So, I’m trying something different with this one. Rather than a play by play of makeover progress, I’m switching it up and starting with the before and after pictures. This is what the boys’ bedroom looked like before I started:
Sure, we had done some work in there, adding striped curtains, install a new window (the other still has to change), and paint swatches on the walls. But it was still such a blank slate.
Then I stumbled on the perfect dresser and gave it a makeover and swapped out the flush mount light fixture.
But that’s where progress stopped. This room makeover really kicked off by scraping the popcorn texture off and smoothing the ceiling. While the furniture was out of the room we decided to change the trim (to match the other rooms) and paint. I stayed close to the mood board, too.
Check out their (nearly) finished room today:
V requested yellow walls and Ev wanted green. This bold yellowy-green (Anjou Pear by Ben Moore color matched to Glidden) is a great compromise and is still really youthful and fun. Some original items are in there: the dresser, curtains, and some art, but most everything is new. A ReStore light fixture for $6.40 (the barn light focused too much light downward).
Matching custom built pine and upholstered beds replaced the vintage bed and Ev’s crib.
Gray, ivory, and navy bedding helps balance the bright walls.
A new art arrangement fills out the off centered window space.
The boys chose their favorite and I made new movie posters, too.
Fun pillows for a little pattern and color.
Across the room are the constellation canvases with added frames and bookshelf below.
But I’ve got two things I still want to do. Find or make a large piece of art for this wall:
And get a 4 by 6 or 5 by 7 rug to go between the beds.
What do you think of the changes? Any suggestions for art? What are you up to this weekend?
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
I really like it! It is a nice transformation into a big boy room.
Hi Wendy!
Thanks so much! The boys are both so excited for their ‘new’ room. Mission accomplished, and we should be able to get several years out of everything. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
LOVE it! DId I miss it or what did you do with the flor rug? I love that one!
Hi Julia!
Thanks for your sweet comments! The Flor rug is in the basement for now. I like the rug, just not in that space. I’d like something with less pattern to help tone down the bright walls even more.
Thanks!
Amanda
Ah! I love it. Especially those beds, they are amazing. Want to come to Missouri and build me some? I love how the room came together to be the perfect kids room without being over the top.
Hi Mary!
Aww, thanks! We’re all super happy with the beds, too. I’m working on a bed post to give more details about them, so check back next week for that. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Not gonna lie, I was pretty skeptical about the Anjou Pear wall color… but it all came together REALLY well. Lovely work 🙂
Hey Alicia!
Ha, I don’t blame you for being worried about the wall color! I was too right after painting it, before moving stuff back in. It’s bright, but most everything else in the room is neutral so it balances it.
Thanks!
Amanda
Amanda, your boys room looks CUTE!! I love those beds, looking forward to hearing more about them 🙂 Those pillows are so happy 🙂
Hey Katrina!
Thank you so much, lovely lady! Check in next week for the info on the beds. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Looks Amazing!!! What did you use for the crown molding?
Hi Jessica!
Thank you so much! We used door casement in place of true crown. Cheaper and easier to work with. Here’s a link with more detail about it: https://ourhumbleabodeblog.com/2012/08/27/puttin-on-my-painting-clothes/
Thanks!
Amanda
Why do they share a room when you seem to have a big house?
Hi lkl!
Good question! Though this house is bigger than our last, as the house currently is, we’ve only got three bedrooms. Our master, their room, and a guest room where Handy Sammy sleeps. Once we get to the basement, we plan to make two more bedrooms there. So, they could move to the basement then. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
I love it, it looks amazing! The beds are perfect as is all of the artwork and accessories! GREAT JOB!
Hi Lorie!
Thanks for your compliments! You’re too sweet. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
I think incorporating blues might be a good idea when it comes to the rug and art. A navy would go really well with the color on the walls and curtains, but a younger, more kid-friendly bright blue like we see in the rainbow/starburst pillow could be fun also.
Hi Angie!
I think that would be really fun, too. The brighter blue is a happy color. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Very nice, It’s a great big boy room! Can’t wait to see the deets on the beds those are fantastic!
Hi Andrea!
Why thanks! Check in next week for more info on the beds. Spoiler, they’re about the same price as the Ikea beds and rails. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
What a lovely room to two young boys. You really did a great job. I can’t help but notice that it is a sizable room (How lucky are you to have those great hardwood floors? – and on the diagonal to boot!). My question? Where are all of their toys? My kids overflow with junk, eh, toys. Do you have another space for such things? (We don’t have a playroom, family room, finished basement, etc….)
Hey Decorum DIYer!
Aww, thanks! The room is pretty large, so it’s perfect for the two to share for now. Some of their toys are in their room. Books, a kitchen set, a bin of stuffed animals, and a few more things in their closet. But, most of their toys are out in our living room entertainment center drawers. These beds are great though because if we want/need to, we can add bins under for storage.
Under beds and vertical are grat places. Perhaps a tall shelf with bins would work for you?
Thanks!
Amanda
What a beautiful transformation. I love the navy with that wall color. The beds look amazing. Love the dresser too and all the artwork 🙂
Hey Katja!
Thank you so, so much! I really love the navy/green combo, too.
Thanks!
Amanda
Great work Amanda! As for art Costco (at least ours out here) has some really fun world & US maps ($15 for two) We had one mounted on foam board at Hobby Lobby for less than $20. It looks great on the wall and the kids love looking at it.
Hey Brie!
Ooh, that’s good to know! Ev LOVES to identify states, so he’d get a kick out of a map. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
Looks great!
I was thinking something with organic or rounded shapes on that wall to compliment the straight lines on the curtains. The map idea would do it! I was also thinking of some kind of blue stencil. Maybe some wheels or globes or something!
Hey Kristy!
A map would be super fun. I actually just finished something for their wall. Can’t wait to share more. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
So stylish! The changes are great and looks like a great way to make a kids’ room be appealing to adults too!
Aww, thanks Marlene!
On sharing rooms: there are benefits to having kids share rooms that shouldn’t be overlooked. I find it curious that some folks still think of sharing rooms as something to be done only if absolutely necessary as opposed to something that can be character building, help develop life skills, strengthen sibling bonds, etc. I think it’s great that the boys share a room- huge house or not! 🙂
Hey Emily!
I totally hear you. Our boys are young and have always shared a room, so to them it’s not a big deal. I’m sure they’ll want their own rooms when they’re older, but for now we’re all happy with the arrangement.
Thanks!
Amanda
I love it! So clean and bright and I really still like the off centered window.
Hi Sara!
Thank you so much for always being so sweet and encouraging! I’m much happier with the off centered window with the art now.
Thanks!
Amanda
I love the updates. Having a boy myself I know the challenge of making it fun, function but not too childish. I think you’ve hit the note exactly.
Hi Jamie!
Oh I hear that! Making fun, but not too cutesy boy rooms is tough. I think it makes the most sense to stick with neutrals and transitional main items and then have fun with the rest. That seems to strike a good balance. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda