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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Positively Sweet Studio

| By John Petersik | December 27, 2012 | 77 Comments

Reader Redesign: Positively Sweet Studio

Psst- We did it. We survived hosting our very first Christmas dinner at our house. So of course Sherry’s hyper and giddy about sharing all of the photos and details next week (we’re spending the rest of the week with the family, but we’re dropping in with a little post today and another one for you tomorrow too). Hope you’re all enjoying the holiday!

When it comes to Reader Redesign submissions, sometimes it’s the room pictures that really get me, sometimes it’s the story behind the room, and sometimes it’s both. That’s why we loved the tale Julia and Chris’s studio tells… and the result is pretty sweet too. Here’s her letter: Hey John and Sherry, I wanted to share the studio we finished in our home. When our little family of three moved into our house last April, we had plans to turn the third upstairs bedroom (a seriously creepy and outdated nursery) into a second nursery for a second child. 

Chris Loves Julie Before

After over a year and a half of no-such-luck in the baby department, we decided to open the door to the stale room and turn the room into a useable space that we could enjoy right now–a studio for me with room for our little girl, Greta, to “work” in too.

Chris Loves Julia After

Over the course of a month and a half, we painted the walls a crisp white and the ceiling a lively turquoise. We changed the light fixture and the floor covering and the window treatments (which are actually two tapestries from Urban Outfitters) to inject life into this room.

Chris Loves Julia Ceiling

What used to be a sad reminder of what we were wanting in our lives, became a beyond happy and exciting experience for our little family and the friends who cheered us on. One of the last projects I did was DIY a 3D quote on the wall that encompassed what this room represented, and our new mantra: “Be Open To Whatever Comes Next.”  

Chris Loves Julia Easel

Next on our agenda is having a picnic lunch right on the floor in here–we love it that much. Thanks for all that you do and your constant and daily inspiration! -Julia

Chris Loves Julia Kids Table

I don’t say this very often about a room – but I think my favorite things about it are the ceiling and the floor. The color on the ceiling turns the whole space happy while the FLOR tiles below feel downright cozy. If you want more info on Chris & Julia’s makeover, hit up their blog for extra photos, sources, and links to the various DIY projects involved. And a big thanks to them for sending the inspiration our way! What about you guys? Do you have any favorite parts?

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Comments

  1. Avatar for AlexAlex says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:21 am

    Love the quote on the wall!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:23 am

    Absolutley Love those curtains!!! Such a creative space.. how could you not be inspired!!!?

    Reply
  3. Avatar for gretagreta says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Congrats, you chose the BEST name ever! My name is Greta too.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for StacyStacy says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:29 am

    I like the wall quote and the curtains!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Lisa @ Charlie The CavalierLisa @ Charlie The Cavalier says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:30 am

    My daughter would love a chalk board like this.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for MegMeg says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:36 am

    I love Julia’s artwork! They actually got reader input when making the updates which was so fun to be a part of.

    and the floor! We have our very first FLOR carpet tiles arriving today and I’m so excited!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for ChristineChristine says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:39 am

    I admire their spirit as well as their decorating acumen! Waiting for babies puts all sorts of things in limbo. I hope 2013 brings lots of good “whatever comes next” their way.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Leigh-AnneLeigh-Anne says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:40 am

    What a lovely mantra!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Brenna Y.Brenna Y. says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:40 am

    STEALING the 3D wall art idea! Beyond brilliant!!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for MelodyMelody says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I’m an artist, and I would LOVE to have a studio like that!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for VivianVivian says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:40 am

    Gotta be the curtains! A shot of “happy” every time you walk in!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:41 am

    I absolutely love Chris and Julia and their blog! I really want to do a very similar wall quote in our living room once we get around to painting it that is ;)

    They are also working on Greta’s “big girl” room and using grass cloth wallpaper, which has inspired me yet again! :)

    Reply
  13. Avatar for N ShirleyN Shirley says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:41 am

    I am glad you are enjoying the holidays Sherry and John- love the reader re-design! And the quote- we so often have our house decorated for the life we wish we lived instead of seizing the moments we are living!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 27, 2012 at 10:58 am

      So true!

      xo
      s

  14. Avatar for Ann MarieAnn Marie says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:47 am

    Love it. And love their mantra. I may have to “borrow” that for my 2013 resolution. Such an energetic, creative space!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Rebecca @This Nest is BestRebecca @This Nest is Best says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:48 am

    I absolutely love this room! The quote on the wall is fantastic.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:50 am

    I loved watching them do the room makeover on their blog. Best part was they had their readers help pick out many of the pieces. Totally love the bright colors and it has inspired me to paint a ceiling a fun color in my next house!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for ValVal says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:52 am

    This is gorgeous and so crazy simple! These were all totally easy updates and it made such a huge impact. I love how she hung those curtains across the entire wall — I never would have thought to do that and it looks amazing. And I am crazy about that 3D, low-contrast quote. Again, never would have thought of it and now I’m trying to pick out a wall in my house that needs this right now.

    Great room and great story. Sometimes you have to make room for good things to come into your life, even if they aren’t always the good things you were expecting.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Amy EAmy E says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Love this room and love the story behind it. Way to turn something painful into something inspiring! Thanks for the ideas!!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:58 am

    I saw this space earlier this year. I immediately bought the tapestry from Urban Outfitters. They are so vibrant and awesome! I did end up dividing the 2 I bought into 4 panels to cover 2 windows and hung them high and wide. Thanks for featuring them on your Reader Redesign! Awesome job!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Erika MiloErika Milo says

    December 27, 2012 at 10:59 am

    I always wondered if you could paint a textured ceiling and if it would work okay…looks great…good to know that with the right color combo it could change the room-positively. Very nice!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Gabrielle MartinGabrielle Martin says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:03 am

    Thank you so much for responding to my email about the number of people at your book signings! I just wanted to let you know that I received it without clogging up your inbox further. We will make hotel arrangements and see you next month! I’m so excited :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 27, 2012 at 11:22 am

      Sure thing! So excited!

      xo
      s

  22. Avatar for KateKate says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:03 am

    I love love love the curtains. They got in such bright colors and bold patterns without overwhelming the room. I love this room, and the story behind it.

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Julia @ Chris Loves JuliaJulia @ Chris Loves Julia says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:04 am

    You guys!!! Whhaaatttttt??? I am so honored and flattered to be featured on your site today. It is seriously bucket list material.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 27, 2012 at 11:22 am

      Of course! We love your space and especially your story Julia! Such an inspiration.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for BetsyBetsy says

      December 27, 2012 at 4:43 pm

      What a beautiful room and a beautiful attitude. And though I’m sure you know this, there’s nothing wrong with having an only child! I am an only and I can thank that for a lot of blessings I’ve had in my life, not least of which is my extremely close relationship with my parents. And my parents did ultimately get a son one day – my husband. Life is a funny thing and it’s wonderful to see you embrace its quirks and make such a gorgeous visual reminder.

  24. Avatar for EricaErica says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:05 am

    Love! I adore that quote wall. Having the letters the same shade as the wall packs a surprising amount of visual punch. And that curtain is fantastic.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for RichelleRichelle says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:14 am

    I love everything about it, those curtains are amazing and the pop of color on the ceiling is so pretty!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for MamawMamaw says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:15 am

    Love the 3D quote on the wall. Hang in there, the best is yet to come. Best of luck to you!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for DianeDiane says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:20 am

    I had no idea FLOR made carpet tiles. Thanks, guys!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for MeredithMeredith says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:34 am

    This has nothing to do with the room (which is lovely), but the “We’re Digging” totally prompted me to read “Gone Girl”. And by ‘read’, I mean devour in 2 days. An excellent book for a snow day (Iowa got walloped with 12 inches in 12 hours last week, and I was quite cozy in my sweats, book in hand). Thanks for the rec!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 27, 2012 at 11:41 am

      Ooh yes, John read it on the plane and I can’t wait to read it too! No spoilers! I hope to start it this weekend :)

      xo
      s

  29. Avatar for Megan @ Rappsody in RoomsMegan @ Rappsody in Rooms says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:43 am

    Oh wow! What an inspiring story! I am cheering for them on whatever comes next. I also love the idea of using your house the way you need it now. It definitely makes it a happier space!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for BethBeth says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Love the room redo that serves as an inspiration, too! Kudos to them for making the present count instead of just planning for an uncertain future. I’m a new addict to their blog.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Marcia V. of Precious StyleMarcia V. of Precious Style says

    December 27, 2012 at 11:59 am

    Such a sweet room. That ceiling and the wall quote are the stars of the show.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Beth A.Beth A. says

    December 27, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    Love the new room and the story behind it.
    Thanks for featuring such an inspiring reader redesign!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for JoyJoy says

    December 27, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    I love, love the white walls against the turquoise ceiling. What a wonderful pop of color!

    The whole room looks like creativity waiting to come out.

    Reply
  34. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    December 27, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    Pet peeve: one champs, not chomps, at the bit. I realize this is a lost cause.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 27, 2012 at 12:51 pm

      Thanks Stephanie! Who knew?

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Beth A.Beth A. says

      December 27, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      Couldn’t resist looking this up. Sounds like it is a lost cause, Stephanie — the “chomps” might win out in the long run. See link http://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2007/01/do-you-champ-or-chomp-at-the-bit.html

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 27, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      So interesting!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

      December 27, 2012 at 8:27 pm

      Hey I got someone to read about it! I will take it!

  35. Avatar for Krystle @ Color Transformed FamilyKrystle @ Color Transformed Family says

    December 27, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Wow! It’s hard to believe that’s the same room. That is what I love about the reader redesigns. Such a huge transformation and like John I think the ceiling is my favorite. So much inspiration in the room.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AlishaAlisha says

      December 28, 2012 at 7:05 pm

      ME TOO! Loooove the ceiling–But the fun curtains and the 3D white-on-white quote aren’t far behind! I also find that $5 (!!!) extra long IKEA curtain rod quite fetching…and that yellow table lamp….AND the FLOR tiles over the stained subfloors….okay, it’s all kinda amazing.

  36. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    December 27, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Love everything about this room! I checked out their blog, and I wound up pinning their “house tour.” Beautiful home (and her paintings are great, too!).

    Reply
  37. Avatar for Kim @ Yellow Brick HomeKim @ Yellow Brick Home says

    December 27, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Oh my, LOVE Julia and Chris! They are so cute, and their studio inspired some choices we’ve made in our home too (specifically, we got the exact same FLOR tiles in our living room now)!

    YAY, so happy to see them featured here.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for KatrinaKatrina says

    December 27, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    I’ve been putting off updating our guest room since we bought the house a few years ago in hopes that it would someday be a nursery. Welp, here I am after two years of trying and I’m beginning to think I should just go ahead and start painting it. At least my guests won’t have to sleep in an ugly room, and if a baby ever comes our way, then I’ll get to re-do it all over again!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for michellemichelle says

    December 27, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    love the look, but did they paint the popcorn ceiling? that will never come off!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for AdrienneAdrienne says

    December 27, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    This is amazing! So simple! Yet, so much impact!!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for Robin @ happilyhomeafter.blogspot.comRobin @ happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com says

    December 27, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    What do I love most about this room … the spirit of the homeowners!!! … it’s written all over the place, from their wisdom to let go of a painful reminder {we can all learn something from that}, to living in this moment {“now/here” instead of stuck in “no/where”}, to their spunky and effective use of color and graphic objects. They are so inspirational :) I definitely will DIY some version of that quote: be open to whatever comes next. I love love love this. Robin

    Reply
  42. Avatar for EileenEileen says

    December 27, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    Ha! I had that same pink striped window topper in my bathroom for years (stuffed with tissue paper to make it all balloony). And I’ll tell ya, just removing that 80’s holdover and replacing it with something more contemporary made a huge difference. I love Julia and Chris’s choice!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for ElisaElisa says

    December 27, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    That’s a very nice, touching story and a wonderful room. It’s got some very unique touches, like the painted ceiling and the bold colors on the curtains, that I really love!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for AnnieAnnie says

    December 27, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Love the room! Thanks for featuring the story behind it too-we’ve spent the last 8 months trying for our first without success, and it seems any time you open facebook or your e-mail homepage, someone else is glowing about being pregnant. Totally understandable that not getting pregnant isn’t newsworthy, but it’s nice when someone else makes the journey feel a little less lonely in such a positive way!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for KateKate says

    December 27, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    Julia, I’m so glad to see your pictures! I’ve been thinking about doing big white letters on a white wall and I’m so excited to see how great yours looks :) I’m definitely doing it now!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for JenBJenB says

    December 27, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    Great room. I love the curtains as well..and the ceiling and the floor. All of it!

    I got a chill when I saw the carousel stencil. The previous owners of my first house had the exact, same stencil in their little girl’s room. It was out of date then–12 years ago!!
    So uuuggglly! I was very happy to paint over that sucker!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for CarlaCarla says

    December 27, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    Such a precious makeover, so beautifully done. With all that lovely energy in your new room, I wouldn’t be surprised if something really special were to come along.

    Have a wonderful New Year!!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for LillyLilly says

    December 27, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    I have admired this room in other websites I love it, my favorite feature is the colorful tapestries use as window treatments. But their is so much to love about it.

    Reply
  49. Avatar for TrudeTrude says

    December 27, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Wow that ceiling really pops, and I love the white letters on the white wall, so cool! Super cozy and inspiring.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for KimKim says

    December 27, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    I love how they made the best of their situation and created a super fun room. Those curtains are killer, and the turquoise ceiling just makes it. I needed to read something like this today. Thank you.

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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