Lolita-fying my (and your) Bedroom - Part 1

♥†♥ Background Info ♥†♥

So I was think of Lolita-fying my bedroom. Sound simple? sure....if you happen to be the flash and have the amazing D.I.Y. skills of some tv toolman. Unfortunately - not that easy. sigh I haven't started yet, since its exam season, but I fully intend to (lol) after its over. I figured it would be fun to make a checklist of sorts for anyone who wants to redecorate their bedrooms too. Keep in mind, its really fun to do with friends, but dont get carried away painting each other...

Lolita Bedroom

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♥†♥ How to Start♥†♥

First there are a few essential basics you must have to start:

♥ Permission: lets face it, some parents are very interested in the houses' resale value.

♥ Money: most of the time, parents will not agree to fund you. If you are a smart shopper, you dont need very much money, I totaled the cost of my new room and it will cost $130, but thats because we have some white paint already and i like my wallpaper.

♥ Time: don't expect to finish this in one or two days - its entirely likely that you will spend a few days camped on the sofa due to paint fumes and whatnot, but it will be worth it la~! (depending on how far you want to take this)

♥ Paint: comes under the money issue as well.

♥ A Room: it doesnt have to be your bedroom, it could just as likely be a spare room your parents will let you use.

♥†♥ Which Style?♥†♥

This all depends on your personal style, it doesnt even need to be lolita!! Try to find items that make you happy that also fit in with your style. For me, I really love all lolita styles, so its not an issue: my parents find that I use too much black, so they forbid the use of black in my room. Solution? Classic Lolita!!

Once you have decided on the style (links are on the Lolita Dollhouse group homepage), its time to start acquiring!!

Lolita Bedroom

♥†♥ Colour Schemes/Key Points ♥†♥

There are a few favourites out there:

♥ Gothic Lolita - black/red, black/white, or black/black and white/white (waayyyy hard to pull off)

♥ Sweet Lolita - fruit prints, cutesy animals, pink/white and blue/white are very popular.

♥ Classic Lolita - beige and other muted tones, browns, rich reds, purples, deep blues.

♥ Aristocrat - simplistic!! Dark colours and fewer frills.

♥ Ouji - very difficult, its boyish style, but still with white and deep colours, no frills, think little boy - Momiji or HIro from fruitsbasket or Hani Honey from Ouran Host Club.

♥ Wa-loli - I've actually never heard of this kind of bedroom, but i assume very traditional, tatami mats (impossible here), wooden screens, parasols, and very low tables.

Lolita Bedroom - canopy

♥†♥ Acquiring New Possessions♥†♥

Now there is no rule that everything must match. Goodness knows, my walls are purple and my bed-to-be is going to be red gingham/white. But try to keep this within reason - no need for lurid green dots on bright fluroscent orange pillows for instance.

If you are going to get new manchester and furniture (keep to your budget though!!), try to find more old-fashioned items. Broderie Anglais duvet covers, frilly valences/pillowcases and old-fashioned quilts are perfect for your bed (and if its summer, you dont actually have to use them) and furniture should look antique. I just used normal everyday furniture and used a kind of stain to make them look older.

♥†♥ Where to Shop ♥†♥

Lets face it, a complete sheet set from Bed, Bath and Beyond might blow your budget (sometimes go for at least $70), so why not try to make your own? Its relatively simple with a sewing machine - but good quality linen is expensive too. So the best option would be online shopping or second-hand shops i think, despite being 'second-hand' there are some really very good finds out there, i often buy sheets with old-fashioned prints and make skirts. A little time spent washing and ironing could save you lots of money. Try to match things as well, go with a colour scheme (see above), not just pile frilly pillows over and over each other.

Or try shopping overseas, if you have a trip coming up (as many asian families do), you could save up and buy all the nessecities then, and if you dont, you can always try overseas online catalogues - although the postage often costs more than actual item...^^"

Another good idea is to buy good quality sheets with an unfavourable pattern and buy some dye!!! this will work for dark colours, especially black, but not for whites, especially if the fabric is colourfast (tried it with my ruffly pajamas, did not go well).

Lolita Bedroom

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♥†♥ Things You Might Consider Buying ♥†♥

♥ Sheets and duvet covers (manchester in general) - Can make a boring bed look so adorable, try to match colours and use many pillows!!

♥ Old-fashioned furniture - a small tea table or writing desk, can sometimes be found in second hand store in very good condition and very cheap, but be care to look for woodlice!!

♥ Throws or Quilts - not only warm, but a bright touch to a dull room, ruffled edges can easily be added.

♥ Old tea tins or cake boxes - make very elegant storage places, especially with floral patterns!

♥ Mosquito Nets - makes a modern day canopy, both useful AND pretty. Consider buying the hooped kind, to hang decorations from, or hem it with ribbon or lace.

♥ Anything you like! - whatever it is can generally be included into your room. I have an old chest of drawers that i really love, but its wood isnt good quality - solution? paint the drawers white and stencil designs onto it!

Lolita Bed

And just while we're at it - 

♥†♥ Other Lolita-esque Items to Look Out For♥†♥

♥ Old-fashioned Dolls or Teddybears.

♥ Tea sets/ a small tea table.

♥ Handkershiefs/ gloves/ parasols.

♥ Lace/ ribbons/ flowers (try not to get plastic, its a little tacky)

♥ Fabric that reminds you of wallpaper - floral.

♥ Mirrors.

♥ Old photo albums or diaries.

♥ Classic childrens books esp. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and The Secret Garden.

♥ Jewellery boxes

♥ Any clothing that can be easily altered.

♥ Embroidery. cross-stitch, quilting, any crafts books that were popular in Victorian/Edwardian times.