Elevate Your Decor: Embracing Whimsy with Hanging Birdcages
Why simply put a bird on it when you can embrace an entire birdcage? This playful notion lies at the heart of our latest decor adventure, transforming a simple concept into a captivating focal point for Clara’s room. And if one birdcage adds a touch of charm, imagine the delightful impact of three!
Before diving into the full story of our avian-inspired installation, a quick note on the daybed sheet: We’ve received a few inquiries about the brown sheet currently gracing the daybed. Rest assured, this is merely a temporary placeholder! We are still in the process of selecting the perfect bedding, which will most likely be a sophisticated navy to complement the room’s palette. That old, somewhat “crazy” tan sheet, a relic from six years past, will soon be retired. For now, we invite you to focus your attention upwards, towards the real stars of this reveal.
Unveiling the “Secret 3D Items”: A Creative Solution for an Off-Center Window
The anticipation for these hanging birdcages has been palpable since we first embarked on this room’s design journey. It’s incredibly exciting to finally unveil what we’ve cryptically referred to as the “secret 3D items that we plan to hang to balance that off-center window.” This seemingly unconventional choice stems from a year-long quest and a commitment to infusing Clara’s space with unique character and visual balance.
The genesis of this idea dates back over a year ago when we stumbled upon a magnificent, large white birdcage at a local thrift store. We were there for book shoots, scouting other treasures, but this piece was simply irresistible. For a mere thirty dollars, it became ours, and I genuinely hugged it all the way home – a testament to the thrill of a perfect find!
Our collection expanded back in September, during our drive home from renovating Granny’s bathroom. While visiting a thrift shop in West Virginia, where we also snagged those incredible $8 thrift store chairs, we discovered the striking red birdcage. Originally white, it joined our growing collection for just $10, further solidifying the vision of a multi-birdcage display.
The Quest for Three: Persistence Pays Off
With two birdcages happily waiting, I knew our design truly called for a grouping of three to create a cohesive and visually appealing arrangement. However, as Murphy’s Law often dictates, the third piece proved to be the most elusive. Our search took us through countless thrift stores, a dedicated stint of “Craigslist stalking” (where some sellers shockingly asked $90 for their birdcages – a definite “eeks!” moment!), and even browsing specialized online decorative birdcage vendors. While these vendors certainly exist, their price tags were often well beyond our budget and vision for this project.
Just as hope began to wane, a serendipitous visit to Hobby Lobby brought our quest to a triumphant end. There, on the left, was the perfect final piece. Thanks to one of Hobby Lobby’s ever-present 50% off sales, this beauty was mine for only $19. It arrived in a beautiful darker pewter color, which sparked a new creative direction.
A Splash of Color: From Uniformity to Dynamic Mix
My initial plan was to spray-paint the new pewter birdcage white, creating a uniform trio to match the other two. However, a moment of inspiration struck: why not embrace the existing pewter tone? It perfectly ties into the room’s navy curtains, adding a subtle touch of elegance. This decision then paved the way for transforming the $10 thrift store birdcage, originally white, into a vibrant bright red. The resulting mix of white, red, and pewter creates a fun, dynamic, and unexpectedly cohesive display that adds incredible character to the room.
A Magical Reveal: Clara’s Delight and Safety First
One of the most exciting aspects of this project was keeping it a complete surprise for Clara. She didn’t see me paint the red birdcage, nor did she witness the hanging process. Because these birdcages are remarkably light, we used standard plant hooks (designed to hold significantly more weight) along with anchors, just to ensure maximum safety and stability. The moment she woke from her nap and discovered them suspended above her daybed was absolutely priceless. We truly wish we had captured it on video! There was an abundance of pointing, excitedly lying on the floor and daybed, and gazing upwards with pure wonder. Soon after, all her beloved stuffed animals were brought in to share in the spectacle.
Speaking of safety, it was a paramount consideration, especially given that the white and red birdcages are particularly light, crafted entirely from wicker. To eliminate any potential risk, we strategically hung the heavier, dark pewter birdcage at the very end, ensuring it does not hang over the daybed at all. This arrangement is much clearer from the following perspective:
Even though the white and red wicker birdcages are exceptionally light, we maintained our cautious approach, ensuring they too were not directly suspended over the daybed. As you can observe from this angle, they are set back significantly, and the daybed itself is pulled away from the wall. This careful positioning guarantees that they are safely out of reach, preventing any accidental bumps should Clara decide to engage in some spirited jumping on the bed! Ultimately, these birdcages function much like a hanging mobile, a model airplane, or any other ceiling-mounted decoration commonly found in a child’s room. We are great believers in creating captivating elements for Clara to gaze up at – much like her beautiful flower mobiles – making these birdcages a truly special and joyful addition to her space.
Beyond Flat Walls: Adding Dimension, Color, and Playfulness
And so, that’s the complete narrative of our hanging birdcages. We absolutely adore the rich interest, diverse patterns, vibrant colors, and undeniable playfulness they inject into the room. This effect is especially potent considering we already have a frame collage on one wall and our beloved postcard ledges adorning another. It’s incredibly rewarding to continually seek new and inventive ways to add dimension and intrigue to a space, moving beyond the traditional confines of flat picture frames. These birdcages are a perfect example of how unconventional objects can create a truly memorable and engaging environment.
Behold! A detailed shot of one of our charming birdcages, allowing you to appreciate the intricate details and textures up close.
Tiny Updates, Big Impact: Sir Moose Gets a New Look
Alongside the grand birdcage reveal, a few tiny yet impactful updates have also taken place. I recently found some thin red ribbon, a remnant from my Christmas decorations box, and gently wrapped it around the base of Sir Moose’s lamp. This subtle addition helps to beautifully balance the patterned lampshade, adding a touch of cohesive color. The idea actually originated from Diane, who suggested painting the base in a thoughtful comment when we initially shared the new shade. Thanks, Diane, for the brilliant inspiration! I opted for ribbon due to its effortless reversibility, offering flexibility for future design whims.
Attaching the ribbon was remarkably simple: I secured it around the back with regular Scotch tape about a week ago. It’s still holding strong, proving that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective!
Clara’s Room: A Harmonious Blend of Progress and Future Plans
It’s truly satisfying to see Clara’s room steadily approaching completion in various areas. While our to-do list still boasts several items, the progress, though slow, is undeniably steady and rewarding.
Speaking of the list, here’s an updated look at our ongoing projects and accomplishments:
paint the room(more on that here)cut down our old den side table to make a play table(more on thathere)bring in a dresser (we’d love to find something secondhand)(more on that here)
make/hang some curtains(more on thathere)
add a rug(more on thathere)
paint the backs of the chairs along with her play table(more on that here)hang our postcard ledges and fill them with favorite flashcards(more on that here)install a new light fixture(more on that here)hang a few 3D objects that we have in mind for wall decor (how’s that for cryptic?)- get a new set of sheets for the daybed (most likely in navy) along with a cushy mattress pad
- refinish or paint Clara’s new dresser (which we got here)
- turn the junked up closet into an actual clothes closet/reading nook
- add crown molding (along with tackling the other un-crown-molding-ed bedrooms on this side of the house)
- possibly paint the ceiling once the crown goes up and we choose a color…
- add accessories like more pillows, storage bins for toys, etc
Oh, and we also recently framed and hung one more special item that truly encapsulates the spirit of this room…
A Gift from the Heart: Katie Daisy’s Art
Isn’t it absolutely adorable? I adore how its message greets you right as you walk in, and how its vibrant array of colors beautifully echoes the hues scattered throughout the room. This enchanting print is by the incredibly talented Katie Daisy – I’ve been a truly crazy, rabid fan of her amazing work for a long time. The story behind its acquisition makes it even more cherished: I had actually pinned this print about a year ago, only to be incredibly surprised when our new friends, Lauren and Steve, presented it to us (all rolled up and tied with a ribbon!) at our book signing in Palo Alto. How incredibly thoughtful is that? It’s truly amazing how considerate and observant people can be. When I exclaimed, “I pinned this so long ago!”, Lauren simply replied, “I know!”
Perhaps I’m just a sappy mom, but this gesture still brings a misty-eyed warmth to my heart every time I look at it. The print’s message rings so true: Clara is loved like crazy. And each time I see it, I send a wave of gratitude to Lauren and Steve for their wonderfully thoughtful surprise, which perfectly encapsulates the loving atmosphere we strive to create in Clara’s room.
Your Turn: What’s Decorating Your World?
So, that’s the latest from Clara’s big girl room – a space continuously evolving with personal touches, creative solutions, and a whole lot of love. What exciting projects have you been tackling this weekend? Has anyone else been hanging intriguing 3D objects or beautiful little prints to add character to their space? And what do you think of our bold statement: “Put a birdcage on it”? Do you think it has the potential to become a decorating trend? Come on, guys, we could make this catch on! The real question is, do we actually want it to…?
Psst- Ahhhhhh! The secret video project we hinted about on Instagram is finally live! It was actually for BBC, and not only do I sport a side ponytail, but there’s also extensive discussion about our big goals for the year. There’s nothing quite like committing to a resolution by chatting about it at length with BBC News! You can watch the full video and read the accompanying article here. If nothing else, the shots of Clara and Burger are absolutely priceless and worth the watch.