Since we rarely have an occasion to decorate a little boy’s room ourselves, we love living vicariously through friends and readers. That’s why we’re excited to share how Kat and Mitch transformed their son Ryder’s bedroom. They did an amazing job—taking on many DIY projects to keep costs down—and the whole makeover was sparked by a free bed they discovered. Here is Kat’s account:
We just finished my son’s room and we’re so proud of how it turned out. First things first: this is what the room looked like before… well, several years ago when Ryder was a baby.
What pushed us to tackle the makeover was spotting a metal bed in my neighbor’s burn pile one day. I didn’t want to add a new (to us) bed into a periwinkle room, so it was definitely time for a change.
My husband installed the pallet ceiling, and I painted nearly all the furniture. We chose Benjamin Moore Thunder for the walls. We kept the paint swatch on our kitchen wall (it’s still there), and friends always give us a funny look when they notice the words “BM Thunder” under it. We get a laugh out of that—maybe because we have slightly twisted senses of humor.
The ceiling was time-consuming but well worth the effort. It wasn’t actually that difficult, and the result is something Ryder will enjoy for years. Pallet projects might be trendy, but they create a striking, textured look that really suits the space.
I found the curtains and duvet cover at a thrift store just days before the makeover was finished. I honestly didn’t expect to score anything secondhand, but a few days later I walked into a thrift shop and discovered a Pottery Barn duvet cover and two pillow shams for $3—the exact size I needed.
We completed Ryder’s room on a very small budget. The only new purchases were the ceiling fan and a jelly jar sconce; everything else came from thrift stores, auctions, or generous friends. I love the thrill of finding deals—there’s nothing like it!
Hope you like it! – Kat
For more photos and project details, visit Kat’s blog where she outlines the steps for many of the DIY elements in the room, including a retrofitted bookcase that complements the ceiling. We’re impressed by all the thrifted finds and thoughtful touches she incorporated—no wonder Ryder loves his room! What’s your favorite part?