A Childhood Bedroom Grows Up — But Keeps Its Whimsy

Alex Bass, from the fine art and interior design studio Salon 21, recently worked on revamping her childhood bedroom in East Hampton. She aimed to update the design to match her current tastes and needs, while still maintaining a sense of whimsy. This delicate balance between sophistication and playfulness presented an intriguing challenge for the designer.

This project is in line with a current trend in interior design that offers a unique take on femininity, providing a more mature approach to traditionally youthful elements like the color pink. Bass’s work exemplifies how designers can reimagine spaces associated with childhood in a more grown-up context.

Bass described her process: “I wanted to make my bedroom feel a bit more sophisticated through minimal interventions like paint and adding new artwork. The result still embodies the warmth and femininity of my childhood room—the new paint color brings it out even more.” These subtle changes demonstrate how small adjustments can significantly transform a space while preserving its essence.

Her approach to color was particularly noteworthy. “I loved working with this color palette, which feels very girly and youthful while being executed in a more elevated way,” Bass explained. This statement highlights her ability to reinterpret youthful elements through a more mature lens.

This project showcases Bass’s design perspective and tells a story about the maturation and evolution of a childhood space. It demonstrates how designers can update youthful spaces to reflect their current tastes while honoring the room’s origins. The renovation is an interesting case study in personal growth reflected through interior design.

To learn more, visit www.salontwenty-one.com.

Ty Wenzel

Co-Publisher & Contributor

Ty Wenzel, a recent breast cancer survivor, started her career as a fashion coordinator for Bloomingdale’s followed by fashion editor for Cosmopolitan Magazine. She was also a writer for countless publications, including having published a memoir (St. Martin's Press) and written features for The New York Times. She is an award-winning writer and designer who covers lifestyle, real estate, architecture and interiors for James Lane Post. She previously worked as a writer and marketing director for The Independent. She has won multiple PCLI and NYPA awards for journalism, social media and design, including best website design and best magazine for James Lane Post, which she co-founded in 2020. Wenzel is also a co-founder of the meditation app for kids, DreamyKid, and the Hamptons social media agency, TWM Hamptons Social Media.