Chic on a Shoestring Decorating: Bigger Boy Room Reveal


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Bigger Boy Room Reveal

Hey there!  I'm so excited to finally reveal my son's "bigger" boy room.  I feel like it has been in the works for the past one meeellion years.  But no, it hasn't.  Maybe like the past one year.  Or less.  I don't know for sure but it's been a long time in the making and it sure feels good to have it done.
Bigger Boy Room, Yellow & Gray, by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

See how to make his rustic, lighted headboard here.

Anywho, I am calling it a bigger boy room because it isn't the typical so-called big boy room we're all familiar with.  You know, the room that happens after they move out of the crib and you change it from a nursery to a big boy room. He already had that, it was really cute but very little-kid looking.  Now that he's the ripe old age of 8 he needs something more grown up.

So, I am coining the term "Bigger Boy Room" right here on Chic on a Shoestring Decorating.

Bigger Boy Room:  the room created for your son after he is too big for the big boy room and too little for the tween/teen room

You heard it here first.  Exciting to be a part of decorating coined term history isn't it?  Or not.

I linked everything at the bottom so if you can't stand the suspense to find out where I got this stuff scroll all the way down now.

Let's get down to it.  My boy has always loved trains.  Train toys, train tables, Thomas the Train- the real stuff too, Amtraks, freight trains, steam engines.  If it runs on rails he's into it.  Mr. Chic's grandpa was a train engineer so he and his dad (our son's Grandpa) love trains and have always taken my boy to see trains and train type things.  He comes by it naturally.

So, naturally, a train theme was a good choice for his room.  I wanted it to be a sophisticated train room, no train shaped pillows or primary colors.  And no Thomas, my boy says he's not into Thomas anymore (how did that happen?! sniff, sniff... anybody wanna buy 100,000+ Thomas toys, trains, and DVDs?) 

I wanted his room to be industrial/rustic-ish with a subtle train them running through it.  I decided to start with a trio of black and white train photos I had framed that are now hung next to his bed.  They were from a train calendar that someone gave Mr. Chic, I cut them out and taped them into mats in black frames.  I know, I'm fancy.  They look much nicer than pics chopped out of a calendar in my opinion, you never know where you can find good art.

I knew I wanted gray walls so that was easy.  I chose "Passive" by Sherwin Williams.  It is a true gray that doesn't read green, blue or lavender.  I am really picky with paint color and went through a lot of samples before I found it.  I am very pleased with the no weird undertones gray results.

We wanted new furniture for my sweet first born son, he had some dated, fake oak, MDF junky-ness going on.  We didn't want to spend a lot so we got creative. Mr. Chic made this amazing bed.  I couldn't be happier with it.  He came up with it himself, didn't see it anywhere, just made it.  He's good, huh?

He used an outdoor light I picked out from Lowe's and wired it to a cord so that my boy can turn the reading light on and off with the click of a switch.  There is a little hole in the headboard below the mattress where the wire and switch come through for easy access.

Click here to see how to build this headboard.

DIY Headboard w/ built in light by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

We used new wood for the headboard, not pallet wood.  I know that isn't the green or trendy thing to do but some wood pallets are full of nasty chemical stuff, some aren't.  Even the "safe" ones are usually full of dust and maybe some mold if you're really lucky.  We have enough allergies in this house (and dust) so didn't want to mess with a pallet.  Besides, I wanted large and wide boards, and it wasn't that expensive to buy new wood for this headboard so we did.  We came up with our own stain concoction as well to get this dark and rich color.  A tutorial will be posted soon.

I hit up Craig's list for a desk.  I was psyched to get this one for $30 bucks and it even came with that awesome leather chair on wheels.  Mr. Chic did my dirty work and spray painted the desk and pulls for me.  It is supposed to be a hammered look spray paint which would've added some nice texture but it totally didn't work.  Oh well, at least it matches.
It's a great place for my boy to do homework, play Legos, or run the HO train that goes around the ceiling of his room.  The control sits on the left side of his desk for easy access.  Mr. Chic and Grandpa Chic (I'll have to tell Grandpa about his new nickname) built the train around the ceiling when we moved in to make the move easier for my then 4 year old.  Isn't it cool?!  There's even a bridge.  I'll share more about this in another post too.  If you are looking to start Model Railroading with your son (or your husband) this site has some great info and items.

DIY HO Train Track shelf around room ceiling by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

I totally lucked out when I found this chevron rug on clearance at my most favorite-ist store, TJ Maxx.

Bigger Boy Room, Yellow & Gray by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
It's textured and wool and gray, mustard yellow and white and I am in love with it.  It adds a nice texture and pop of color that the room needed.  It was less than $100 bucks, total score for a cool, wool rug... Woot!!  

Some crazy lady at the store almost tried to steal it from me.  I had it laying over my cart and she came over and was all like "Oooooh, this is really cute, my daughter would love this, it's her favorite colors, how much is it??" and started trying to take it off of my cart.  "Hello crazy lady! Would I have put this big ol' rug in my cart and be pushing it around if I wasn't buying it!?"  Sheesh!  Some people.  Of course I didn't say that, only in my mind.  Although I can't blame her because it is a pretty darn awesome rug.
DIY Railroad Crossing Sign Clothes Hook by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Mr. Chic made this Railroad Crossing sign/clothes/hat hanger.  Again, totally his idea.  It is currently only holding a Cub's Scout uniform shirt, Mickey Mouse ears and a prized "lucky"shark tooth necklace from our last trip to Florida.  This sucker has been very handy and we use it to hold PJ's, hats and clothes and is a good option to keep clothes off the floor.  I threw some pillows on the floor next to it for my boy to plop down and read if he wants.
We got him this new black dresser which I scored for $100 bucks.  I bought it at a used furniture store ironically where I was planning to buy him an old dresser and paint it.  They happened to have some new stuff too and this was perfect.  Most of the old stuff was the same price as this or more, plus I didn't have to paint anything, hooray!  The vintage lantern is old and worn, that's a good thing.  We picked it up at a flea market.  I think I'm gonna put a battery operated candle in there just for fun. 

This custom pillow is one of my favorite pieces in here.  (I think I am saying that about everything) Yes, those are my boy's initials, we are not the world's greatest CBS broadcasting fans, not one bit. Since I can't sew a thing I searched Etsy and found the lovely and talented Allison of Nest 2 Impress.  I contacted her, described what I wanted and she did it exactly right.  She's currently making a similar monogram pillow for my other boy and his big boy room, yeah!  She is now my newest sponsor... hooray for awesome sponsors!

DIY Bigger Boy Room, Yellow & Gray, by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
The above picture gives you an idea of how the room is arranged.  I originally wanted the bed to be on its own wall to truly be the focal point of the room but darn it, there just wasn't enough space.  But, I am really happy with how it turned out.  This arrangement gives him a lot of floor space to play and shows off the amazeballs rug.  

Mr. Chic usually doesn't care much about decor and lets me do my thing but he was really excited about this room and came up with ideas for a lot of the decor himself.  I already mentioned he made the headboard with the built in lantern and the HO train track around the ceiling.  The map near the window in the picture above is of the route that his Grandpa's train used to run, the old Illinois Central Rail Road.

In the collage below, top left, Mr. Chic bought 3 real steam engine blue prints from an estate sale on Ebay for a few bucks each and created the hanging art piece you see.  In the top right corner below Mr. Chic made a sort of diorama shelf of an old toy steam engine, he used old railroad spikes found near tracks as the hooks.  The middle picture below is a simple document he typed, blew up and had printed for a few bucks.  It is the city of each stop in his Grandpa's train route.  Aren't these amazing and meaningful decorating ideas?!  I am so proud of him. :)
Bigger Boy Room, Yellow & Gray, DIY art by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

My unsentimental, not handmade additions to the collage above are the hammered metal garden stool he uses as a bed side table.  It was the perfect option as it would have been strange to have his desk right next to a bedside table right next to his bed.  The lid comes off and we store stuffed animals and other randomness inside.  We bought a cheap, black, bookcase at Target and added contact paper to the back as well as some base and crown molding to dress it up.  We filled it with some decorative items and his treasures.  His 2 pinewood derby cars and the 5 trophies he's racked up in 2 derbies.  (I have to brag on him).  Plus, a couple baskets at the bottom to hold books and magazines. 
Bigger Boy Room, Yellow & Gray, by Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

I really love how this room turned out and also that it has so many personal touches.  I also love that it didn't cost us an arm and a leg.  My boy loves his new room and that's the main thing.  This room will easily transition to a tween room, could likely pass for one now but since he's not a tween or close to it, it's going to remain the bigger boy room for the next couple of years.

Stay tuned for tutorials...

Where'd it come from list:
Quilt and Euro Sham: IKEA, similar gray quilt and sham found here.
Chevron Sheets: Kohls, similar chevron sheets found here.
Mustard Throw Blanket: TJ Maxx, similar yellow throw found here.
Monogram Pillow:  Nest 2 Impress on Etsy
Curtains: IKEA, possibly discontinued, similar gray curtain panels found here.
Rug: TJ Maxx, yellow and gray 5x7 rug, kinda similar. :)
Metal Garden Stool: TJ Maxx, similar pounded metal garden stool here.
Bulletin Board: TJ Maxx, similar large bulletin board here.
Desk & Chair:  Craig's List
Black Tall Shelf:  Target, similar black bookshelf here.
Dresser: New but from used furniture store, unsure of brand. Similar black 5 drawer dresser here.
ICRR Map & steam engine original blue prints: Ebay
Paint Color: Passive by Sherwin Williams

Note: I linked everything to Amazon because pretty much everyone has access to Amazon.  Not everyone lives near an IKEA and TJ Maxx... like their old commercial goes "TJ Maxx is never the same place twice" so good luck finding this stuff there.  These are affiliate links but they will not increase your price, it just gives me a small (ahem, very small) commission on the sale.  Please see my advertising and disclosure tab in my menu bar for more info on that.

50 comments :

  1. This is absolutely stunning! This room belongs in the pages of an RH magazine. All of your hard work really shows. Amazing!

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  2. I love it. You two make a great team.

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  3. Great "Bigger Boy" Bedroom! It looks very sophisticated, but very much a boys room. Great ideas all around! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. "Amazeballs"...hee! That made me laugh! Anyway, what a great room! You and your hubby work well together! Love the lantern, maps, just everything. I like the idea of adding base and crown molding to the shelf. Such a good idea! I'm always trying to "beef up" stuff like that. :) I love the rug! So glad crazy rug lady didn't swipe it from your cart! :)

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  5. What an awesome boys room ~ love the headboard and light, among other things! :)

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  6. Amazing room! There are so many perfect touches, I can't even name my favorite. I love that your husband threw himself into the project with so many personal touches. It is a truly awesome room. Nice work, as always!

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  7. That is really awesome. I would have thought it was for an older child. It is very sophisticated. You did an awesome job! I’m glad he likes it.

    Manda Wolf @ Our Wolf Den

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  8. wow Kate! You guys did an amazing job and I'm sure he loves his "new" bigger boy room!

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  9. Oh what a wonderful makeover. I love it and the colors are perfect. I adore that headboard. I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me party that started today. - - -http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/07/173rd-inspire-me-tuesday.html Hugs, Marty

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  10. Kate, I absolutely love this room! Boy, do I feel like I was in there decorating with you. My little guys loves his trains too (and rocket ships) that some of the things you have used, I have set aside for his room (train blueprint and lantern). lol My guy is four, so the style is going to be younger, but boy would he love your sons room. The headboard is wonderful and the train track around the room is fun! I really like all the details that went into this room and love railroad crossing sign / hat hanger!

    Seriously, AMAZING job to you and Mr.Chic! This room is an inspiration! :D

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  11. It came out beautifully.. and I love how it has a theme without being "themey" and over the top. It is perfect!

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  12. Love it! I have always been wary of pallet wood. Smart not to put it near his head where he sleeps all night!! Great job.

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  13. Love it! I have always been wary of pallet wood. Smart not to put it near his head where he sleeps all night!! Great job.

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  14. I can't believe you got that desk for $30! The entire room is amazing!

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  15. Love the Bigger Boy Room. You have one lucky young man. You did an amazing job. Hugs, Holly @ coconutheadsurvivalguide

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  16. I love that headboard! Totally inspired for when I need to transform my nursery to a big boy room. sniff sniff

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  17. Love it! That headboard is awesome... am thinking of doing something similar for my son's first big boy room (the one before the bigger boy room)... must pin! Great unique touches throughout make this a super awesome boy's room, one of my favourites that I've seen!!

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  18. I think you did an amazing job on the room! Looks great! I'm in the process of remodeling my youngest son's room and then on to my oldest! It's taking me a while to complete too but a cute room is worth the wait!

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  19. WOW Miss Lady! You've done an amazing job! I'm loving every inch of it!

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  20. Wow - great find with the desk! Love it. Thanks for linking up!

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  21. I really like everything about this room. Great job!

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  22. It's really nice and you did a wonderful job! It's such a great mix of modern, older boy and that little bit of train in a more adult way. Amazing!

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  23. This is exactly the look and feel I want for my guest bedroom/office. This room is seriously perfect!
    www.istaistaista.blogspot.com

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  24. Ohhhhh!! I LOVE IT!! Amazing job, and so perfect for a bigger boy room! Pinning to my boys room ideas, for the day when I FINALLY do something about it!

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  25. Gorge, love the colors! Hope that your boy loves it, too!

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  26. It looks so awesome! My 2 little guys would be so jealous of that train running around the ceiling! I love how you brought in a lot of train elements, but it definitely doesn't look too "theme-y." Amazing, amazing job!

    ~Abby =)

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  27. What an amazing room! Lucky boy! Love everything about it! If you get a chance, please link up to my Linky Party: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/sunday-linky-17.html

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  28. What an AWESOME room!!!! Love the colors, and LOVE the headboard!!!! Such a cool room!!!

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  29. Okay this is extremely sick and amazing timing - my bigger boy is that age and is in desperate need of this style of revamp. I'm in love with it and he would be too (he'd also be in love with not feeling embarrassed to have friends in his kiddy room!) Thanks for all the breakdowns!
    FIST PUMP!

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  30. Great job on the room! I loved the story about the lady trying to steal your rug...it had me smiling the whole time. :-)

    ~Sarah

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  31. My wife and I would like to see how you built the head board. We are planning on building one for our 4 year old. My wife reads to him at night, so the night light is perfect. Thanks

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  32. Lovely bed room design. i really feel awesome to see such a well decor room for the kids.
    online mattress and bed retailer

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  33. Love to see how to do the headboard and light. Thanks!

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  34. It came out beautifully.. and I love how it has a theme without being "themey" and over the top. It is perfect.online bed sale UK

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  35. I have the same colors in my master br now. Thanks for the great ideas.

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  36. Is there a tutorial on the headboard? I would love to make it for my son's room!

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  37. I'm in love with your rug and would like to track one down. Would you mind sharing the brand and style name if you have it? Thanks a bunch. Gorgeous gorgeous room!

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  38. Very chic makeover! You just inspired me with some great ideas! My son's room also happens to be in grey and yellow colour but I haven't able to decorate it the way you have done it.

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  39. This is exactly what I'm trying to create in my son's room (also 8 years old, a Cub Scout, and loves trains). I've had a hard time finding photos of "train" rooms that aren't too themey. He wants red and grey instead of yellow, though. I think I can pull it off if I stay with a darker red instead of a primary red. That rug really pulls the whole room together. Rugs are the hardest thing for me to decide on! We have similar furniture, so I think it will work. I love the map and the blueprints. He already has a cargo style bed that we're keeping, so I'll have to work around that, but everything else is fair game for painting. :) Thank you for the inspiration!!

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  40. Wow what an awesome boys room! I am currently working on my kids room and just stopping by for some ideas. I have to say what a great find with that rug from TJs! I mean can it be any more perfect!

    Deb
    @Seeking Lavender Lane

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  41. What is the name of your curtains from IKEA?

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  42. Amazing! I love the headboard but can't seem to find the tutorial! Would you mind pointing me in the right direction?

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  43. This is a sentimental room filled with pertinent history for your family. Love it all. Did you design the train shelf? I have been thinking of building something similar for our grandson's room. It will not hold a train; however, other treasures.

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  44. Do you have a tutorial for the railroad crossing sign/hanger? It would be perfect for my little train enthusiast.

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  45. I love the railroad crossing coat/hat rack. I'd like to make one for our son's room. He is train obsessed! Do you sell them? Do you have a tutorial on how to make one? Thanks!

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  46. Could you tell me the name of the curtains? I have this same bedding and am trying to find curtains to match. Didn't see any at ikea before. Thank you!

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  47. Do you have directions on how to make the crossing hanger?

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  48. What a great room for any boy to enjoy! I have two boys myself and thank you for the inspiration! ;)

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  49. The room looks amazing! I really want to make the shelf that had thomas going around it. Can you post a link to the instructions? Thanks again!

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