I have been wanting to make a few changes around the house, and we are definitely due for another huge clean-out. So, in July, we started by cleaning out both of the kids' rooms closets to get rid of lots of clothes and toys that we don't use with anymore. I really want to encourage the kids give to others who have a need, so we have a HUGE donation pile waiting for a new home currently sitting in our garage. We have also cleaned out our closet, and are slowly making it through the rest of the house/attic/garage, but I really wanted to finish their space before we destroyed the rest of the house. :) Anyhoo- here is what I came up with- now the kids share a bedroom, and they have a playroom. I had some great help and advice from friends along the way, so have to give some credit to Katie, and Colette, and Jill! It was fun to take several of the ideas I have seen on Pinterest and turn them into something personal we are using in this space. Well, on to the pictures...
First, the Playroom:
The main challenge in here was meshing both rooms (very gender specific) into a fun and somewhat gender neutral space. Essentially, we kept the shelves tailored to each kid, but mixed things around a little bit. Who knew that robots, birds, fire trucks, and owls could get along so well. :)
Everyone needed some space to hang boas and super hero capes!
Displayed rules and new way to feature artwork...
A designated art/coloring station...
And for the bedroom...
I cannot even begin to express the craziness my brain went through to figure out how to make a gender neutral, but still individualized bedroom. My master plan was ruined when the bedding that I planned to use from Ikea was discontinued and I could not get it. From there, I decided to make my own bedding for the kids, which essentially was to make each of them a duvet cover and personalize some pillow cases. (I mean, really, a duvet is just a huge pillow case, right?!? Hmmm :/ ) But, making that happen, when the kids had already requested pink and blue as their bedding colors proved more difficult than expected. I spent 2 hours staring at fabric in the aisles of Joann's... sending numerous texts to Katie and Jill- trying to figure out something that let them have their total
boy-ness/girliness in tact, while allowing the room to seem like it fit together. After the 3rd time one of the very helpful employees walked past me, she said- "Really, can I help you with something?" When I told her my task, her reply- "Yeah, that is going to be hard, sorry." Well, here are the results... I actually love the room now. There are still some things I would like to add at some point, but I am completely satisfied!
The artwork here was done mostly by the kids. They helped with the paintings, and it was fun. The smaller pieces are their birth stats in the same formats.
And- we LOVE the new bed!! It is from Ikea. The problem was that it was bright blue! So, we made some gray chalkboard paint and got it to fit into our color scheme as well as give the kids a new medium for art. :)
I saw something similar to this on Pinterest. The pin showed the nails being nailed into the wall, but I really wasn't ready to commit to that. So, I found a scrap of wood in the garage and with a little paint, some nails, and yarn, we have FREE fun art... I guess. :)
I also loved a lampshade I saw that was covered in buttons, but wanted something a little more simple, using things I already have. I love it- it brings lots of color to that corner and is just a fun piece. The kids picked all of the buttons, so they were able to share in this project as well. And again- this was free!
These printables are what brought this entire room idea together, and I think actually got it started. :) I remember these little rhymes from when I was a little girl, and thought they would be a fun way to bring all-boy, and total sass-a-frass girl together in one place. The other things here were also Pinterest inspired.
In this room, my second goal (after the decor) was to make it a room for rest and quiet. So, we moved all of the books in. Now this room is all about reading. It was great to gather the decorating items for in here. The comic strip poster is from my Dad's collection of Post Office keepsakes, and I love the colors and that the theme is comic strips. So excited to add this to the room! The "Reading Robot" was on the package of robot books Evan got for his birthday from the Rasmussen family. Jill is amazing- yes, she drew that. :) So, I cut it down and kept it to frame here... in our READING space!!
Love it!!
Lastly, I cannot be happier about the last (and 2nd largest project) picture of the room. Again, from Pinterest, I searched all different ways to display and use books, and this was my favorite!! These really were so easy!! I need to get stronger dowels so that these don't sag quite as much (we have lots of heavy books), but they still work as they are. And I like that they bring in more color and function, without having to have more furniture.
This was a very fun project... a little overwhelming at times, but it was great. So far, the kiddos love it, and that is really what matters, I suppose! :)
