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!
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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.