You already know our playroom has been looking a bit rough lately, thanks to the recent whole-house update. It’s been full of clutter and half-finished projects, so once we clear it out we realized it could work better for our family if we rethink its purpose.
We don’t need a conventional playroom right now because Clara plays all over the house—office, living room, kitchen, and her own room—so a dedicated playroom can wait until baby number two arrives and we convert the space into a bedroom. Burger is a beloved family member, though, and we thought it would be fun to give him his own cozy corner instead of a traditional child-focused space.
For those keeping track on the baby front: our next child is likely to be about three years younger than Clara. My doctor wants me to wait two full years between pregnancies to allow my body to heal after some birth complications with Clara, and when you add the pregnancy itself, that roughly explains the three-year gap.
Back to the playroom plans. We decided to create a little nautical-themed room for Burger. He loves the beach, so a seaside vibe felt right: gulls, warm air, sailboats—small coastal details that make the room feel calm and cheerful. Below is the mood and plan we came up with:
- Color palette: navy, red, and white with natural wood tones and small pops of yellow. Walls will remain white with graphic red and navy accents and a statement mural on one wall for visual interest.
- Seagull mobiles hung in a small flock from the ceiling to add movement and whimsy—perfect for a dog who loves watching birds outside.
- A boat-shaped dog bed served as the inspiration for the nautical theme. It’s an investment, but it’s a defining piece that ties the room together.
- A painted mural featuring a dock with a lone pelican will be the room’s focal point. It’s sea-inspired without feeling overdone, offering an understated coastal scene rather than a busy, overpowering design.
- A weathered ship’s wheel mounted on a plain white wall to add texture and a classic nautical accent.
- An on-theme toy—like a blue anchor chew toy—to keep the design playful and true to the room’s concept.
- A small nautical outfit for Burger to match the room’s aesthetic and add a touch of charm during photos or special occasions.
- Fisherman’s nets used as lightweight curtains to bring more texture and a seaside feel to the windows. They’re an alternative to traditional fabric curtains and reinforce the coastal theme.
That’s our vision for the room for the next few years. It’s playful, focused on our pup, and gives the space a clear identity until it’s time to repurpose it.
And now a little note so the numbered list above doesn’t give everything away too soon: this post isn’t entirely serious. We had some fun imagining an over-the-top, pup-centered makeover.
APRIL FOOLS!!!
So, did we get you? Maybe the pricey boat bed was a hint, or calling a pelican mural “understated.” Either way, this one was meant as a joke—though we do enjoy playroom brainstorming and have pulled April Fools stunts before, so it was fun to imagine a little nautical nook for Burger.