Big Boy Room for Our Little Man

*** CHECK OUT LITTLE MAN'S ROOM REVEAL HERE! ***

Perhaps the grey and dull winter has crept up to me, but lately I've been more preoccupied with dreaming up the fun rooms in our new house.  A playroom in the house is the ultimate fun place, and now I'm onto little man's adjoining bedroom.  As with other rooms in our house, we've gone through several ideas with little man's bedroom.  We originally planned on putting a desk area in his room, but his arts and crafts area will now be in the playroom.  

I would like to try something different for little man's designated areas.  While the rest of our house will be in a more traditional/ transitional style, the playroom's modern industrial vibe will spillover to little man's bedroom.  My jumping off point?  A cool union jack rug, but even better is one that's scrambled!  This FLOR tile rug is every bit cool and sophisticated, perfect for a big boy's room.

FLOR

And there, his room's theme colours will be red, navy, and white.  With a wildly patterned rug, a light muted grey wall colour would be a perfect backdrop, similar to this wall colour. 

LAY BABY LAY

A big boy room would of course need a big boy bed.  The slight wing back on this one looks super comfy.  I also like that it's not tufted, so it seems more unisex.  The rounded wooden legs is a nice nod to the mid-century modern vibe.

WEST ELM

Ignore the girly flowers in the photo below...  but the bedside table has simple clean lines and large drawers for storage.  It will pair nicely with the bed above..  Looks simple enough to DIY, don't you think?  Maybe I can add that to the Mr.'s DIY list...

DOMAINE

Instead of a pair of bedside tables, a low storage unit placed on the other side of the bed adds a layer of interest to the room.   This one in the photo below is from IKEA, and it has the industrial vibe I'm after.  A feature wall above the unit creates height and balance to an otherwise empty wall.

JUST THE BEE'S KNEES

A super sports fan like the little man would of course need a spot to display his team jerseys!  The wall opposite to his bed will be the perfect spot for his proud display, and he actually has team jerseys in his room's theme colours to match!  I'm loving the jersey display in the photo below (and it has little man's stamp of approval).  I think his jerseys would fit nicely in the Ribba shadow box frame from IKEA.  The use of a coloured mat in the frame is a great idea to give the wall a pop of colour.  

DECOIST

IKEA

I've learned to appreciate the use of light fixtures to accentuate the theme style of a space.  To round up this big boy room with a modern twist, I think this Supernova fixture gives the room its edgy vibe (and is appropriately named for my superstar!).

ONE KINGS LANE

I think I've just made the Mr. green with envy of little man's "boy cave", and now his ultimate "bachelor pad".  I hope by styling little man's bedroom as a big boy room, he won't grow out of it too soon!  Keeping the major pieces timeless is key to this room, as accessories can be easily replaced as his taste of the year changes.  

Have you switched over from a nursery decor to a big kid's cool room?  What is your favourite element in a big kid's room?

Playroom Essentials with a Modern Industrial Twist

***CHECK OUT THE COMPLETED PLAYROOM HERE!!***

One night during our bedtime chat, little man told me that he missed our old house, because it had more room (read, more spacious).  I hear him for sure.  There was a ton of walk-through space at the old house, where he could run around with daddy during gun battles or played never-ending sessions of hide and seek.  

Of course, Daddy and Mommy can't wait to move into the new house either!  So far, it's making good progress, even in this dreary winter weather.  The builder had set up the scaffolding when we drove by last weekend (yes we still stalk our new house every weekend!), so they should be bricking this week.  In the meantime, the Mr. and I continue to play around with room ideas.  Looking at the floorplan, it seems our glass desk would be too large for the spare bedroom, which we naturally designated as our office.

Maybe we can get a smaller desk for the office?  Instead of getting stuck on the notion that we have an office, the Mr. came up with an ingenious idea (yet again).  How about we turn that room into little man's playroom?  

I was reluctant at first, but eventually gave in.  I guess we don't really need a home office - what I really wanted was the storage.  We would use the home office only occasionally back at the old house.  So I think the Mr. is right, the little man can use that extra space for toy storage and also for arts and crafts.

While I prefer the rest of the house to be a more traditional glammed up adult space, I also love the modern minimalist clean lines.  I think the playroom would be the best place to try out this modern and playful twist; maybe even adding some industrial chic!

I would love to incorporate these modern/ industrial elements for little man's playroom. 

image via Restoration Hardware

image via bliss-athome.com

I love the "kidified" modern and clean feel of these rooms.  But clean???  Not sure about that for a PLAYROOM.  So I've come up with a list of 8 essentials for my vision of the modern and whimsical playroom.

1. CLOSED STORAGE

To achieve a "clean" look, I would want most of the smaller toys out of sight.  Storage units can easily hide the puzzles, legos, etc..  These units have that modern/ clean/ industrial feel I'm looking for.  I'm leaning towards the Restoration Hardware style.  I'll need to get the Mr. onboard for this DIY project. 

2. OPEN STORAGE

When I was a kid, I don't think I had any problems fitting my toys into a storage unit.  Did I not get enough toys, or are boys' toys bigger than girls'?  I need the open storage because a Star Wars light sabre, or Nerf gun, wouldn't fit into a storage unit!  I would keep these open storage in a neutral tone, just so they don't attract more attention than need be.

sources:  1. home decorators; 2. redinfred; 3. restoration hardware

3. COMFY RUG

Kids love playing and rolling around on the floor.  A rug would also protect hardwood floors from being damaged by dropped toys.  "Oops, sorry mommy." - heard a lot of that when little man was a tiny toddler, trying to hold onto a toy too big or too heavy for himself.  

joss & main

As much as I love this rug, it's a no go for the playroom.  Have you ever stepped on a piece of transparent lego?  No fun.  And shaggy rugs conceal every little piece of toy.  OUCH!

To spare our soles (and souls), we would go with a low pile one.  Maybe even an indoor/ outdoor rug for added durability.  

sources:  1. IKEA; 2. kORHANI; 3. pOTTERY BARN kIDS

4. ARTS AND CRAFT AREA

Before the idea of this playroom came about, I was going to put an arts/ work area in his room.  I guess now we can spare that space in his bedroom, and move the arts and crafts area to the playroom.  Maybe he'll get even more inspired to channel his inner Picasso!  

I've always loved this round table from IKEA for its simple lines and great surface area.  Its modern look pairs well with any of these chairs, injecting some colours and whimsy to the playroom.

5. ART DISPLAY AREA

After little Picasso is done with his art, of course he would want the world to see it.  These are some pretty cool art displays to hang a ton of art.  

images via 1. living well spending less; 2. the project girl

6. COOL LIGHT FIXTURE

With all the going-on's in the playroom, we need some comfortable lighting.  These light fixtures reinforce the modern look of the playroom, while adding a touch of industrial chic.

sources:  1. DOT & BO; 2. IKEA; 3. RH BABY & CHILD

7. WHIMSICAL WALL ACCENTS

Just like any other rooms, the playroom can definitely use some accent pieces.  It's a legitimate space to add some fun accessories!  I've always loved these cardboard animal busts, and even better when they come in patterns!  The red plaid one would add a splash of colour!  

SOURCES:  1. CARDBOARD SAFARI; 2. UNCOMMON GOODS

Lighted marquee letters are everywhere these days. It's also a great way to add accent lighting.  I think I just found another DIY project for the Mr.!

Image via RH BABY & CHILD

These art prints are too adorable and they can make up a small gallery wall.  Having them all in grey frames would bring some uniformity to this accent wall. 

sources:  1. Etsy; 2. ONE KINGS LANE; 3. CHAPTERS INDIGO; 4. ZAZZLE; 5. HAUTELOOK

8. A PLACE TO CHILLAX

Last but not least, it's nice to have a spot to chillax in this chillaxing room.  Maybe after all the fighting with action figures, little man would want some quiet time and sit down with a book (in my dreams).  He would need a comfy spot for that, and these bean "chairs" just look so inviting.

SOURCE:  FAT BOY USA

Kids go bonkers with tents...  they love hiding in their own private space (as much as parents want to hide from them sometimes?).  I can see little man playing with his action figures in this teepee and then using it as a closed storage :-)

SOURCE:  RH BABY & CHILD

So how will everything fit in little man's tiny playroom?  I've tentatively come up with this layout/ moodboard.

It's not a large room, but I want to pack it with fun stuff to look at.  The modern feel is accentuated with clean lines and neutral tones, while accent pieces infuse colours into the room.  This is a room that he can easily grow into as his study room once he's over the toys stage...  but will boys ever be done with toys?!

This room has large windows, which will bring in lots of natural light for little man to play and colour...  especially great during weekend mornings, when Daddy and Mommy prefer to sleep in.  

Did I miss any essentials for a playroom?  Please let us know...  whatever helps us get more sleep on weekend mornings!

The Perfect Desk for Little Man

The first week of back to school has come and gone.  I sure am glad the little man is finally back to his old self, thanks to a normal school routine.  It has been a busy summer for us, starting with our trip to Chicago, gatherings, to packing for our move last month.  The never-ending activities meant that little man barely had the chance to enjoy some quiet time at home, which for him is colouring or arts and crafts.  I had wanted to get him a desk before we moved, so that at least he would have a place in his room to spread out his colouring.  The back-to-school season once again got me started on searching for his perfect desk.  

What makes for a perfect desk for the little man?  I'm actually not too concerned about a kiddie's height desk, since he has no problem getting in and out of adult chairs.  I would much rather get him a desk that he can grow into.  

• Size:  Looking at his room size in our new house, a desk of around 4' or less would fit perfectly in a furniture placement plan I have in my head.  
• Style:  Either a traditional looking desk in a fun colour, or a modern-looking desk with legs in chrome.
• Storage:  He always wants more blank papers, so I think a desk with drawers to store his supplies is a must.  Of course, we also need those drawers to store his craft supplies to free up space in the office =)
• Leg room:  As a child, I had a desk with leg room the width of my chair.  I found that extremely uncomfortable, and just trying to skirm in my chair for comfort made me lose concentration while I studied...  Ya, blame it on the desk for my lack of motivation to study.  To avoid that for the little man, he would need a desk with lots of leg room.  Preferrably, leg room as wide as the desk.  Now I just hope that he doesn't lose concentration from swinging his legs too freely ;-)

These are simple things that I'm looking for, but a desk with the right combination of all of the above AND at the right price was not easy to find.

In order to maximize leg room, I'm basically looking for a desk with no obstructions under the surface.  That means the drawers need to be right under the desk.  Here are some examples:

Sources:  1. IKEA Alex desk; 2. Target Threshold Campaign desk; 3. Wayfair Cascadia Laptop desk; 4. West Elm Parsons desk

I love all the styles above, but the IKEA one is too long, and #3 and 4 are more than what we're willing to pay for.  We're price sensitive, and would like to get a desk that's bang for the buck that can still be a long-term piece.  

That leaves the Target Threshold Campaign desk, and that fits the bill perfectly.  I also love the drawer pulls in the campaign style.  I actually don't mind the desk in red, it'll definitely be a statement piece in his room.  Not to mention, 3 drawers are always better than 2, right?

Unfortunately, it's not available in Canada, so hopefully Target is planning to make the piece available shortly...  or I'll have to lug one across the border!

With a desk in his room, he will finally have a spot to work on his colouring.  I'm sure he will then want us to showcase his masterpieces.  I've always loved the idea of a gallery wall, but not really sure how it would fit in with our home decor.  What better place to try it out than the little man's room and with his own artwork!  I think the wall space above his desk will be a great spot for a gallery wall.  This is such a cute and easy way to change up the display as quickly as those pieces of artwork are churned out:

Pin via http://theprojectcorner.blogspot.com/2011/02/frame-collage.html

The little man has been reminding us occasionally to get him a desk for his room.  I know he's looking forward to having one, as he probably equates having a desk as being a big boy.  I just love little kids' logic and thought process =)

He's right in a sense though.  Getting him a desk is exactly the first step to a big boy room.  It seems like little man has fully grown out of his toddler years in lightning speed, and I assume he'll just keep growing up at the same rate, if not faster!  With our move to the new house, little man's room will be decorated with some funky-ness appropriate for "little men".  And I'm looking forward to that as much as he does!  

Here is my design concept of his little artwork area, with the perfect desk for his space.

Sources:  Gallery wall via theprojectcorner (above); Desk - Target; desk lamp - IKEA; storage basket - redinfred.com ; ghost chair - Structube; cushion - Etsy; desk accessories - Restoration Hardware; zinc letters - Anthropologie.

How do you like the workspace with the desk?  Do you have other art hanging ideas to share with us?