Connecticut-based DIYer and interior stylist Kate Taylor lives in a colonial home on 10 acres of rural countryside. As someone who grew up in historical homes her whole life, she was determined to bring the recently updated property back to its roots. So, when it came time to refresh her daughter’s childhood bedroom into a more grown-up space, she brought that timeless sensibility along for the ride—with a major assist from custom French blue paint built-ins. 

The Classic Pink Phase

Kate’s daughter was ready to outgrow the pinks of her early childhood and embrace a calmer, more mature vibe. “The goal of this project was to turn my daughter’s ‘little girl’ room into a cool, but functional ‘teen’ room – a birthday gift from me as she enters her tween phase of life (sigh!).” 

Enter Flow State: a soft, serene blue green that evokes the elegance of French blue while balancing freshness with tradition. “Mint is having a moment,” Kate says, “but it’s also timeless. Flow State checked every box for a teen room that still fits the classic aesthetic of our home.” 

Before

After

The Built-In Challenge: Designing Around Heaters

Two out of four walls had baseboard heaters, complicating any conventional furniture layout. But Kate was determined to build custom storage. Her creative solution? Lifting pre-made bookshelves and dressers on custom platforms to clear the heaters while allowing airflow. “It felt like putting together a massive puzzle,” she says. “The trim work and tiny cuts were worth every minute.” 

What made the difference? The addition of French blue paint built-ins not only solved the layout challenge, but they also became the room’s design centerpiece. 

Why Paint Was the Game-Changer

Kate used Flow State in both eggshell for the walls and semi-gloss for trim, crown molding, and the built-ins. The cohesive wash of this French, blue-inspired color made the entire installation look seamless. “Once it was painted, it truly looked like custom millwork. The paint brought everything together.” 

“I consider my daughter’s bedroom to be the best room in the house. It sits high up in the trees, with three big windows and the most beautiful views of the meadow and our red barn garage. It gets sun from sunrise to sunset, so I knew we not only needed a cool-leaning color, but a calming color too. Flow State checked both of those boxes!” 

Decor Details That Add Personality

To elevate the look, Kate added blue and pale pink floral wallpaper behind the built-in shelves, brass hardware for a pop of warmth and detailed crown molding. The French blue paint built-ins now frame the entire space, anchoring the soft color palette and creating a classic yet fresh look that reflects her daughter’s evolving style. 

Lessons from the Project

Kate’s biggest surprise? Mastering painter’s tape-free edging thanks to our high-quality paint and practicing her trim carpentry skills in the process. She also learned to embrace molding and trim as a creative tool for solving challenges. “There’s nothing a little trim and good paint can’t do,” she says. And this stunning transformation (with its functional, elegant French blue paint built-ins) is proof.