May 15, 2013

Working On A Shared Room


We're slowly but surely making some headway on what will be our kids' shared room. There's been lots of planning and budgeting and clearing out, but only a little actual production which means sharing our progress is tricky. We are keeping the paint very white ('super white' in fact, by Benjamin Moore... it doesn't get much whiter!), so that's not even very exciting at the moment. Have no fear, there will be plenty of color. I've never been accused of being shy with color, and at least one of the walls will be stenciled as well. 

Since I view this blog as a journal, I really like all of the images to be original content (an obsession that keeps me from mastering Pinterest the way that I want to, I yearn to connect images to their authors for whatever reason). I was hesitant to include any type of 'design board', but ultimately I decided that I've been spending so much time researching and considering products, it would be fun to share some of my thoughts here. I also always think that these collages look more 'designery' than the final product, all the accessories are scaled up and the toys and books and personal touches are missing - so go ahead and imagine this all as less precious and more fun... thanks!


1. Henry Evans Poppies: This is a wonderful block print that I've had forever. It's currently over our own bed and I'm excited to pass it along to our future daughter.

2. Flag Curtains: We'll be relocating these from Little Smith's current nursery to the new room, they're just too much fun to leave behind.

3 5 Mouse and Sheep Mobiles: Little Smith picked these out himself, he is totally smitten.

4. Skateboard Book Cubby: This is a DIY we made for the nursery and will now serve as a big boy nightstand.

6 11Animal Prints: Little Smith selected all the art from a big list of options, and he just loves his animals.

7. Cloud Lamp: I'm a little concerned about the halogen bulbs with this guy, but I felt it in the store and it didn't seem to get hot. It's the perfect size for an over the bed task light... and very affordable.

8. Yarn Dyed Bedding: All cotton, simple, and soft.

9. Hand-Me-Down Crib (link to similar): We will be re-using our crib, which was a gift from my aunt. It's very traditional, wood with white spindles, and did have a drop side which we've fixed in place for safety.

10 13 16. Pretty Pillows: Pillows are always the first thing to go when the budget gets tight, so it's unlikely you'll actually be seeing any of these in our room. I have a big old collection of pillows on my wish list though, and these are a few favorites - so cute!

12. 8-inch Industrial Casters: We will be DIY'ing a big boy bed for Little Smith, and these wheels are the main feature. He loves them, they are huge and very heavy.

14. Storage Bins: Basic canvas bins in fun colors, and they're currently on sale too.

15. Sheep Skin: I always thought that this cheap and chearful Ikea version was fake and cruelty free, but researching it tonight I've learned it's actually a sheep, hmmm. At any rate, this or something similar is a must for warming up the Eames rocker, in my experience.

17. Granny Square Blanket: In my fantasy, I am crocheting this blanket. It's not so likely in the near future, but here's a lovely version, handmade with someone's love. 

18. Eames Style Rocker: We will be relocating our very blue rocker from the nursery into the new room. I know not everyone finds it comfortable, but I have loved nursing and reading in this chair- with that cozy sheepskin.

19. Animal Pillow Case and Crib Sheet: I love this pattern and it works well for both boys and girls. 

20Pouf: I'm not set on this one, and not certain of the color either. I'll probably wait until the room is more together to make the call, but I want a bean bag or pouf or something that doubles as a foot rest and kid seat.

21. Wool Rug: I fell in love with this when I saw it in person, not super soft but it just feels good to me. I do have a few other options on the back burner.

22. Painted Dresser: We have a mid-century craigslisted gem that we will be painting white since the veneer is a wreck. It's quite a bit taller than this picture and the legs aren't as nice, but same basic idea. 

23. Map Baby Quilt: This is another item that we won't be purchasing just yet but is on my dream list. The map just happens to include the hospital where our child(ren) was/ will be born. The company will mark a location and embroider a name and birth date, so I'd love to get them each a personalized quilt some day.

24. Stenciled Armoire: I swore that we wouldn't buy anything made out of particle board for this space, but this piece just fits perfectly in our narrow spot and solves a lot of clothing issues. I'm planning to stencil the bottom (as shown). 


I know, for someone who was hesitant to show products, that was a whole lot of products! Believe me when I tell you there are even more swimming in my head and lots and lots of details yet to be mentioned. I also have a substantial list of DIY projects that keeps getting edited as the days tick on by. One project that we are definitely committed to is making that big boy bed, it's next up on our very long list.


I thought all of the upheaval might be traumatic for Little Smith, but he absolutely loves the work going on and 'helping out' when he can. I think he is actually going to miss the empty room when it goes, hopefully we can pull together something that makes him happy. I sincerely believe that a person's environment has the capacity to profoundly affect their experiences. It's a belief that drew me to architecture initially, and it still rings true. This room is small and basic, but  nonetheless it feels good to be creating a sweet little nest for our little ones enjoy as they grow.

25 comments:

  1. So much cute! I love all the color and ideas you've included here, and I also love when you share your design drawings- fun! So exciting to plan for a new member of the family :)

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    1. Thank you Ruthie, we're enjoying the process but I wish it would go a little more quickly!

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  2. Oh this is going to be adorable! I can't wait to see the finished room. I need to make Owen a bed too.

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    1. I can't wait to get that bed done, it's probably the biggest project we have planned. Thank you Nancy.

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  3. I would have loved this room so much, so so much! In fact there are a few items you listed that I would happily have in my room now...haha

    I really, really like your floorboards and your windows - I can see why you would keep everything white - there's some really beautiful features in that room that I really wouldn't want to detract from...white really shows them off perfectly! (not that I know anything about architecture or design, more's the pity). Your home is beautiful.

    Flora x

    www.twowithseven.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Aw, thanks so much Flora. It took some convincing to get everyone on board with the white, but I was determined :)

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  4. I am the same as you, I like to put original photos on the blog, but I add others now and then. And your design board is genius! So beautiful. Can't wait to see the finished room. Makes me wish I had put more effort into the kids' baby rooms. :)

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    1. I'm sure your baby rooms were great... and I can't wait to see this all finished too!

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  5. I've been dying to know what you've been up to with that new shared room! Thank you for sharing the progress with us! And you know what's funny? I've been toying with Benjamin Moore's Super White for our kitchen cabinets! Seeing it in a room on its own is so helpful!

    I love the look of white walls with pops of color- so Scandinavian. And that pillow with the fir trees is amazing! Your little ones are going to be so happy in their new space. Can't wait to see the finished product!

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    1. Thanks Lauren. The super white is definitely very bright white, it took several coats to cover our cream walls which surprised me. James wasn't sure at first but he's coming around, I love it :) Are you redo'ing your kitchen? How exciting!

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  6. I can't wait to see it all pulled together! I'm sure I'll take some inspiration from it. We've never really put together a room for Gus. We've moved around so much it just didn't make sense to really decorate a space. Now that we're here I've started actually pulling things together and it's so exciting! I can't wait to have a little dream room for the kid.

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    1. I always think Gus's spaces look so great. Now that you've found your forever spot, I'm sure he'll have a magical room. Thanks Julie!

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  7. What a great project! I can't wait to see how it turns out!! :)

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  8. I´m sure you´ll create something both of them will love! :-)

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  9. Love what you have so far...it's going to look great. I used a lot of etsy shops when decorating my son's room which gave me an "outside the box" perspective. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks so much. Isn't etsy just the best? I love it.

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  10. I love your inspiration, especially all the forest themed bits and pieces!

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  11. So exciting!! And Little Smith should love it-- he's helping make his own space! You have the most exquisite taste, truly-- just beautiful ideas & I can't wait to see how it all comes out!

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    1. Aw thanks, I wish I could click my heals and see it finished myself :)

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  12. We have SO much alike when it comes to interior design. I love your sketches so much. I used to make them constantly. Something I haven't really talked about on my blog is that I wanted to be an interior designer for YEARS. After high school I got accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design, but due to financial constraints I never went. If we had a bit more money to spend on things other than sheep grain and past-due bills, I would totally revamp our house a little bit. First up? Paint. This house needs it so desperately. Also, do you have any tips and tricks on cheap ways to floor a room? Our living room has this godawful tan 70's carpeting. I'm making do by not looking at it. Hardwood would be my first option, but I'm thinking that carpeting is going to be the least expensive option. HALP.

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    1. Thanks so much Mckenzie, I would love to see your design sketches, I'm sure they're wonderful. Flooring is so pricey, typically carpet is going to be your least expensive option. I personally like carpet with a loop pile (instead of cut). I also really like carpet tiles, such as Flor, because you can replace any that get damaged or stained. They aren't cheap but they do occasionally have really good sales and are so easy to install yourself even if you aren't that handy that sometimes it does end up being affordable. Nothing worse than suffering with carpet you can't stand- I've definitely been there :)Good luck!

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    2. I knew I would get a thorough answer out of you! Thanks!! Now to convince the landlords that this stanky carpeting needs to go. Maybe I should invite them over on the most hot and humid day. ;) Also, I'm really inspired to make some design sketches because of you. I've thought about it more than once since reading your post. Maybe soon!

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  13. Ohhh this is going to be fun.

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