The upstairs of our house hasn’t really been touched since we moved in, but as we approach the school year we’ve got a boy who will be turning six and heading to kindergarden. It feels like the right time to give him a space to call his own, and I’m really excited to be tackling Xander’s room. Kid’s spaces are my favorite!
They’re a place to have fun, take chances and be bold with color and quirk. We’ll use a lot from his last room, but I’m ready to put a spin on that space and make it feel like a new, bit more grown up room.
The first thing I’ve done is gather up art. A lot of people think of art last, but I say it can and sometimes should be your first thought. We had quite a bit of art in Xander’s last room, but on top of that I’ve been collecting things along the way see, sometimes hoarding pays off. I can rarely pass up an original painting at a thrift store, and I’ve got several scenes of men outdoors – the perfect addition of rough and tumble to a boy’s space for virtually no money.
I might consider my collection appropriate, 6-year-old decor, and Xander has too but it’s taken some convincing with Micah. My husband assumes that all Xander needs is a big Hulk fathead and some Spiderman sheets to have the ultimate boy room. There’s nothing wrong with either of those things, but I’ve promised to include some of X’s current favorites in ways that are a bit more budget friendly and non-committal. Kid’s tastes and interests change so quickly, and I’d rather invest in pieces that have staying power through their growth (like that beautiful Indian rug) than things he’ll tire of in a few years.
While I’ve got Micah on board with most of this, there’s one piece he’s having none of…
What do you think of grandma?
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Love grandma, not sure about a boys's room. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
Barb says
I started reading your blog about a year ago… I think. I am always delighted by your crazy mad skills. I rarely comment on any blog. I never know if they are ever even read. But today I just had to type our a comment. Oh my goodness, this collection of art thrills me ! Kindred – thrifter-art-hunter here! These pieces are wonderful. And that Granny, well I just have to say,"I need her!"(Seriously, I would love to buy her from you!) I became a Grand a little over year ago. (It is the best job on the planet!) I am sure she will be wonderful in whatever room you choose to use her. She is the bomb diggity! You little man is one lucky kiddo. I cannot wait to see what his talented Momma designs for him. I am working on creating a second more kid friendly guest room at my home. So I will be awaiting your little man's room for inspiration. Thanks for an always inspiring blog post. Best, Barb
themakerista@gmail.com says
I read every comment, Barb, and it's so nice to hear from you! Thank you for reading and your kind words. I love to know others appreciate the things I've been collecting. Congrats on being a Grand, it seems like the most delightful experience in the world. I can't wait to see this space come together and show you too! Thanks for taking the time to share today, Barb!
T Nic says
My husband and I are so similar! After rejecting princess decals for my daughter's room (her choice and he agreed), I justified my stance by stating, "She needs to learn good taste, too." My husband joked around for days, saying "Poise and taste. We need poise and taste." Decorating my daughter's room at 5 really changed my views about bedrooms. I had redone mine to be a "calm retreat," as magazines suggest, but I would sit in bed to read and was so unsatisfied with it. After doing hers, I was laying in bed one night with her, and while I did it with taste (haha:)), it also had her stuff including a necklace holder hanging on the wall, which was tasteful in itself, but hung with gobs of costume jewelry by her, and her bookshelf held books, but all kinds of treasures and dolls and small jewelry boxes we collected from garage sales and flea markets. I felt so energized by the interesting items, and yet, calm. My goal right now is to redo my room (again!) to reflect what is so nice about a child's room…you can see THEM in it! Why do we go out of our way sometimes to hide ourselves in our decorating…even from ourselves?
On that note..can't wait to see what you do with grandma. I am a little unsure myself, but I know that once you're done, my jaw will drop and I'll wonder why I didn't think of that! (That's what makes your blog so great…your fearless decorating!)
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes, I love that! Good taste I think can definitely be learned and rooms should always reflect the people who live in them. And there will definitely be superheroes and the like in this space, but the bones will be something a college boy could live in too. It just makes the most sense to me and creates an environment I want to spend time in too, which I think is a good thing. Thanks for sharing and good luck on your room – you deserve a wonderful escape too!
Decor To Adore says
I absolutely adore Grandma. She would be so wonderful in the kitchen.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I like that idea too!
Amanda says
Haha I say go for it π We actually just finished the gallery wall in our bedroom and it has a very minimalist feel that I was going for. You can check it out here and enter to win a print http://www.hammerandheelsblog.com/our-bedroom-gallery-wall-giveaway/
Amanda Schroeder says
Ha, I am probably in Micah's camp right now but you always find a way to make stuff that just should go together look super great so I'll just wait and see π
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, nice. I'm going to try, but I can admit defeat if I must. π
Kat says
I love the grandma! If you can make it work, go for it.
Sherri says
I'm not real fond of Granny. Go Micah!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, I understand. We'll see if I can make her work!
Tricia | 724SouthHouse says
I'm indifferent on Grandma, but hope you can fit her in somehow so we can see – you will make it work π
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks! I am hoping I can make her work!
Jillian says
I love that painting so much (that BLUE!!) that I don't think I'd be willing to share with the kids. π She'd be awesome in a kitchen!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes, the blue was what got me too!
Kelly says
Love Grandma, but maybe for the kitchen. Not so thrilled with Frued, I have to admit……. He was way too preoccupied with parent/children tensions (among other things : )
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, that's not Fruedβ¦his name is Henry Frick and he started my favorite museum in New York: The Frick.
For My Love Of says
Ha! Grandma is hilarious. I love the old world feel to the art mixed in with some modern. I bet the space will turn out to be stunning.
Ann says
As an artist (painter, http://www.annlanglois.com), I SO adore your appreciation for art and how you use it and think of it. Bravo! Your house and style is just amazing, btw.