After spending so much time sheltering in place this year, many of us have discovered just how important our spaces can be. For the third annual Real Simple Home in the October issue, they’ve partnered with designers and organizers to design a space in a real home and ideas for making every area inviting, calming, and ultra-functional. I’m excited to be one of the designers this year and share the room I created with you!

My inspiration for this room is a real-life 11-year-old living in NYC named Evan. She’s artsy, a little edgy, and loves yellow. I wanted a space that felt fun and inspiring for a tween but also felt like she could grow into as she becomes a teen. Since the room is small, I added a large wallpaper mural to the focal wall behind the bed for impact.

New York City apartments and rooms are always on the smaller size, so I had to maximize the space with storage options that go vertically and allow her art supplies and sketchbooks to be stored off the desk. All of the major pieces of furniture are neutral (whites and light woods) with yellow in with a couple statement items like the peg board here and the wall mural by her bed. At this age, all furniture can be adult-sized so that she can use it for a while to come.

Typically this home could be toured in real life. But for the first time, Real Simple will be hosting a LIVE virtual event on October 1st to give you exclusive behind-the-scenes access to everything Real Simple Home. Be sure to register before October 1 so you can access the event page and get reminders via email.

This was such a fun project to work on since it’s an age I haven’t had a chance to design for yet, and I hope this gives you some fun inspiration for your own home. See the October issue of Real Simple for my room and more by all the other talented designers!

Bed Photo Sources: Wall Mural by Christina Flowers for Minted; Bedframe by The Novogratz; Yellow Round Pillow by Castle; Duvet Cover by Castle; Duvet Insert by Bed, Bath & Beyond; Sheet by Castle; Dotty Pillow Case by Castle; Scallop Pillow Case by Castle; Pillow Inserts by Bed, Bath & Beyond; Rug by Crate & Barrel; Nightstand by Urban Outfitters; Planter by The Jungalow; Faux Plant by Terrain; General Stationery by Poketo; Tout Est Magique Print by Hotel Magique; Floor Lamp by CB2; Curtains by West Elm;  Curtain Tie-Backs by Urban Outfitters; and Curtain Rod by West Elm.

Desk Photo Sources: Curtains by West Elm;  Curtain Tie-Backs by Urban Outfitters; Curtain Rod by West Elm; Desk Chair by Industry West; Desk by Oeuf; Desk Lamp by CB2; Pencil Cups by The Jungalow; Face Vases by The Jungalow; General Stationery by Poketo; Pegboard by Peg & Board; Arc Shelf by Peg & Board; Green Coat Print by Thee Bouffants for Society6; Peace Print by Sabrena Khadija for Society6; and Arc Shelf by Peg & Board.

(Photos by Christopher Testani, Room Design by Joy Cho, Styling by Sarah Smart, Location in The Marbury Condos)