Last week, I mentioned our plans to create a brand new bedroom space for Carson out of what used to be his old playroom space. I’m still working out all of the design elements, but honestly, I think this is a space that’s going to continue to evolve for a while yet as I try to nail down all of the ideas swirling around my head into some more concrete plans and of course, as Carson continues to grow and evolve in his own personality and style.
What I do know is that we want to create a bedroom with loads of character and charm to better mirror his personality. And, while I know I want to bring a ton of colour and personality into this space, I’m also hoping that we can create a design that will still have room to grow with our not so little man. I think we’re we’ve landed is somewhere between the clean lines of modern mixed with the character of country cottage, hence “modern cottage” (a term I’ve picked up from Chris Loves Julia who are knocking it out of the park with their recent modern cottage renos lately!).
I’ve been gathering up all sorts of inspiration for months now, pinning everything from modern cottage style wall panelling to built in desks and everything in between (you can see it all here). Carson and I have spent the last few weeks pouring through it all together to come up with a design that we both really love (it’s a tricky balance my friends!) and will continue to love for years to come. While he’s had his paint colour picked out for a while now (Cushing Green from Benjamin Moore), and we’ve finally landed on which style paneling we’d like to try (you can see all of the options we considered here), there are still so many details we need to work out.
Usually with a room makeover, I like to have everything all figured out before we get started with any sort of construction work. I create a mood board, order all of the materials and it’s usually a very well-thought-out and relatively seamless process. This time around though, I really wanted Carson to be a part of the design process, but putting together mood boards and visualizing what things might look like or how they might come together can only go so far with an 8 year old. So instead of planning it all out before we get started, we’ve sort of just been figuring it out as we go and I have to say, it’s been really fun to work out each design decision with Carson as we go, just sort of going with the flow of it all.
So, rather than sharing my plans, progress and reveal in a nice, neat order as we usually do, I thought this would be a fun chance to take you all along through each step of this room makeover in real-time, sharing the process in all it’s unorganized, messy, real-life glory.
Last week, I shared the before photos of the space, which is pretty much a blank canvas if I’ve ever seen one. I also shared some of the wall paneling options we were considering to bring a bit more character into the space. This weekend we got to work putting up the vertical shiplap wainscoting and this week, I’m hoping to get it all patched up and maybe even painted (though that might be wishful thinking).
Today, I wanted to share some of the bed options we considered (and what we actually landed on). Though we’ll be keeping some of Carson’s furniture – the dresser and bookshelf were pieces we actually had custom made for his nursery when I was pregnant and hold a ton of sentimental value – there are pieces we are planning to replace including his bed and bedside tables. And so, in the interest of taking you along through each step of this room makeover, I thought I’d share some of the beds we were considering just in case you find yourself on the hunt for a charming little modern cottage style bed too…
Our Favourite Modern Cottage Style Kids Beds
rattan bed | spindle day bed | Jenny Lind bed
walnut bed | arched twin bed | oak spindle bed
metal bed | Hemnes bed | solid wood bed
As you can see, there were tons of beautiful options to choose from, but in the end, practicality, budget (and Carson) won out and we ended up going with the Hemnes from IKEA. I was pulling for the more vintage style Jenny Lind or the more modern oak spindle, but Carson loved the black Hemnes best – I have to say, I think he made a great choice. The Hemnes has a classic, timeless look that can grow with him and I cannot wait to see how that dark colour pops in front of the green vertical shiplap walls.
I hope you enjoy following along with this makeover in real-time with us. It’s going to be a messier, less stream-lined process for sure, but I have to say that without that clear picture of where things are heading this time around, I’m actually looking forward to seeing how this all comes together even more!
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day my friends!
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I can't wait to hear your thoughts!