A Sporty and Neutral Shared Boys Bedroom

From sounds of stifled giggles way past their bedtime, silly or surprisingly deep conversations, to catching the older brother reading to the younger, there's something pretty special that happens when kids share a room. Don't get me wrong, there's still more fights than I'd like and at times there's not enough space for the both of them, but I'm relishing this time and one day they'll look back and remember these times fondly–at least that's what I keep telling them.

When we moved in, there were enough rooms so the boys didn't have to share, but we wanted them to continue to bunk together. For one, Luke could keep an eye on his younger more mischievous brother and we could also use the extra room as a guest/office. While we still wanted it to be a room for boys, we were leaning towards a more sophisticated and neutral design this time around. In our last home, the boys' room had lots going on–gray and white striped walls, a DIY platform bed, a chalkboard wall–nearly every trend you could imagine. For this space (and the entire home), I wanted rooms to be much more simple and serene. It probably has something to do with all the chaos that two wild boys and busy schedules bring.

We painted over the blue walls with Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter and painted the dark blue ceiling, closet doors and trim in Benjamin Moore Simply White, a creamy, warm white. The neutral greige walls and white ceiling make the room feel clean, bright and quite a bit larger.

We built the beds using plans from Jennifer Largesse at Build - Basic and utilized a few things we had around the house like the metal shelving unit and dresser from Ikea. Then we threw in some cork boards so the kids could display their artwork and a couple bug pillows for good measure. We also replaced the dated ceiling fan with an updated model from Hunter.

Source List: Walls (Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172); Trim, Closet & Ceiling (Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117); Beds (DIY | Home Depot | Build - Basic); Bedding (Ikea | Bjornloka Duvet Cover); Dresser (Ikea | Hemnes 3 Drawer Chest); Rug (West Elm); Drapes (Pottery Barn Teen | Suite Ribbon Blackout Drapes); Kids Table and Chairs (Ikea | Sundvik Table & Chairs); Cork Boards (Ikea | Vaggis Noticeboard); Ceiling Light (Home Depot | Hunter Conroy 42" Ceiling Light Fan)

This simple paint color update we've made, from the all blue room above to the more modern, neutral and versatile room, will grow with the boys and allows us to make changes to the room later on down the road without a bunch of work.

Mudroom Update and Inspiration

Have I told you how much I love mudrooms?  They're a perfect place to drop your boots, toss your jacket and leave every trace of mud and rain behind.  As I'm more partial to finished mudrooms as opposed to unfinished - we're gearing up to work on ours this weekend.  When we bought our home the room wasn't too bad and we saw all the potential it had.  We thought it'd be a quick update with a new door and window, but this was one of those rooms that had an unwelcome surprise around every corner.

From the rotting foundation beam and subfloor to the scary electrical and plumbing work - this room has definitely been a headache. It's been in a state of limbo and disarray for the past 6 months after we put in the new door and replaced the subfloor.  Our mudroom has come a long way but it still has a long way to go.

Ask Michelle: Updating a Vintage Sofa

It's our first "Ask Michelle" Q&A where Michelle Dirkse, Interior Designer, answers your tough design questions!  Did you miss our interview with Michelle?  Check it out here.  Now let's get on with the question...

Hey Michelle,

I have a vintage sofa that was given to me after my Grandma passed.  It has amazing lines, but the upholstery leaves much to be desired.  With a large extended family, we are tough on furniture.  What is the best fabric to use that is both classic and will stand up to a lot of wear?

~ René

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Hey René,

I'm so happy to hear that you've decided to keep your grandmother's sofa and make it your own!  Reupholstering a vintage sofa is a great way to get a custom look without the custom price, while also getting to hold onto something that's already meaningful to you.  I picked up my grandfather's 8 foot long sofa last weekend and I'll be doing the same thing.

Here's my plan of attack:

BLEND Interior Design Studio Deal @ Living Social

As I mentioned yesterday in my interview with Michelle Dirkse of BLEND Interior Design Studio, here's the deal offered by LivingSocial for interior design services by BLEND Interior Design Studio.    What can you get?  Color Consultation for Up to 1,000 Square Feet ($69), Furnishing Renovation Package and Consultation for Up to 500 Square Feet ($99), or Concept Package for Up to 500 Square Feet ($199)

Specifics:

• Hone in on a hue with a color consultation that matches your armoire to an accent wall, plus get tips on furniture and accessories selection
• Or, leave the planning to the pros and spruce up your space with a furnishing rearrangement 
• Or, let the talented team maximize potential with a concept package that includes an in-home consultation, floor plan, and inspiration page of budget-friendly fixes

Hope you score this awesome deal.  And if so, I'd love it if you'd share your before and afters with me!