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A Thoughtful Place

A Thoughtful Place is a Tennessee based lifestyle blog about design, fashion, gatherings and the occasional from the heart post.

Take 5 Tuesday: Chalkboard Labels & Reading Nook

August 9, 2011 by Courtney 38 Comments

I am super excited to show you one of the Big Boy Room projects today! We finished one corner of the room . . . the reading nook. While my daughter could draw and create until the cows come home {where did that saying come from?}, my son loves to snuggle and read. Of course he also likes to run around like a madman, but that’s a different post. My husband and I knew we needed a spot for him to chill and keep his favorite books and toys. So the nook was born. The Take 5 part of the post comes in with the chalkboard labels I made for his storage bins. Cost all of $3 and were super easy to do. You’ll see those down below. So here is the light I showed you yesterday. It is an outdoor light that I fell in love with. My husband just drilled one small hole through the Expedit and added a plug to it. It is plugged into one of those little attachments that has a switch so my son can turn it on and off himself. IMG_2860IMG_2870 It’s perfect for reading under when we have quite time before bed. I love the glow it gives off. IMG_2875 The “Grady” chair is so special to us as it was a gift from a dear friend when Grady was born. It had been in the playroom and our client requested it be in his new big boy room! The navy blue storage ottoman is a great addition next to it as he likes to pile books on top. He also loves to “hide” stuff so anything with a lid is pretty darn cool in his book. IMG_2923 I have had the Ikea curtains for almost a year. I knew that would be the launching point for his room. The little canvas pictures that are on the wall behind the Expedit were picked up in the dollar section of Michael’s 6 or 7 months ago. I knew they would find a happy home in this room. I attached them with QuakeHold {best product ever!} which is a strong putty that won’t hurt the walls. Great for when you have something light and want to avoid nail holes are are worried about lining things up. It has some give so you can wiggle the picture around until it’s just right. IMG_2941 IMG_2903 IMG_2952 IMG_2932IMG_2933IMG_2954IMG_2959   IMG_2962   Take 5: Chalkboard Labels IMG_2792   The storage bins are from the Martha Stewart line for Home Depot. They were only seven dollars each and matched the color scheme beautifully. However, I didn’t love the handle or label window and wanted something a bit more whimsical. So I went back to Home Depot and picked up a $3 piece of rosewood. I knew I wanted the board to be roughly 5 X 7. I had the piece cut into thirds. Once home, I sanded them down so there were no rough edges or sharp corners and gave it a coat of good ole’ chalkboard paint {which I already had}. IMG_2790 To attach them, we drilled two holes in each chalkboard and punched two holes in each bin {very easy to do as they are cardboard and fabric}. Then I simply tied them on with jute. Quick and easy! IMG_2912 IMG_2945   So one corner down, and much more to come! I am now working on his gallery wall. Stay tuned! For now I am loving how much Grady is digging his new room. I have really tried to include him in the whole process and it’s paid off so far. What about you? Have you put together a reading nook? Reading Nook Sources: Drapes: Ikea Expedit: Ikea Bins: Martha Stewart Home Depot Chair: Pottery Barn {gift} Fan: HomeGooods Ottoman: Target Light: Home Depot Canvas Pictures: Michael’s Curtain Rod: Home Depot   Sharing this post with: The Shabby Nest Just a Girl Miss Mustard Seed My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Tatertots and Jello Tip Junkie handmade projects

Filed Under: bedrooms, Do it yourself, five minute projects, tutorial, Uncategorized

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Comments

  1. HI THERE! says

    August 9, 2011 at 7:32 am

    What a great space! I love the light fixture and that is such a smart idea to attach it to the bookcase. I really like the blue/green color combo too! I would love it if you would be able to join my link party, The Creative Spark. Have a great week!
    Jenn 🙂
    http://cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. HI THERE! says

    August 9, 2011 at 7:32 am

    Forgot to mention that the party starts Tuesday night!
    Jenn

    Reply
  3. -Kasey says

    August 9, 2011 at 9:52 am

    What an adorable little space. I bet he just loves it! I really like that light!!

    I have not put together a reading nook. I have a spot picked out and started a little bit of putting it together but I have so many other projects going on right now, it's moved it's way down the list lol.

    Reply
  4. iheartorganizing says

    August 9, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Ok, I am in love.

    But wait. That sconce looks about a trillion times better than ours. I gotta know how you did the wiring on the bookcase. Feel free to email me, can the average joe do it?

    xoxo,
    Jen

    Reply
  5. Simply LKJ says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Love what you've done so far Courtney. The blue and green color scheme are a favorite of mine. The light above his little chair is perfect! Very clever!! Two things I never really denied my kiddos when they were little and asked while out shopping…books and art supplies! Both still love to read (for pleasure, school…not so much) and both still have a love of art (any kind).

    Reply
  6. The Yellow Cape Cod says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:35 am

    Lookin' good. Love the light fixture!

    Reply
  7. jamie @ [kreyv] says

    August 9, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Love, love, LOVE!

    Reply
  8. m e g a n says

    August 9, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Very cute!

    Meg

    Reply
  9. Comeca Jones says

    August 9, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    I love the light.

    Reply
  10. Hyphen Interiors says

    August 9, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    I love this space! Love all of the details – the outdoor lighting, the chalkboard labels, the curtains, the canvas pics, etc. Great job!

    Reply
  11. Jennifer (Moonpie Dreams) says

    August 9, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    I love it! I will be doing the triplets' "big" rooms soon so I'm going to tuck some of these great ideas away! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Bernadette {Chic Spaces for Little Faces} says

    August 9, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    This looks amazing. Love it!!!

    Reply
  13. natasha {schue love} says

    August 9, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    I love the industrial lamp…perfect for a little boy's room! And how ADORABLE is he while he reads? Love him! 🙂

    Reply
  14. thedistractedblogger says

    August 9, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    I love all the fun details including the fan, light, pictures, and Shel Silverstein books! I loved those books as a kid!!!

    And thank you for the product tip, QuakeHold.

    Reply
  15. birdie to be says

    August 9, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    You did an amazing job! I love those labels… thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  16. Allison says

    August 9, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    I think your little client looks very content with his new space! How cute is he, Courtney! His reading nook is adorable. Love the blue and green theme!

    Reply
  17. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says

    August 9, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    I knew it! I just knew I was going to love it (c: That light is totally genius, what a fun thing for Grady and a good way to encourage the reading! And that QuakeHold is such a smart idea! I need to pick up some of that miracle product…

    Reply
  18. Cassie {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    August 9, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    love love love it! i have put together a reading nook…and she loves it!!! I'm crazy for your colors. The room is going to be FAB!

    Reply
  19. Christina says

    August 9, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    Love the reading nook!
    And I am IN LOVE with the chalkboard labels. I love anything chalkboard! 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  20. amaranthineaesthetic says

    August 9, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    I saw the Shel Silverstein books and just had to comment! This post is definitely going in my idea file for our future kids' rooms. That light is such a refreshing change from a floor lamp 🙂

    Reply
  21. caycee says

    August 9, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    I love it, cant wait to see the rest!!!!

    Reply
  22. Desiree {CHIC COASTAL LIVING} says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    Give me a break! This is beyond cute!! Love everything!

    Reply
  23. hollyG says

    August 10, 2011 at 12:55 am

    The reading nook is perfect and so important for children. It's a space he's going to enjoy for a long time. And I love those curtains!

    Reply
  24. Chassity (Look Linger Love) says

    August 10, 2011 at 1:21 am

    What a fabulous little nook! Great job my dear, he's a lucky boy.

    Reply
  25. A Lived in Home says

    August 10, 2011 at 1:27 am

    I'm loving everything about it so far and cannot wIt to see the rest!

    Reply
  26. Lili says

    August 10, 2011 at 2:08 am

    simply amazing!

    i have those nautical canvas from last year too! im hanging on to them for a possible nautical future party!

    Reply
  27. emily says

    August 10, 2011 at 3:31 am

    What a perfect little nook for Grady. And such a genius idea to drill the hole in the bookshelf for the light, which is fab!

    Reply
  28. Jessica says

    August 10, 2011 at 5:49 am

    Im curious about the wiring of that adorable lamp. How did you do it?! Is it something a person can do if they are NOT electrical saavy? Just wondering if this is something we could add to my kids bedroom. I love the idea of a reading nook. You can email me if you want. xoxoxo

    Reply
  29. casey at loft and cottage says

    August 10, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Such a cute idea! Love the curtains too!

    Reply
  30. Megan Brooke says

    August 12, 2011 at 3:30 am

    Love that light fixture. Looks like a cozy reading nook 🙂

    Reply
  31. Michele @ {Primp} says

    August 12, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    Very cute–love the light fixture and the chalkboard labels!

    Reply
  32. The Olde Farmhouse on Windmill Hill says

    August 12, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    What a cute, fun little spot! I love it! 🙂 I see some others asked about the wiring on the light… I'm wondering the same things. Maybe you could do a how-to post. I'm a new follower. ~Rachel

    Reply
  33. courtneyoutloud says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    I love that light…..so funny how something meant to be utilitarian, is so chic!

    Reply
  34. The Remodeled Life says

    August 12, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Found you through the frugal friday link up party…I am in love with this space – so sweet and creative and beautiful!!!

    Reply
  35. Joselyn @ The DIY Spot says

    August 14, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Love this! I would like to do something similar. Would love to know the lamp details. Where are the wires and switch located? Also did you use some sort of anchors to hang the light?

    Reply
  36. Carmie of the Single Nester says

    August 15, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    You did a great job! I have those small canvas prints from Michaels too but never knew what to do with them. Now I do.

    Reply
  37. Tatum @ Many Moments Of Me says

    August 21, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    Super cute! He looks like such a little man reading in the chair.

    Reply
  38. Bobi says

    November 11, 2011 at 2:47 am

    HI there! I have just found you blog tonight as I am looking for inspiration for my two young sons' soon to be shared bedroom! I LOVE the Ikea curtains in your son's room however I can't seem to find them online, could you please tell me the name of them? Thanks so much! (:

    Reply

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