This room has played many different roles over the years…a storage space, a home office, a junk room, a make-shift library, an ad-hoc guest room and a nursery for two little babies.
At the moment it’s supposed to be my four year old son’s “big boy” room.
Instead, it’s a rather embarrassing jumble of nursery remnants, half-finished projects and make-do everything.
Well, it’s time for that to change. And I have a plan!
Here’s the current state of things (please be kind)…
THE BEFORE
Sheesh, someone could have at least made the bed – ha, ha!
Seriously though, I am cringing looking at these pics!
As you might be able to gather, it’s a tiny room – only 2.7m x 2.7m/8.5′ x 8.5′ (at its widest points). And clearly, it needs a lot of love!
Similarly to Charlotte’s bedroom, there’s really only space for three main pieces of furniture…a bed, a dresser and a desk.
I bought the existing cotton reel bed when Riley first graduated out of his cot, and I ADORE it! It was just a head and foot hidden in the deepest, darkest corner of a local antique store behind layers and layers of dusty old rugs (I don’t think the store owner was very happy when I asked for it to be freed!). We added the side rails though I’m still yet to stain them to match. Obviously that’s gonna happen.
The antique dresser is one of my favourite pieces. I considered switching it out for a free-standing wardrobe though have decided to keep it for now. I also contemplating painting it though I just can’t do it! I adore the time-worn timber, even if it’s a tad dark for this little room, and am determined to make it work.
Something I will be replacing however is the petite desk and chair. They are both hand-me-downs from Charlotte’s toddler days and they just don’t work as well as they could in the available space. I’d like something a tad more substantial and boy-ish.
And, of course, I’ll create a fresh scheme. Here’s my basic concept…
THE PLAN
I’ve been waiting for a decent excuse to create a room with a moody hunting-lodge/lake-house feel for ages now and am so excited about this!
I realise it seems a tad mature for a four year old though I’ll be sure to throw in some whimsical elements too.
Most of the items pictured in my inspiration board have merely been plucked from Google so it’s going to be fun finding budget-friendly, real-life alternatives.
Wanna come along for the ride?
PS I know you’re probably skeptical, though I’m determined to finish this room before we’re all driving to Christmas lunch in flying cars!
Let’s smash this one out peeps!
It will no doubt be AMAZING like everything else you do.
Too kind Julie. Here’s hoping!
I like the color scheme…I can see some toy cowboy elements somewhere…painted bronze and used as a lamp finial….I’m sure you have great ideas..can’t wait to see the finished room.
Thanks Leslie. Hoping the ideas will come as I start to piece things together :)
LOOVE the dresser as well!!! Just beautiful! I have pieces I cant bear to paint either…good choice! Although my son’s room is a totally different color scheme, it also has a hunting lodge feel..& I come from a long line of hunters. So my favorite part of his room is a deer, antelope & duck that my deceased father killed many years ago & had “stuffed”…you would think they would overwhelm my son’s small room, but they don’t…they add just the right final touch! The same idea would look great with your color scheme & theme, too, unless the “dead animal” look is too overwhelming for your son (or you!!)…lol!! I realize its NOT for everyone!!
I actually quite like the look though I’m not sure how I’d feel about it in my own home. Plus, I already have a few ideas for the walls and am not sure there will be any space left! I do have some old animal skulls though (just ones which we’ve found).
Can’t wait to see what you do! Those green file drawers you made would look super cute in here too!
Ha, ha. Yes, I was thinking that too! They are currently being used to store stationery items so I’d need to rearrange a few things then Riley could use them to house his little figurines and cars etc. I was actually looking on eBay for something similar yesterday. I really like the idea of using a few different sets of mini drawers on top of his dresser.
Love the whole idea and design! I think it’s a great design for a young boy to grow into. We all know that happens too quickly! Any idea where you can find that carpet? It’s perfect for a project I am working on! Most of this shouldn’t be too hard to find. Perhaps your son could help you pick out the paintings or even create a paint by numbers of your own!
Thanks Robin. That rug is available from a few different places though I found the image I used on the Magnolia Market website (https://shop.magnoliamarket.com/collections/magnolia-home-rugs/products/tulum-stone-blue-rug?variant=20920413060).
Yes, would be great to find some vintage paint by numbers though they are hard to come by. I’m probably just going to buy any old landscape paintings/prints I find which aren’t too pricey.
Love those colors and textures! It would be too cool to find vintage paint by number landscapes for some whimsy. Can’t wait to see where you go with things. :)
Yes, that would be cool. Seems they are hard to come by!
I’m with you on the dresser. It’s too beautiful to paint. Can’t wait to see this room all done!
Thanks Sabrina :)
Can’t wait to see your decorating superpowers at work on this one :D
I agree that the bureau is perfect the way it is and it would be a shame to paint it. The patina is a treasure in and of itself. Cut ideas you have for the transformation. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. :-)
Thanks Debra :)
So glad you didn’t paint the dresser. The wood looks so beautiful. Can’ wait to see how you work your magic on the design and hope you find awesome pieces on craigslist and garage sales. :)
Thanks Pat :)
The colours are great Kristine! Love your enthusiasm too – it will be so fun to see what you come up with!
Thanks Sherylee :)
What a tricky space to work with… but I’m sure you are up to the challenge! The door on the angle doesn’t leave you much room for different furniture placement… I look forward to seeing what you manage to achieve. :)
Yep, it’s a tight space. The bed can only go on that wall or in front of the window. I tried both ways though on the wall is the only placement that allows room for both the dresser and desk too. Will do the best with what I have!
I guess you could say I’m a little sceptical. I don’t see 4 yr old and fun and happy space but that’s my problem, I cannot see beyond what is right in front of me. I’m trying to learn these things with the help of wonderful bloggers like you, so I am really looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the room. Thanks
Like I mentioned, the inspiration board does come across as quite mature though I will be injecting some charm and whimsy via some of the more decorative elements (it’s a little tricky to convey personality through a mood board!). Still, it won’t be a typical four year old boy’s bedroom.
The plan is looking good, I’m excited to see the update! Hope it all works out!