Forever amazed by God’s grace and perfect timing, Erika Ward created this enchanting room design in just two days. Inspiration came from her daughter’s name, a bird, and God’s unmerited favor. photography by Katlyne Hill

Ava Grace, my little princess, is the sweetest, most patient dream you’d ever meet. She spent several months in this room waiting for me to make up my mind on the design for her space. The last time I posted on Ava’s room was back in January 2010 when it looked like this:

Then, a huge wave of inspiration hit after our beach vacation and I finished her room in two days! While headed home from Myrtle Beach, my husband and I discussed each child and the meaning of their name. Ava (meaning bird) and Grace (meaning unmerited favor) brought to mind a well-watered garden covered in God’s protection. A secret garden where she could escape from her rambunctious brothers for a little tea party with her favorite feathered friends.

Love and Trumpet Flowers
The color palette was inspired by Amy Butler’s Love/Trumpet Flowers/Pink as seen below. Hues of watermelon pink, ballet slipper pink, watery blue, and key lime appear throughout the room and create an atmosphere of calm and enchantment. Her room is painted with Watery SW6478 by Sherwin Williams.

Sweet Sentiments and a Labor of Love
What makes Ava’s room so special is that she is surrounded by many items that hold sentimental value. The handmade light fixture and wood chest were presented as gifts when she was born. The pink teddy bear accented with silver threading was a loving gift presented to me by my own mother. The armoire was my first furniture refinishing project.

Frugal Finds
I had much success on my shopping trips for Ava’s room. I purchased three adorable wall hangings (above) for $4 each. Her side table was purchased for $9 at a local thrift store. The watermelon pink coverlet, by Kenar Home, was a score for $29 at HomeGoods. The curtains are Ritva/Ikea priced at $20 per pair. I used Fabric-Tac glue to attach grosgrain ribbon to each panel and to the $3 lamp shade. The refinished armoire, my biggest deal, was $20 on Craigslist.

While visiting this blog, I came across the finishing touch for Ava’s Enchanted Garden, this “I Am A Child of God” print by Persimmons and Pink. It’s only sold in a 5×7 and 8×10, but I would love a poster size print.

What has been your greatest inspiration when decorating a room? Have you ever been inspired by God’s grace?