Carson’s Dinosaur and Baseball Room Makeover
Last year we finished our first book tour stop in Cincinnati and had the chance to meet readers in person. One of those meetings led to a room makeover for a familiar little face: Sarah’s son Carson. She shared the full reveal of his new bedroom, and it’s a playful, kid-focused space that blends two big passions—baseball and dinosaurs—into a cohesive, joyful design.
Hi John & Sherry! I don’t know if you remember me, but we met at your first book signing here in Cincinnati. My boys were the ones who scribbled in your signing book (still feels a little guilty about that!). I just finished redesigning my youngest son Carson’s room after transitioning him out of his crib. This room has come a long way since then:
When Sara began planning the makeover, Carson requested a Cincinnati Reds and dinosaur-themed room. After trying (unsuccessfully) to steer him elsewhere, she embraced his ideas—after all, it’s his room. The goal was to weave baseball and dinosaur motifs throughout the space while keeping the overall design clean and functional for daily life and play.
Because the bed sits low to the ground and the wall above it had a lot of empty space, Sarah wanted an oversized piece that could make a statement without being a hazard. She solved this with a built-in chalkboard: she painted a large square of chalkboard paint directly on the wall, then framed it with 1×4 pine boards attached securely to the studs. The result is a sturdy, changeable “art” area—perfect for a child whose interests and tastes evolve often.
Opposite the bed, clever small-scale solutions maximize function without clutter. A simple $7 Ikea shelf was repurposed into a floating nightstand, and a $10 wire basket from Home Goods became a rolling book cart. These affordable updates keep bedtime essentials and favorite books within reach while preserving floor space for play.
Between the two windows, invisible floating book ledges (from Umbra) display Carson’s favorite stories for easy browsing. Sarah made the roman shades herself using Premier Prints ZigZag Twill Storm fabric; an accidental short cut inspired a decorative grommet detail at the bottom, which she calls her “best mistake” and a favorite design element in the room.
Arguably the most striking feature is the gallery wall paired with a bold red ceiling. A red Ikea cabinet provided the color cue; Sarah painted the ceiling red to inject energy and tie the room’s accents together without overwhelming the neutral walls and simple furnishings. The red cabinet also serves a practical purpose, hiding and organizing toys while contributing to the visual story.
“I had so much fun doing this and I’m thrilled that Carson loves his room!” — Sarah
Carson’s scribbles in our tour book were only the beginning—many kids left their mark during the event and we treasure each little doodle. The personality in Carson’s room captures that same sense of play: it’s bright, practical, and tailored to a child’s interests.
Which detail stands out to you? The cheerful red ceiling, the accidental grommet accents on the blinds, the secure chalkboard art that can’t fall down, or the rolling wire book bin? Each small idea contributes to a welcoming, fun bedroom that grows with the child. Sarah has shared more photos and project notes on her blog for anyone interested in the sources and DIY steps used throughout the space.