Layer by Layer: A Whimsical Kid’s Room with a Canopy Bed
If you’ve ever wondered how designers create that “collected over time” look you see in magazines, the secret is: layering.
Recently, I shared a reel that went viral (for me—40K views as of this writing): me putting my daughter’s room back together piece by piece. It resonated because you could really see the design come to life—bed first, then canopy, then art, then the small touches that make a space feel finished.
Instagram reel of Jessie Surber reassembling her daughter’s whimsical room layer by layer with a canopy bed, patterned fabrics, and colorful design details.
The Hero Piece: A Crown Canopy Bed
In this room, the hero piece was the crown canopy over the bed. It’s playful and whimsical, but also timeless—something that feels right at home in both a child’s bedroom and a heritage-inspired interior. The canopy fabric brought instant color and softness, setting the stage for everything else.
The Layering Process
Here’s how the room came together:
Crown canopy & fabric: A statement piece that adds both height and interest
Bedding & pillows: Where I played with pattern and color for personality.
Rug: Continued to pull the scheme together
Artwork & styling: The finishing touch that makes the room feel lived-in, not staged.
Why Pattern Matters
Pattern—whether on fabric or walls—has the power to make people feel more at ease. There’s something deeply comforting about being surrounded by a design that someone has created. Even subconsciously, we recognize that pattern carries the imprint of its maker. You can feel when something was created for the love of art, and that expression of care makes a space feel more grounded—more like home.
Why Layering Matters
When a room feels flat or unfinished, it’s usually because a layer or layers are missing. Maybe you’ve got the big furniture in place, but no fabric to soften it. Or you’ve chosen a rug, but haven’t added art to balance the walls. Layering is what transforms a space from functional to artful, cozy, and deeply personal.
In my work, I treat pattern and color as forms of art. That canopy wasn’t just fabric—it was the brushstroke that made the room sing.
Ready to Layer Your Own Home?
If your home feels like it’s missing something, chances are it needs a thoughtful layer (or two). Whether that’s a rug to anchor your living room, curtains to frame your windows, or a canopy to make your child’s room magical, I can help you identify what will bring your space to life.
I would love to guide you through the process with my Interior Design Services. You can schedule a call or a consultation, and we’ll chat through your ideas and vision. It’s the first step toward creating a home you truly love.
And if you are inspired by pattern too, my first wallpaper and border collection is in the works—subscribe to my newsletter (below in footer) for early previews and a closer look inside the studio.
