This boy is inspired by our summers in Nova Scotia just as much as I am. He often says he plans on living there when he grows up, so I wanted to bring a little piece of our happy place into our home just for him. I created a space that feels as though it belongs in a cottage by the ocean and I hope you love it as much as he does!
THE ROOM
I believe that, when designing a child's room, they should be a part of the process so I wanted Jacob to have input on the design. If I'd handed over complete control, literally everything in the room from the walls to the furniture would have been red. To avoid that design disaster, with each decision, from the retro-inspired light fixture (which I am obsessed with) to the wallpaper, I provided him with a couple options to choose from. The only idea he wasn't sold on initially was wallpaper. So we chatted about it. A few times. It turns out he was worried it would start peeling off and look messy. Kids, huh? Once I convinced him that wouldn't happen, he was on board.
THE BED
Confession time: I planned on redecorating this room last year. Which is when I picked up the bed and side tables and some of the bedding. I guess I needed a deadline to push me into getting the room done. The metal bed and the spindled leg side tables, both from Wayfair, have a vintage cottage feel. I absolutely love the combination of the Serena and Lily striped quilt and shams with the Maritime sheet set. I ended up shooting the before photos with the bed and tables already in place. Looking back, I'm really happy I did because it shows how changing just a few elements can completely transform a room.
THE WALLS
The faux grasscloth wallpaper from Wayfair wraps three walls and I could not love it more. It was our first time installing wallpaper (other than peel and stick in our master bedroom closet). In some ways it was harder than I thought, in some ways easier, in all ways, worth it. I think Jamie agrees, even though he insists he never wants to wallpaper again.
To give the room a cottage feel, I decided to do a little something different on the wall behind the bed. Because we are renting our home, I had to come up with an idea that did not permanently damage the walls or would be too tricky to remove, so I did what I'm calling shiplap for renters. We placed several 1x2 flat stock trim boards (from the always amazing Metrie) spaced equally on the wall and painted in my go-to white Benjamin Moore Simply White. I love the simplicity of it. I'll be sharing a post on how to create that look soon.
THE WINDOWS
I may have mentioned this one or twice, but I am not a fan of the windows in this room. I hate the round top window and the fact that the middle window is a few inches higher than the two on either side. To minimize that, I had faux romans made (by Jamie's mom!) that all ended at the same height. I think it does the trick. The sandy colour of the fabric brings even more of a seaside feel into the room.
THE STORAGE
This incredible cabinet, also from Wayfair — normally meant for dining room storage — displays his collections and art. My little guy is a bit of an art collector; he selects a new piece every summer when we go to N.S.. Above is one of my favourites by Lunenburg-based artist Kat Frick Miller, a photo of our beach and a pennant from Drake General Store. The beautiful painted Norquay paddles are finally hung on display. The basic closet doors (and main door) were traded for my absolute favourite Winslow doors from Metrie. I painted them (and all of the trim) in Benjamin Moore's Simply White.
THE DETAILS
I kept the styling simple: baskets to house his many non-fiction books and hockey cards, stacks of books, vintage globes. I found lamps at Target. Although they were the wrong colour and the shades were too small, I liked the shape. I gave them a coat of Benjamin Moore Advance paint in Kensington Blue and Simply White and added larger shades.
THE PARTNERS
I couldn't possibly have completed this room without amazing brand partners. A huge thank you to Wayfair, Metrie and Benjamin Moore for helping me create the dreamiest bedroom for the sweetest boy. He says thank you too. xo
All images by my insanely talented and somuchfuntoworkwith photographer, Angus Fergusson.
ONE ROOM CHALLENGE
Each ORC brings so much beautiful design inspiration. Take a moment to see the other incredible spaces designed this time around.
