I am trying to write this while maintaining my composure. Have you heard of the One Room Challenge hosted by Linda from Calling it Home? If you haven’t, it’s a six-week challenge in which 20 bloggers (consisting of designers and decorators) overhaul an entire room in just six weeks. Enter the panic button. I am super excited to be included in this fun challenge, but I also know that I have my hands full. Today I am sharing the before photos, inspiration rooms, and an interview with my client. Are you ready to follow along on this adventure with me?
We have chosen to completely overhaul my son’s room. I actually have a pit in my stomach as we love this room. We really do. It’s bright, cheery and fun. All traits of my son. This room has a soft spot in our hearts and has so many touches that have really been special to us. Having said all of that, my sweet boy is growing up.
This was from over a year ago. He isn’t able to fit at this table made by my dad any longer. He has grown too tall. And he doesn’t love polka dots and lime green. Sigh.
But he loves to read and he loves school. The number one complaint about this current room is that he can no longer be at his table and he wants a desk. Well. Have you read the story, “If You Give a Pig a Pancake?” Because to give our son a desk. . . we have to get rid of the dresser. . .and if we get rid of the dresser. . . we have to put one in the closet. . . and if we put one in the closet. . . there isn’t any room!
I present you with the closet. Back in day when he was only three, this closet worked like a charm. We kept his clothes in the green dresser and all of his toys were here. We took the doors off and this space really became like a playroom. But you know what happened? He grew up and started enjoying things that are not so aesthetically pleasing. Like hockey gear, magic kits, and mommy’s plaid chest (filled with very “important” things of his), and more and more stuff. And that is perfectly fine. That’s what happens. But we’ve decided the doors need to go back on and this needs to become a true closet again.
So when we decided to redo our son’s room, we started pulling inspiration. I am so excited to share these images with you. When I pull inspiration rooms, I am not looking to replicate the room. In fact I may not even pull bedroom photos. I am simply looking at the overall feel or maybe I like one or two aspects. So here is a collection of spaces that really creates the feel we are hoping to achieve.
So I am vacillating between pure excitement (I love nothing more than to create new space) and pure panic. Just the truth. I know that the One Room Challenge can bring very high expectations and talented designers create unbelievable spaces. I want to be honest and truthful. I took on this six-week challenge with one very important stipulation. We would stay grounded and focused on Grady. This is his room and it’s being designed for him. Our home is cozy (code for small) and the rooms are well-loved. Each decision made will be with G in mind and him eventually loving his new space.
It’s always good to sit a client down and get to know their wants and needs a bit better. I did just that with my 7-year-old client. Here is the interview (my design assistant also makes an appearance).
The Client from A Thoughtful Place Blog on Vimeo.
All in all we need to really create a room that will grow with him over the long haul. I don’t plan on changing this room again. He needs a desk and a place to read (he is never without a book). I also hope to keep it minimal so that he still has plenty of room to play. Style wise, I want the room to be warm and cozy with a traditional and rustic vibe. I cam calling it, “Trustic!” Not sure that word will stick but I am giving it a whirl!
What We Need To Accomplish
- remove bead board
- paint
- replace baseboards
- turn his closet back into a closet
- create a desk space
- add more lighting
- add a focal wall
- find a new dresser
- have fun doing it all (said with a hopeful heart)
I will explain more about the to-do list next week and share my design plan. If you are new to A Thoughtful Place, welcome. I have called this my home away from home for five years now. You can get to know more about me here and snoop around our home with this tour. I am so excited to have you along for the ride. And the lineup of bloggers is a bit bananas. Not sure how I got tossed into the mix but I am going to jump in with both feet and enjoy the process.
Follow Along With These Talented Ladies
Oh my this is precious….cutest client everrr! Can’t wait to follow along, sweet friend!
Thanks, friend. Now if only I could wave a magic wand! So excited to be on this adventure with you, sweet friend. xo
Awww, they all grow up eventually! I’m excited to see what you do with his room! And I really love the video you shared… Your kids are so cute! I love that blogging means lots of photos and a big mess!
Thank you!!! I think everyone in the house agrees that blogging means a HUGE MESS! Especially when he is living in the room as we transform it. LOL. Have a great day!!
You have the cutest client ever!!! Can’t wait to see his room unfold.
xo
cristin
Thanks, Cristin! He is my lovebug. I am so so thrilled we are doing this together. Can’t wait to see your room!
Oooooohhh, you’re doing the ORC!!! I can’t wait to see how the room turns out. No added pressure 😉
I’m sure you’re all going to have heaps of fun over the next 6 weeks 🙂
Kelly xx
http://www.kellysprettyplace.blogspot.com
Wish me lucky, Kelly! YIKES! Trying to keep calm and keep it all in perspective. Wish me luck. Have a great day.
You totally don’t need luck….you’re gonna nail it as always {pardon the pun!}
But good luck anyways 🙂
xx
No matter what happens in the next 6 weeks my friend, Grady just stole the show!!! LOL The kiddos are darling. I know the space will be amazing. Hang in there, I know there are a few pieces that hold a lot of meaning in his current room. I am sure you will find a way to recreate them in the new design.
Ha! I think he might have. You hit the nail on the head and we really do hope to incorporate all of the special, meaningful pieces. Love you, friend. You’re so so sweet to acknowledge that. xo
Ahhh! So excited {but also kind of sad because I love his little room…let me know what you end up doing with those curtains!! ;)}. It’s going to look great and more mature though, which I am sure he will love! Love you!! xx
Come help me with the room. We would have so much fun. . . . so hard to say goodbye to that room. Let’s chat this week!
Can’t wait to follow along and see the transformation.
Ah. Thanks, Marty! Happy to have you following along. Send good design vibes my way!
Your children are so sweet! What a great room and client selection! So important to interview the client- thanks for letting us in to see the start of a super exciting renovation!
Awe. Thank you, Lydia. Super excited and can’t wait to share the process. Hoping I have enough coffee in the house over the next six weeks!
Why do they always have to grow up on us! I can’t wait to follow along and see how this cute little clients room turns out!!!
Can’t they stay young forever. Everyone says it will fly and it’s so true. Thanks for following along!
Oh, could he be any cuter? Love where you’re headed, Courtney. It will look fantastic!
Thanks, Jennifer. He is a bright light around here!!! I hope I can deliver on this one. Sceeered.
What a cutie! Isn’t it so sad when they grow up…. (sigh) I think a “grown up boy” room is in my future too. But this time I’m tackling my laundry room. Can’t wait to follow along with you!
Love a great laundry room! Yes! They grow too fast and it’s crazy to think I am really doing this room to last him through high school. What????? Where does the time go.
Grady is the cutest!! I watched the video a few times. So fun to hear his little interview and see Riley pop in. It brought a huge smile to my face. Your kids are darling Courtney. Where has the time gone?! I remember you putting his room together and it seems like just yesterday. It’s always been one of my favorite rooms. Can’t wait to see what you you do with his new space! I am such a sentimental person and that little table is so special. The dresser, too! Maybe you can use them somewhere else? Such a fun project and I think your client is the most adorable ever.
Ahhhh! I am so happy you watched it and got to see a snippet of his personality. They are so much fun right now. Thanks for following along. This room, as you said, has been a favorite of ours too so it is bittersweet. But time. Thanks for the sweet comment, Allison.
The sweetest client ever! I’d give that toothless cutie anything he wanted! And while I’m sad to see that sweet room go, I love the direction you’re headed! Excited to be on this fun ride with you!!
Thank you!! I’m excited too! And that toothless boy has his mama’s heart for sure. Trampoline in the room? You got it! LOL.
That video is so cute! I’m excited to see how you’re able to incorporate a desk into his room. It’s hard to watch our little ones grow up that’s for sure.
It is a bit painful. You and me both with the desk! Ha. Can you wave a magic wand for me and give me more square footage. That might help! Thank you for following along.
Oh, Grandma’s heart just melted watching the video of my boy – so love that he loves to read and wants a desk! You go, Mr. G – you’re going to be one smart Penguin!!
Awe! I had a feeling you would enjoy this post! He sure is a dedicated boy. Can’t wait to see what his future holds.
As someone who loves to read, it melts my heart to hear how much he loves it too. That boy needs a reading chair stat!!
Kelly says give that boy a chair! I love it. He seriously is an avid reader to you two have that in common! I’ll see what we can come up with.
Oh my goodness – your kids are SO adorable in that video. I can’t wait to see how the room turns out!!
Thank you, Sarah. They are two peas in a pod. Wish me luck with the room. Eeeeek.
I love these rooms!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Thank you, Erin. Hope it all comes together like I see it in my head.
I remember featuring your son’s closet as part of my Organizing series on the blog about 4 or 5 years ago. But change is always good! I LOVE the video and can honestly say I have never seen one used during the ORC. Very creative! Love that he loves to read and wants a desk. Adorable! And those inspiration photos – brilliant!
Oh, my goodness! That’s nuts! Crazy how time flies. You’re so sweet about the video! Thank you. The kids never miss an opportunity to make a “movie!” Ha. Let’s just hope I can pull this room together. The list is lengthy.
Your son is adorable! Sounds like he will be a very happy client. I agree, his room should be his. His current room is so precious. I understand about moving on as they grow. Looking forward to the transformation.
Thanks, Linda! Thank you so much for including me in this. I love his current room, too so it’s a big change for me as well. I think he is more ready than I am.
Oh my goodness…I love his little video- so darn cute!!!!! And that inspo photo of the two twin wood beds is just one of my all time favourites. Can’t wait to see what you do!
Thank you! YES!!!! That has always been a favorite of mine, too. I hope that some of her design will shine through in the design. Can’t wait to see your room!
Courtney…..I love your boss on this job! Ha Ha. And I love that you are going to stay true to his wants and needs. I feel that it is important to decorate for us and not for what you think everyone wants you to do right? Can’t wait to see how you transform this space!
Thank you, Sherry. YES. YES. YES. So true. I am excited to watch your transformation, too. So much fun to be on board. xo
I love seeing your inspiration photos. Those driftwood bunk beds rock! Cannot wait to see the transformation.
Those are pretty magical aren’t they?! If only I had a huge room to put those in. Maybe one day in my dream home that I am building in my head. It can be a bunkroom for the grandkids. Am I getting ahead of myself. LOL.
O my gosh how cute is he? Trustic, I love it. So refreshing that this room is about HIM and he is staying the priority in decorating. Good to be reminded what is important 🙂
Thank you!!!! Do you think I can get “trustic” to catch on. I’m going to try my best. Ha. Wishful thinking perhaps. Can’t wait to see your room.
Courtney! Oh my word. Your son is the cutest! What a doll. I’m so excited for you! And totally stressed for you! Ha! Some of my rooms are taking me a year to decorate so I get the craziness of this challenge! But so nice once it’s finished. Can’t wait to see the outcome! Off to e-mail you with lunch dates but wondering if you have time with all this going on!? xo
Ahhhh! Let’s do lunch and I will kidnap you and bring you back to put you to work! LOL. So excited to see you. Will take my mind off the to-do list.
Love that you are doing this. We are almost done decorating our 9y/o son’s bedroom so I can’t wait to see what you do with this space. I can see why you are sad to let the old room go though, it’s gorgeous! Love the video, your kids are very cute! Good luck…xx
Oh thank you. It is a hard room to see go. Well if you just finished I need tips from you! Tell me everything you did!!!! xo
Well now you have me hooked 😉
I’m so interested to see what you do with this room as I too have a young son that LOVES baseball & reading books!! Great little video of “The Client” – because yes, you want him to be happy with the room.
I already follow you on instagram so I’m happy to see you taking on the ORC. I own an etsy shop where I sell boutique custom embroidered blankets in all sizes and fabrics, even sporty ones. I’d love for you to check out my shop and send me a message if you would like to collaborate on this project 🙂
Darlene
http://www.BundleMeBaby.etsy.com
Thanks for the sweet comment, Darlene. I hope that challenge goes smoothly. He will keep me in line . . actually my daughter will do that! How fun. Will check out your shop. Sounds darling.
Courtney, this is going to be so awesome! I lived his old room too, so I can see how it’s bittersweet for y’all! He is too cute!
Oh girl. . . . where is my magic wand. So fun to be working on rooms for out little ones together. I’m over the moon you are working on the baby’s room. So exciting.
That client is the bomb.com!!! So excited to see you make this room come together for him!! It will be so fun to see him loving his new space! xo, paige
First off, your client is the CUTEST! No doubt I’ll be getting some great inspiration here for my own son’s room! Love all the inspiration 🙂
Love your inspiration and that desk will be a great DIY! Your “client” is so adorable. Made me wish I had an “interview” video of my son, who by they way, despite being quiet would have totally screamed at the end like that! Made me smile and miss those days!! Can’t wait to see it! I know you will make it perfect for him.