Michele Made Me

Reveal: The Boy’s Bedroom

by

It’s taken us a few weeks… But today I’m proud – and relieved – to proclaim The Boy’s bedroom renovation project complete! Joy of joys!

If I go back and peruse our original wish list, I think we managed to stick to the plan pretty much. We kept the whole thing relatively inexpensive. We used a lot of stuff we already had kickin’ around. And we kept it reasonably simple. All in all, a success I think.

Want a look-see? Okay, let’s head on in!

When I say we kept it inexpensive, we did. We kept the bed, the dresser, the rug, the shelves, the overhead light fixture, the pouf, the old red cushion, the tall cabinet. We also used other stuff we already had: the aquarium stand, the study chair, the quilt, the other cushion, and all the storage containers.

That’s not to say we didn’t splurge on a few things. We did. Like all the paint and the supplies for the roman blind, for example. And I also bought a simple white duvet cover. I know. I could have made one easy. But I decided instead to give myself a break and buy one. Sometimes, it’s nice to treat yourself, you know? And I supported a local linen shop in the process, so it’s all good. We also bought two light fixtures for focussed lighting: one for the head of the bed – The Boy reads every night – and one for his new “study”.

Also, several months ago Lo surprised The Boy with a poster he ordered online. It’s a large, divided Tintin and Snowy poster and it’s quite quite lovely. When it arrived, we ooo-eh and aww-ed, and then we put it back in the box and never put it up. Aren’t we awful? Finally, the thing has come out of hiding, and it’s found a place on the wall. Feelin’ a little better about that now, eep.

As I take a look around, I’m a little aghast at all the stuff we’ve made in this room. Besides the desk, the shelf brackets, the refurbished fish stand, the blind, the cushions, and the brown dresser made by Lo’s great-grandpa, many other projects in this room are also handmade.

Lo, The Boy and I made the black and orange airplanes that hover above the dresser. Hanging on the walls are a few of the pretty paper airplane garlands I made for The Boy a couple years back. Sitting on the dresser is the wooden tower crane The Boy and I constructed together last summer.

You may well know that the bed quilt is my very own “City Streets“. Also, the denim pouf is a popular tutorial here on Michele Made Me from back in 2011. Two summers ago, The Boy and I put together the small woven sun wall-hanging. The denim chair cushion in the closet-study is my very first Shop project (which, by the way, is still available as a PDF downloadable template/tutorial right here)!

It’s interesting really… To think of all that time spent making all those things… What an investment of energy! But over time, you really don’t notice it. You just enjoy the moment, you know? Still, I sometimes ask myself why I make stuff. I look around at our Boy’s simple bedroom – now complete – and I see all these projects at work. And actually, I’m proud. One answer to that why-I-make-stuff question becomes obvious. I make things to bring a little of myself to this earthly place. To leave my mark here. And to make it home.

 

That’s a good enough reason, I think.

 

♥M

 

All posts on The Boy’s Bedroom overhaul: here (before room), here, here, here, and here.
 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jan Conwell says

    The room is wonderful, Michele. And aside from all the totally vital reasons you listed about "why make things"…the one you left out is: You can't NOT make things. It's who you are. Your boy will grow up with that wonderful inheritance and carry it on.

  3. Amy Friend says

    His room is just wonderful! I agree with Jan, it's not in us not to make things, it's who we are. Go with it! Where do you stash his toys or does he not care for them much? I'd love my son's room to look so streamlined but there are legos and such everywhere.

    • Michele Pacey says

      Thanks Amy! Actually his toys are in the living room and basement where we step on them 12 times a day, and basically, where we live. He doesn't spend much time in his room. Maybe that will change now that's it's all clean and organized…

  4. Giac says

    Hello Michele,
    Awsomeness. It loks so nice and fresh. I love the touches of color alla round the room.
    Terrific work!
    Big hug,
    Giac

  6. melissa q. at a happy stitch says

    That was fast! And, an amazing remodel. Now, I have to confess I'm a little sick and an awful lot emotional but you just got me choked up. I've been in a serious rut and asking the question Why-I-Make-Stuff in a serious way this week. But, you are right…I want to bring a little bit of myself to this earthly place. Thanks. That really hit the spot.

  7. dutchcomfort says

    It’s absolutely amazing Michele. Nothing can compete with handmade stuff and the Boy will remember all you made together as a family when he’s grown up to have his own!

  8. Stitched Together says

    It is stunning. The Boy will love it and all his friends will be jealous. It looks like something out of a magazine. I particularly like the little desk/study section, such a clever use of space. Its light and airy, but fun and useable. It doesn't look like a showroom space that will never get used. It looks like a space a boy can live in and relax and enjoy.

  9. Josh Brown says

    Random question – is that radio an antique or new?

    Love your site – we had our first Christmas craft day after being inspired by your posts!

    • Michele Pacey says

      Hi Josh Brown, that is actually a portable record player and it's definitely not an antique but made to look like one (I guess). It was a Christmas gift for The Boy. 🙂

      Thanks for the sweet comment!

  12. Тамара Гашонова-Чалапчий says

    Мишель. вы проделали колоссальную работу. Комната получилась замечательная.Продумано все до мелочей. Я думаю, ваш сын остался довольным и очень благодарен вам.

  13. Karen says

    Wow! You all did a great job, and it looks like a really fun place for the boy to spend some time. All the handmade touches are what makes it your own – something to be proud of!

  15. Unknown says

    Why make? Ha! I don't think you or any of us who make stuff can actually help themselves. Can any of us visit a shop and not say – oh I can make that! I can make that too! Oh and that! It is in the genes! Lucky for the boy! He's got your genes!

    The room is a fantastic space. And an excellent demonstration of how something totally new and fresh can be had using much of what is already on hand! AND made by hand!

    You just continue to prove me right! YOU are a genius!

    PAM

  17. blurooferika says

    Congrats on finishing the boy's bedroom! it was fun to see the gradual reveal. My older son is in dire need of bedroom overhaul. He still has the same look/furniture from when we moved in when he was 2; he's now 9! Maybe this is the inspiration I need to get something happening finally.

  19. PEACHES says

    So cheerful and happy! Just the sort of environment for a thriving munchkin. Cute, without being cutesy…it's a hard line to walk. He is lucky to have such a space. (And such a mom and dad).

    🙂

  21. Catherine says

    Really really well done Michele!! Yes I agree with your thoughts on all the handmade goodness and also a way of adding your own uniqueness to your home. Love everything you've done in the boys room plus the fact that it was a combined effort making it that more special. You deserve to feel proud of your efforts.

  22. Wendy says

    Fantastic results–such a light-filled, peaceful space. I'm sure your boy loves it. Don't feel bad about the poster–when we re-did our daughter's room a couple of years ago she got a new curtain rod, along with some lovely curtains; one year later they were finally hanging up. 🙁

  23. liniecat says

    Michele its brilliant………..so fresh and fun but with a grown up
    edge. Jobs wonderfully well done…………. and I have no doubt one happy young man now!!
    And so much nicer that youve each made it into this new space, rather than simply buying it all from a store ready made ……..these are your ideas and not some buyers choices for a catalogue or store!

  24. feelincrafty says

    This is beautiful again! I love all the little pieces you made. My son is finlly moving from his baby room to his big boy room and I'm stumped on how to make it his own. I guess I need to ask him what he wants, huh? Everytime I see TinTin I thnk of you and your son! 🙂

  25. Craftysquirrel says

    Room looks fantastic , and the handmade items by you make it so much more personal. Always feels so great when you finish a room, I still walk into my daughters a year after we re decorated and get a real sense of satisfaction.