Too Pure to be Pink? The Making of The Pink Lady
Our final AirBnB project of 2022 was another complete blank slate opportunity. When we laid our eyes on her for the first time, we realized had two options: attempt to downplay “the situation” or lean into it. Accordingly, The Pink Lady was born.
When the property was purchased, it was already being used as a short-term rental - but with a slightly different vibe than we were envisioning…
Much to our delight, we were given complete creative control - from a client that very much understood our love of color, pattern and texture. The property has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a large kitchen, small dining area, large living space and a fun patio space out back. For this project we were also given the option to alter the structure and fixtures if needed, which ended up changing the game!
The first thing that we zeroed in on (besides the obvious need for an injection of LIFE into the this old girl) was an oddly placed laundry room/closet off the kitchen and main living area. Once we were given the OK to relocate the washer & dryer we got them out of there, took down the wall and started dreaming up the possibilities!
By this time, discussions of a bright, campy, Grease-inspired getaway were already happening daily in the studio. We have a lot of “Pink Lady” energy in our crew so it was an easy fit!
Once we locked that in, a second structural change quickly became a MUST. Now, admittedly, we will come up with any excuse to rip mirrored closet doors off their track. In this case, two full closets in one bedroom of a short-term rental felt excessive to start with so…
VOILA! Another problem solved.
We set into motion plans to install a Frenchie-inspired Beauty Bar in the space where one of the closets used to be and moved along to the other projects that needed to be addressed before the “fun” parts could really begin. We cut down the breakfast bar to be the same height as the counter tops, painted the cabinets, replaced all of the flooring, counter tops, bathroom vanities, appliances and light fixtures.
With the groundwork firmly in place, we moved on to the wallcoverings that would anchor each living space. For the living room, we knew from early on that we wanted to commission a custom mural as a feature wall. We brought in a local artist to dream up and execute this bright and bold creation that spans from the living room through to the kitchen.
For each of the bedrooms we chose a bold wallpaper to keep the funk flowing! The main bedroom’s cathedral ceiling was accented by this pattern from Katie Kime:
And the second bedroom was capped with this stunning pattern from Milton & King .
From there, each room was furnished with pieces that coordinated and elevated the aesthetic.
The main bedroom is fit for Frenchie herself with a bubblegum ceiling, sumptuous velvet headboard, mirrored jaguar, feathers, vintage luggage, and OF COURSE - the Beauty Bar. There is a full bathroom just beyond the Beauty Bar, you know, in case you need to stick anyone’s ear under the faucet and let the cold water run.
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The second bedroom - which is as much of an experience as the main bedroom - is serving some serious Sandra Dee energy. The fanciful floral ceiling is complimented by this stunning sunburst headboard, green velvet bench (Yes, we’re in the midst of a velvet design moment. Come along for the ride), and a writing desk - just in case Marty stops by to pen a quick letter to her favorite Marine!
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Now, I’m not 100% sure that it’s possible to be possessed by the spirit of Rizzo - but if it is, that is most certainly what happened in the main living space.
Bold. Sassy. Unconventional. Unapologetic.
It’s hard to talk about this area, because when I look at it, I just want to blurt out about 100 things at the same time. We have so many “favorite” things in this space that it’s absurd to even try to list them. Get your kicks (while you’re still young enough to get ‘em) on this photographic journey of my feelings to prevent an uncontrollable deluge of excited jibberish. Oh, and peep the Champagne (or Twinkies & Wine) Bar that replaced the original laundry room!
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There’s more. There’s so much more. To prevent this blog from rivaling Homer’s greatest works, we’ll do shorter blurbs on each room at a later date. Until then, here a couple more quick snaps to cap things off.
And - oh yeah - you can book a stay at The Pink Lady next time you’re in Milwaukee by clicking here!
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