellent job pulling it all together. When I first saw what you were doing, I was thinking it would be too young of a look for a girl growing up, but you totally made it (ageless?) I love this idea and love the fearless, creative, and bold design.
You truly have an amazing imagination! I followed your Instagram stories and I really did not expect this outcome. The room is amazing and I’m so glad you went with color because they just pop. Great job!!!
I just can’t even. This is amazing! I have yet to not love any design detail you’be done but this is just out of this (small) world! Hahaha. So incredible! ????
Will you share where the bedspread is from? I love the color!
I think it’s from Target. I have the same one in blue.
Oh my gosh I love this so much!!! I am totally obsessed with Mary Blair and it’s a small world too! Last time I was in Disneyland I ordered a bunch of her prints in the art gallery near the entrance. I just love this so much and love that this room could be for anyone, not just a little girl! It’s awesome!!! ?????
I’ve been following along with this project on your stories and I have to say I was a little unconvinced when the fronts of the wood got colorful paint- but you really turned it around! It looks amazing!
Side note, will you be releasing a source list? That planter with the two tiers, I need!
AMAZING!! So glad you stayed true to yourself with creating this masterpiece! Couldn’t be any better!!!
You did good. Real good. It looks incredible. Amazing. Ridiculously Amazing. Uh you make Home Depot look so good! Did I say incredible?
We have the same rug in navy blue but it started to collect things…and it was really hard to vacuum out because the cables are so deep (which i loved because it makes the rug so cushy to walk on). So I ended up flipping the rug over and we just use the back side (it’s under/around our bed) and it’s awesome. Just wanted to share that in case you run into the same problem. Also- i second the planter comment above!
Is this rug from Home Depot?
WOW WOW and WOW!!! I love it so much!!
This is so amazing and so inspiring! Absolutely love Mary Blair! Wonderful job!
Well done! Also Where’s the green bed spread from?
Where did you get the green quilt?
You are SERIOUSLY. KILLING. IT. Every time I see an awesome project from you, I’m always so amazed and inspired and like, “How can she top that?!” And then you go and do that very thing with your next project/room reveal! Honestly I know I have told you before that you are one of my absolute biggest inspirations and I mean it! 110%! Way to go Mandi!!! It has been so fun to follow along with the Merc, it feels like I’m there sometimes when I give my opinion on your Insta stories and all! Haha! I would give anything to come and see the finished product! I live in Michigan tho, so it’s just a bit of a jaunt! Awesome job!!
Hannah
https://www.maeflowermemo.com
Love! Love! Love!
amazing!! where did that gum ball machine come from?
Once again, very good job! Need that plant stand!
Love it ALL! Where is that quilt on the bed from?
Amazing design!
Can someone please link the doors?
AAAAAAHHHHHH I am so excited, finally the fun stuff! I have enjoyed seeing the merc come together but because I will never be able to have a home ever because I am too broke this is the part that most resonates with me! So glad to see it happening and the room is GORGEOUS! 🙂 Well done Mandi! I look forward to seeing how the floor was done xxx
Um, I need to know where that planter is from! I MUST HAVE IT!!!!
i need to know where that mirror is from. it looks different than most mirrors.. digging it!
I have instantly become emotionally connected to this room!!! What an amazing job!!!
Sometimes I get sucked into the idea black and white and wood for a hot little second, not for my home, but I dunno, I kinda think like Oh, I’ll never be as good as black white and wood, and then I just have bitch slap myself, cause then I remember how predictable and unoriginal and boring it is! Snooooooze. But this. This is magic. Everything. I love the way the wallpaper is used, it just too good, and the whole project is stunning.
Love this!
Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think you can’t top yourself you do! I’m envious & excited to watch the Merc’s development & maybe, just maybe, I may get my stairs papered soon with your inspirational posts. I’m also loving the Home Depot more & more with each of your posts. Removable wallpaper is #1 on my list right now and I’m excited that I can find it at HD instead of ordering it online. Home Depot shopping is becoming as dangerous as Target shopping 🙂
This is just so amazing–and I love your color palette! Welcome to the “dark side” of beige! It really is a nice foundation to use with other colors! All the best to you and your family as you continue to make your dreams come true! Mary Wilding
Shaddup, it’s awesome! Gah!!!!!!!! Sorry, my brain just exploded a little. This is the kind of fun, unique, just a little bit cray cray I aspire to be. Can’t wait to see more!
Love this so much!!
This is seriously awesome! Is the plant real or faux and is that also from HD? wow.
You’re seriously so rad; I’ve been reading your blog for years now, and you just keep getting better and better!
Magnificent!
Incredible job! You really do have the gift. 🙂
You have outdone yourself. This is truly unique and beautiful. Bravo!
No one is asking about the GOLD LAMP? !!?? Did I miss something in a previous post? please share your source for the bedside hanging lamp shade thank you !!
Sorry, looks like spun brass?
Will you be my mama?
Looks great but I imagine the dust will be a nightmare…. also I feel sixty years old pointing this out but there you go.
In love with the color rays!! Would you mind sharing the palette? Your process is very inspirational, can’t wait to see more!
I love this room. But am I blind…..Where is the wallpaper?
Phenomenal! I remember when I first saw your hexagon wall and was speechless at your creative power and ingenuity. You’ve still got it, girl!
Your brain continues to amaze.