I am so excited nervous to share a project with you from my own home this week–my son's bedroom makeover! I'm excited because it is a project that I'm super happy with and I am going to share with you where pretty much everything came from. Sweet! But nervous because I have to let you in on a little, dirty secret. Real Estate Stylists don't always live in Real Estate Style.
And as you can see, my son's room was one epic fail in any kind of style before we updated it. I mean seriously, what a disaster! Although this photo was taken years ago, it hadn't changed that much–a few less toys everywhere and a little neater–but this was pretty much the state of affairs at the beginning of this project (my actual before's were lost in an IOS update–darn you, Apple!–so I apologize for the poor quality ; )
The poor kid had literally, and I do mean literally, every hand-me-down piece of furniture we had. He also did not have a proper closet. It was 12″ deep and we could only hang things on hooks. Fine for a 4-year-old but he was pushing the end of middle school and actually wanted a place to hang his shirts and pants on hangers! #dreamchild Now that tiny, non-functional space is a phenomenal shoe closet for his size 11's!
I wanted the new closet to feel like it had always been there so we added lots of gorgeous trim, created a window seat with storage and built-in bookshelves on the other side. None of the windows in the room are on center so it made it ideal for building a bigger closet but a nightmare for ceiling fixtures and bed placement.
But, we got it all sorted out and here is the amazing transformation (with links to everything that I used in the room)…
Mural • Wall Color • Ceiling Color • Doors
Benj wanted a Ralph Lauren feel and was probably one of my most daring clients. Can you ever imagine a client saying yes to a charcoal ceiling?! He immediately went for it and gave me the confidence to run with it. I absolutely love how it turned out, especially when the crazy, cool reflection from the light fixture hits it at night. What makes it work in here is the high ceiling and the intense amount of sunlight this room gets throughout the day. At night it is moody and I always joke with Benj that I should have included a brandy snifter in the room so he could sip his seltzer while doing homework in a style befitting the room!
Similar Globe Pendant • Edison Bulbs
The starting point for the room was this gorgeous, lodgy feeling bedding from Ralph Lauren. I find it easiest to style a room when I have a piece of art or fabric to get me started so if you ever struggle with that, find a piece of art that you love or fabric with multiple colors that you love and begin your palette there. Makes life sooo much easier!
Iron Bed • Bedding Similar • Similar Throw Pillow
Bedside Table • Area Rug • Boxspring Cover • Buddah (similar)
Bench Fabric • Bin Pulls • Similar Throw Pillows
Similar Baskets • Red Turntable • Shades (similar)
Chair (vintage) • Desk (vintage) • Lamp • Mirror Framed Art
Check out this fun before and after of the vintage desk chair. I bought the pair from a local consignment shop because the price and style were right for so many possible functions. With the magic of my dear friend Colleen at the Angry Elf (follow her on Instagram at @angryelfupcycled), who stripped and painted the frame, and Paul D'Orazio Custom Upholstery, who re-glued this rickety lady and updated her good looks, we have a fun and comfy desk chair for Benj.
That concludes our bedroom makeover tour! Thanks to the ever adorable and talented Ashlee Hall Photography for the gorgeous photos of this room. And, thank you for indulging me today! I hope that you found a little inspiration fir your own bedroom makeover.
xo,
Lori
Lori, the room looks fantastic! I love love the mural on the wall. You son obviously has your great taste with choosing a Ralph Lauren styled room. Awesome job…..
Thanks so much, Lisa! I’m totally obsessed with that mural too! It was so much fun working with him on the project because, for a 13 year old, he had a tremendous sense of style and was very clear on what he wanted. He also keeps the room as neat as it is in the after photos because he’s so proud of it. I’m totally loving that new normal!