Room to Grow

A Boys Room

Reimagined

I recently had the pleasure updating a bedroom for an active, sports-loving eight year old boy named Max. Bright and bold tones elevate and leave plenty of room for fun. Mom’s request was for more storage—for legos and toys. I strive to balance the parents wants and needs with the children’s wishes. Not everything is attainable— I’ve yet to find a way to squeeze a unicorn under the bed.

For Max,  I wanted to create a space that was both fun and functional.  Change can be difficult for younger children—luckily Max was empowered by being a part of the design process from the beginning.  He asked for one special request—a desk in his room.  In the days of virtual learning, this was one request that made perfect sense. In a 10x12 room it was going to be a challenge to find a home for a desk, but I was determined to make it work. As he outgrows his bunkbed, I suggested removing the bottom bunk and placing the desk underneath.

The old bedroom was very dark and lacked cohesion.  There was no overhead lighting either—something I would remedy. I wanted to brighten up his space, so I painted his walls a cool white and a bold, heady blue.  Max’s new bedroom was designed to be both light and masculine with accents of wood, red and black. It is a design that can grow with him.  

His old room still had nursery furniture, so it was time to update with a  few key pieces that would maximize storage and functionality. I built custom crown moulding for his bookshelf and installed an led picture light.  His old reading area was elevated with a midcentury style chair and dresser.  His vintage bunkbed was built by hand —they just don’t make furniture like that anymore—so we decided to repurpose it.  It got some minor cosmetic repairs, a few coats of black paint and new hardware.  

Finally, to nourish his love of sports, I mixed vintage pennants with several new ones from his favorite teams and installed a mini basketball hoop on the top bunk.  Black pipe curtain rods with sheer white linen drapes add balance and height.  I loved creating this unique space for Max and I know he will enjoy it for years to come.  

Before

After

Updates:

• Removed the existing nursery furniture to create space for a new locker storage unit.

• Replaced the old dresser with a mid-century dresser.

• Updated the lighting with brass fixtures.

• Repurposed the bunk bed, minor repairs and black paint.

• Painted walls and ceiling white. Accented with Compass Blue. Painted trim and closet door.

• Installed a board and batten feature wall.

• Incorporated vintage elements—books from 1930 and a vintage soda fountain chair.

• Installed molding to the bookshelf.

• Replaced the dusty ceiling fan with an amber glass overhead light fixture.

• Installed industrial pipe curtain rods and hung white linen.

• Child friendly accent rug and vintage school clock.

• Created an office area near the bookshelf.

• Suggested lofting the bunkbed when he’s older and moving the desk underneath.