I’m starting a new DIY project! This time I’m going to transition my son’s nursery to a big boy bedroom as part of the 2024 Spring One Room Challenge. Since we moved into this house 4 years ago, his bedroom has stayed in the same sad state of having the bare minimum. He starts first grade next school year. It’s time for him to upgrade to an actual bed that is more than just a mattress on the floor and a desk for homework, and arts and crafts (he is a budding artist!). I’ve scoured the internet for inspirations and have come up with a design plan.
Let me share all the details with you and some swoon-worthy designs that will definitely spark your creativity in tackling a similar space.
What the room currently looks like
It’s really embarrassing for me to show you this. The before of the room is messy, boring and has no character or personality whatsoever.
We haven’t done any work or purchase any non-baby-related furniture for our son’s bedroom. The only “makeover” I did was painting the Noldri dresser olive green last spring. I held off upgrading his room, because I wasn’t sure what he’s most passionate about or how he would like to use his room. I want to create a space that he likes to spend time in and can grow with him.
Now that he’s older, I can tell he’s drawn to:
- Arts and crafts
- Pokémon
- LEGO
- Gymnastics, obstacle course
- Math and workbook (he’s proud of himself for being able to complete worksheets, just like his big sister)
His wish list is a new bed, somewhere to do his art project/LEGO/Pokémon/homework, and home for his stuffed animals. Since I am making over the room, I’d add a ton of storage, so he can learn how to keep his room tidy. There is really nowhere else for his toys to go other than the floor LOL.
Creating a homework zone
First things first, the most exciting part of this bedroom makeover. A DIY built-in computer desk!
My plan is to build a large floating desk with 4×8 plywood and some super affordable IKEA hacks. Since my husband and I both work from home and do a lot of work (also gaming LOL) on the computer, having a well-thought-out work space is on the top of our list. I want to make sure our son’s desk is long enough for dual monitor (further down the road) and is ergonomic. So the proper depth, height and length and finishes are all important.
This built-in desk designed by mif design really caught my eye. I love the sage green cabinet color, the mix and match of cabinet space and open shelves. It’s so practical, functional and charming.
This 3D rendering by Nest and Needle Interiors is also a great inspiration. The symmetrical built-ins, cloud wallpaper, ceiling beams, soft blue color palette…everything is perfect in this image. I love how functional this space is with the comfortable workstation, while mixed in some dreamy and playful elements.
DIY built-in computer desk
If budget is not an issue, I’d do custom cabinetry and get the exact measurements that fit the space. But for this project, my plan is to use a mix of high-end and low-end items to keep the cost down. In my recent guest bedroom makeover, I was able to build a wrap-around wardrobe with IKEA PAX and BESTA for $1500. I plan to do something similar with this built-in desk.
Believe it or not, I found a 3-drawer Nordli dresser in IKEA’s As-Is section for $80 and a second-hand 31 ½” wide Billy bookcase for $5 (such a steal!). Other materials come in at around $200, so this could be a super budget-friendly build! Using the dresser as a base, I’d add the bookcase on top, build two long floating shelves, and add a waterfall desk to the right.
This is the idea I came up with. The whole design will be timeless, simple, cost-effective, and practical with all the closed storage. He can display his favorite LEGO sets and Pokemon figures on the shelves, and put everything away behind closed doors.
Japanese style platform bed
OK, now let’s talk about the bed. The mattress-on-the-floor situation is in dire need of a change. In my daughter’s bedroom, I replaced her old metal frame bed with a vintage Jenny Lind bed. The spindle details are so darling.
For my son’s room, I want to use a Japanese style platform bed. A Thuma bed. If you’ve seen these, you probably know how well-built this wood bed is and its simplicity. It uses a sophisticated Japanese joinery in constructing the bed frame, making the joints seamless and ultra strong.
I am not confident in my woodworking skills to pull off these joints, so hopefully I can find a dupe and make a fabric headboard to go with it.
DIY bedside table
Next to the bed, I plan to DIY a pair of white oak floating nightstands. I fell in love with the Crate and Barrel’s Batten white oak nightstand a few months when I saw it in the store. The construction seems simple enough for me to build a pair from scratch (wish me luck!).
Floating nightstands are great for adding storage without taking up too much floor space. They also make a bedroom feel more airy and open.
Although I am not going the route of a bunk bed or a loft bed. These are also great options to double up space in kid’s bedrooms. Definitely something to consider, if you’re designing a kid’s space.
Wall art, rug, light fixture, and color scheme for a boy’s bedroom
In terms of other design elements such as art, hardware, and color scheme, I am still finalizing my selection. But here is what I’m eying on.
A fun and eclectic gallery wall that also looks put-together
Isn’t this kid’s theme gallery wall lovely?
I want to have picture frames of different sizes and finishes. Display of my son’s artwork. Mix in kids art prints, plush toy or origami. Maybe a hanging basket or two for stuffed animals.
A large area rug that is soft, washable, and neutral
We had this amazingly soft Loloi rug in the guest bedroom. It made me realize a nice rug is more than decoration, but rather creates a comfortable spot for everyone to gather around and hang out (board games, anyone?).
This plaid rug paired with the same pattern bedding makes this big boy’s bedroom look sophisticated and classy. I hope I can find something that is both washable and pretty
Modern light fixture and ceiling fan
Finding a good-looking ceiling fan is not the easiest task. We have a simple, low-profile flush mount in the room right now. But I know in hot summer days, my son will want to turn on the fan instead of just having a pretty-looking chandelier.
I was over the moon when I saw the Emiko fan by Alora Mood. It has built-in light and has a flowy, organic shape that screams STUNNING.
I can’t get over how pretty this ceiling fan is. Look at how a similar model looks in this Studio McGee designed bedroom. It totally elevates the space.
I’m grateful Aloca Mood is gifting this ceiling fan and the Blake wall sconces to me for this project. I can’t wait to show you how they look in the finished space.
A soft blue color scheme
Finally, blue is going to be the main color of this room. I was into green, but my client (aka son) made it clear that blue was his favorite. So I drew my inspiration from Pinterest.
SW Blustery Sky kitchen cabinets. I love how the earthy, muted blue complements the wood tone in the room and the white countertops.
My No.1 inspiration was this kids homework room by Monika Hibbs. Absolutely love the way the green cabinets looks with the windowpane plaid wallpaper.
Something special for a child who likes sports and LEGO
In the past I liked to incorporate an accent wall in a bedroom design, such as shiplap or board and batten. This time I want to do something different.
There will be a two-tone accent wall made of wallpaper + paint and (surprise!) LED light. I still need to figure out how to add light around the room, so it looks seamless. But I am super pumped of this nice surprise.
Another special feature I’ve been thinking of doing is to add some sports/gymnastic elements. My son is an active little guy. He loves climbing, doing flips, somersault and obstacle courses. When I saw this big kids playroom by Emily Henderson, a light bulb went on in my head: wouldn’t it be fun to add a swing or a basketball hoop?!
If space allows, a play gym inside a kids’ room is so much fun!
Big boy bedroom design ideas – Mood Board and Sources
This is the mood board I’ve come up with so far. It’s definitely more on the grown-up, sophisticated side. But I will add fun elements (cartoon wallpaper, LEGO on shelf, wall art, LED lights, gymnastics rings, basket hoop) to boost the cuteness factor.
Ocean wallpaper from LoveVsDesign | Emiko fan by Alora Mood | Blake wall sconce by Alora Mood | Nordic II Bedside Table | Gambit washable rug by Revival
What’s next?
I’ve already started to build the base for the desk. This weekend, I’m going to do all the prep work–cutting, priming, measuring and more sourcing. I’ve gotten some supplies and will need to figure out all the pieces for this big puzzle. I hope you will join me in the next 7 weeks and see this transformation unfold!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out what everyone is working on in One Room Challenge Week 1 portal. Lots of cool designs and transformations to explore.
Leave a Reply