Renae Keller Interior Design

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! I hope you all had a relaxing long weekend and enjoyed the pleasant weather as much as my family and I did.

I have an exciting announcement: My blog has a new look and location! I was so inspired in New York City (more about that in my next post!) that I decided to jazz up my blog with a cleaner, more sophisticated look. I also changed the name of my blog site to burnthecandles.com–so perfect for my business, right?

So here’s my new look.

You can still get to my blog from my website by clicking on the “BLOG” tab at the top of the page. But if you have subscribed to my blog through a feed/RSS reader (like Google Reader, for example), you’ll need to change the subscribing address to burnthecandles.com/blog.

Also, in just a few days, this blog location will no longer be active. Rest assured, however, it will be alive and kicking at its new home at burnthecandles.com.

Happy reading!

xoxo,

Renae

You may remember a few weeks ago when I talked about preparing for my Make-A-Wish project. Little Olivia, diagnosed with lupus at the much-too-young age of 6, chose her Make-A-Wish wish to be a redecorated “Princess and the Frog” style bedroom. Smart girl…instead of going to Disney World one time, she brought Disney to her so she could experience it every day!

Olivia in her "before" room.

"Before" room.

The day finally arrived to put her room together and present the renovation to sweet Olivia. I was so excited to see this project come together and find out whether it would become the vision I’d had in my head all along!

That morning, Make-A-Wish granters Krista and Kim and I met at Olivia’s home to use some old-fashioned she-power to get things done. The room had been painted the day before, so we had a fresh, clean canvas to begin our work.

Soon after we arrived, we called upon the talents of our handyman, Steve McCullough, to hang things around the room and put the beds together…what a lifesaver! A girl can only do so much before she ruins her fresh mani, you know! The beds were graciously donated by Premier Builders in Rochester. We unpacked the lamps, mirror and accessories, and put together the cubbies for the kids’ toys and books.

Handyman Steve hard at work.

After a coffee/sticky roll break, I left to pick up the pin up board I purchased at Artistic Framers in Rochester. Look how great that board looks with the dresser! Thanks, Sue! (Clearly Olivia is a little excited about it, too!)

Next we put the box springs on the bed frames and covered the mattress with a mattress pad. We threw on the sheets, blankets and the handmade duvets — thank you Cathy for all your incredible work! Ahhhhhh, so fun!

We rolled out the rug, unwrapped the white painted dressers (very cottage-y looking), and put everything in its place. Unfortunately bunk beds weren’t an option because of the low ceilings. I wanted to maximize the play space but also allow each child to have his or her own space…in this case, their own space is their bed.

FINALLY it was time to surprise Olivia, her brother Tony, and her mom Lia. Upon entering her new room, Olivia squealed with delight and repeated an emphatic “Yes!” as she grinned from ear to ear. When I saw Olivia’s face light up, it was priceless. Truly the best moment of doing what I do…

Just look at this face and tell me I don't have the coolest job ever!

Olivia, Lia and Tony.

A note from Tony about his family. So well said...

Olivia and me.

xoxo,

Renae

Little did I know a day at Somerby golf course in Byron, Minn., would lead to one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. A casual offer of design time at a Make-A-Wish silent auction event has one year later has landed me straight in the home of the world’s cutest little girl: Olivia.

Olivia has been diagnosed with lupus, but let me tell you, you’d never know by being in her presence the extent of what she’s been through. Her enthusiasm and love for life is infectious! This girly girl, who loves every color of the rainbow, was giddy to see us and show off the bedroom she shares with her brother. Her prized space she adored so intensely…what a gift to be able to make it a magical wish-come-true for a girl who has already endured more than your average 6-year-old. Despite all she has been through, she insisted we plan a room that would accommodate her twin brother as well. That was request number one. Request number two? “Princess and the Frog” the heck out of it!

Adorable Olivia...don't you want to just eat her up?

So what comes to mind when I hear Princess and the Frog? Fresh green (frog!) color with purples as accents. But remember, I’ve got to think about Olivia’s brother, too, so it can’t be too girly and princessy. Basic pieces that can go either way will be the key here, including custom made and painted headboards donated by Premier Builders of Rochester.

Very "Princess and the Frog"gy, don't you think?

Below is a sneak peak of Olivia’s bedding. The girly pinks without being obnoxiously feminine will nicely complement her brother’s space in the room. The room must be cozy, inviting and fun! It should encourage play, casual comfort and relaxation. A happy place that cultivates creativity in little ones who are dealing with more than should ever be asked of them.

Greens, pinks and gold = frogs, girls and princesses!

See her brother’s fabric? Same pattern, different colorway. A-dor-a-ble.

Masculine without being too adult.

Stay tuned to find out about the reveal happening in just a few days. If I’ve done my job, she’ll either be rendered speechless or squeal with 6-year-old delight. Either way, I think it’s really my wish that came true.

xoxo,

Renae