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

by 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

Comments

  3. -Kasey says

    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

    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

    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

  16. Allison says

    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

  20. amaranthineaesthetic says

    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

  28. Jessica says

    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

  38. Bobi says

    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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