an outdoor themed boys bedroom makeover…
There’s nothing more fun than decorating a little boys bedroom. And since we are a family with several boys, we’ve tackled multiple DIY boys’ bedroom projects.
If you have a little guy that you’re looking to decorate for, I hope this adventure room of ours gives you some fun ideas for your own space!
Meet Sweet Cheeks.
At least this WAS Sweet Cheeks. Now he’s more like a little elementary school man who we’ve discovered likes all things outdoorsy.
As it turns out, this is quite ironic because my husband, particularly, is the antithesis of outdoorsy.
If you were to ask Husband to take a family “hike” he’d want the path to be paved, lighted, and be outfitted with some sort of snack bar mid-way to the destination…which preferably is an air-conditioned building showing an IMAX of something “outdoorsy”.
But alas, we bred a little fishing, camping, mud-pie making, bug-loving boy. And he’s awesome. So, we wanted him to have a bedroom that reflected his personality. And this little boys bedroom of his is currently my FAVORITE space.
Here’s what it looked like before we moved in:
A blank canvas. But now, it’s a room fit for our little outdoor adventurer.
Fishing, camping, outdoor adventure boys bedroom
If you’re looking for the source list for this space, here it is:
- Faux Antler Chandelier
- Ivory and Navy Geometric Rug
- Madras Curtain Fabric (Three Chickadees)
- White bookcase/dresser combo
- Striped Blanket Throw on bed
- Fisherman Sconces behind bed
- Stump Seats
- Felt Campfire Set
- Felt Smores
- Vintage Mess Kit
- Bandanas
- Vintage Army Blanket for DIY Tent (similar)
- Wood Canoe Oars (similar)
- Wicker Creel (similar)
- Framed Camping Art
- Paint – Denim technique with Sherwin Williams “Indigo Batik” as top coat
Complete with denim-painted walls. If you’re looking for boys room paint ideas, (or girls rooms…I feel like denim is about as gender-neutral as you can get!) consider using this technique!
A few other highlights are the DIY tent, felt campfire and faux antler chandelier.
Bought the orange desk at a big tag sale here in the DC metro area, and found the vintage desk chair at a favorite local shop.
This wall gallery is probably my favorite part of the room. The larger pieces are a set of fishing/camping inspired dishtowels that I framed.
A couple of watercolor trout that I painted in college mounted in some frames from Target…
And best of all, some photographs of my Great Grandfather from WWI.
I’m so proud to display them in our home.
Sweet Cheeks’ room is not huge. Which is ok, because neither is Sweet Cheeks. But, in order to save some “play” room, we opted for a daybed (which is actually a fancy way of saying we took a twin mattress and cheap metal bed frame and jammed them up against the wall).
We made those bandana pillows out of some old pillow forms and inexpensive bandanas that can be found at the Dollar Store, Wal-Mart or on Amazon for around $1 each!
Camping, of course, is never complete without smores! Ours, luckily, are the non-messy variety. And I snagged a vintage boy scout mess kit (similar to this one) from eBay so Sweet Cheeks has all the right equipment to cook us some treats over the fire.
All in all, we love this space, and we are excited that Sweet Cheeks boy’s room hit the newsstands! He and his room were featured in the October 2014 issue of This Old House magazine. Here’s one of my favorite shots from the shoot…
After all is said and done, undoubtedly, the absolute BEST thing about this room is that Sweet Cheeks still loves to snuggle and play with Mommy in here. There’s no space around that wouldn’t be my favorite as long as that holds true.
Looking for more kids’ room decorating ideas? Check out these ideas, too!
Pin this post for later:
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Melissa says
Can you tell me what size frames you used to frame the hand towels? I ordered them and now can’t find any frames! The room is beautiful!
Carolina says
Hi Heather,
I am trying to recreate your look for my boy. Do you remember the name of the Three Chikadees fabric you bought for the curtains?
Thanks,
Carolina
Heather says
The fabric is called “Georgetown Charm” Carolina! Hope you can still find it!!
promodj.com says
This design iis spectacular! You cerrtainly know how to
keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos,
I was almost movfed to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, andd mor than that, how you
presented it. Too cool!
Heather says
THANK YOU! And if you have any inclination to start a blog, just DO IT! It has been such a fantastic adventure, and connected me with such wonderful people. I am so glad you found us, and thanks for chiming in. It’s comments like this that make writing this blog such a fantastic experience.
Kellie says
Love the room! I do have a quick question about the bed. Do you do anything special to make the bed or drape the duvet since it is against the wall?
Heather says
Hey Kellie! I used a regular twin duvet and added a ribbon border to it which I offset a bit so that it would be centered when the bed was made. I do offset the duvet a bit so it’s longer on the side facing front. Daybeds are a pain to make in all honesty, but they work so great in a small space! Not sure if I even answered your question, so let me know if not!!
Cassie says
Hi! I love this room! I have looked all over your blog for the paint color (s) you used and can’t seem to find them. Did you mention it somewhere? The blue is pretty much perfect!!!
Thank you 🙂
Heather says
Yes! You are right!! I need to link that paint. It’s Indigo Batik by Sherwin Williams 🙂
Jodi Wilber says
What are the sources for the rug, curtains and camp blanket? I love them! We are doing a similar look for my son Aven's room.
Trish says
Where did you find the amazing rug?
Dixie Delights says
I shared both of your amazing boy rooms on my blog today in the Boy Mom Madness recap!!
Amy Pugh says
Just fabulous! I love the walls and the pops of orange you incorporated. Love it!
On Being Bianca ... says
love, love, love! You are so bold to give Sweet Cheeks white bedding :)! The space is absolutely darling – what a difference! Thanks for sharing at the Pretty Preppy Party! xx, b @ being-blanca.com
Megan Lamacchia says
This is beautiful!!!
Susan @ Oh My! Creative says
What a beautiful room! Stopping by from Blogtalk today!
Kate says
This is the craziest (in a good way) before and after I have ever seen! Very nice carpet. No, wait – fabulous!!!
Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says
This space is amazing! I just love the color mixed with the outdoor theme! Great job!
Jamie AllThatsRocks says
This is the cutest! I've been swooning over that wall technique forever… hubby isn't so much. 🙁 Thanks for sharing at Busy Monday link-up
Little Vintage Cottage says
Oh my… those walls! To die for! What an awesome space for little sweet cheeks!!
Tania
Kimberly Lewis says
Hello cute lady! Beautiful! Jessica has chosen this as her favorite and we will be featuring it at our party tonight at 7 pm. Happy dance time! I hope to see you there. Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Kimberly Lewis says
This looks so perfect! I love it! Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for being a part of our party. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm. It wouldn’t be a party without you!
Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls
Krista thehappyhousie says
Okay, I seriously love your projects, and your blog, and your humour!! Thanks for always linking up with us at Work it Wednesday- it is so easy to feature your:) Your my hostess pick of the week again tomorrow. What a great space!!!
Heather says
Ha! Thanks Krista 🙂 That is very nice to hear. And THANKS so very much for the honor of being pick of the week…its is very much appreciated!! Happy holidays!
Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods says
Absolutely fabulous! I love how your have pulled in the outdoors and spied it up with the orange. I *need* to know how you painted those walls!
Thanks so much for sharing at Show Me Saturday!
Heather says
I will have to post a tutorial, Ashley, but it's really easy…just uses a "linen" brush that you can get at Home Depot.
Jennifer Dawn Oliver Shelton says
What an amazing room! I featuring this at my weekly link party! http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2014/11/a-little-bird-told-me-117.html
Heather says
Thanks so much for that Jennifer….hope I had thanked you on your blog for the feature!! I need to speed up my response time for comments, but it was very much appreciated. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Robin says
One of my Favorite spaces …amazing xo
Leslie Stewart says
This space is so beautiful! It's one of your best!
Have a great week.
Leslie
House on the Way
Michelle @ Hey Love Designs says
I love that tent! Visiting from Awesome Tings Tuesday link party!
Carrie This Home says
I absolutely LOVE this room! No wonder it's being published! Congratulations!!
Heather says
Thanks so much, Carrie. We were obviously over the moon excited about it. Happy Holidays!
AmieJo says
This looks like it is out of a magazine. I love it all but the best is the camping set. I am going to have to try and make that.
Heather says
Let me know if you try it, AmieJo! They are all over Etsy. And I agree…the cuteness factor of that little felt camping set is too much to handle…I couldn't help myself but buy it when I saw it.
Sharon Erickson says
This is just GORGEOUS!! I love all the details that was put into this room!
Kyla @ HouseOfHipsters says
This is sooooooooo good! I love it! (Well, your whole house is gorgeous! Still swooning over that light in your foyer!) Saw your feature over on The DIY Dreamer =)
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says
Fabulous! Love the walls! You are one of the features at the Anything Blue Friday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/10/anything-blue-friday-week-72.html Hope to see you again at the little soiree. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
amy espinosa says
Beautiful Heather! Y'all have such fun spaces! Congratulations on your feature on "Just A Girl And Her Blog" too!
Heather says
Thanks Amy 🙂 I know you are a girl who loves working with kids rooms too (and has an amazing knack for it). Thanks again!
Alexis Middleton says
What a great space!
Isabelle Thornton says
You are crazy talented!
So cute! Link tomorrow on my blog! My readers would love it!
XOXO
Isabelle
http://www.lechateaudesfleurs.com
Dear Emmeline says
So so cute! My boys' are getting a camp room makeover too!
Ann @My Nearest and Dearest says
This room is fantastic!!! I actually have a similar look in mind for our family room so I'm pinning this for inspiration. I love the gallery wall, especially. Great job!
Robin says
It's hard to even know where to start with this AMAZING room! I'm in love with every single detail! I pinned to my favorite decorating board! xo
Heather says
Thanks a lot Robin!
Hani Shabbir says
wow.. I love it!
bj says
OMYGOODNESS…I can understand why this room will be featured in a magazine. It is truly AMAZING. I love everything about it.
Heather says
Thanks so much BJ! That's so nice to hear 🙂
Jennifer Sergent says
Really amazing transformation! I especially love the wall treatment.
AmieJo says
I love the little camping area. Such a great idea and it is adorable. What kid would not love to use their imagination with that.
Heather says
Awww, thanks AmieJo…he definitely LOVES his camping gear!