Big Boy Room Reveal: Colorful, Organized, and Full of Personality
Psst — we usually post only on Fridays, but Sherry will be back with a little bonus update in a few hours.
We often get requests for inspiring kid rooms, and since we recently shared a big-girl room update, we wanted to feature a lively big-boy bedroom Jesse created for her son. Here’s Jesse’s note to us:
Hi Sherry & John! My little boy is officially a “big boy” now (I’m wiping away a happy tear).
We redesigned his room around his wish list, which included lots and lots of color (really color galore), a practical place for all his toys and books (harder than it sounds), a dedicated spot for coloring, painting, and drawing, and, surprisingly, some sort of deer head (welcome to Missouri). Quite a list, right?
Here’s how it looks now.
Jesse and her husband Sam tackled a mix of big DIY projects and small finishing touches to get the room just right. Major projects included designing and building an orb light fixture (a DIY that cost only $21), hanging wallpaper for a bold focal wall, and refinishing a few Craigslist finds to fit the space. The small details tied everything together: they extended curtains that were three inches too short by cleverly using a donated bedskirt found at Goodwill, sewed new throw pillows, and sorted and organized a nearly five-year-old’s extensive toy and book collection.
Lighting was considered with both function and coziness in mind. Jesse added inexpensive plug-in sconces to the built-in bookshelves so Henry can read comfortably in bed; they were purchased at a national hardware store for under $30. These small, budget-friendly lighting solutions make bedtime reading easier and create a warm, layered light scheme for the room.
Storage and organization were central to the plan. Jesse balanced open shelving for easy access to favorite books and toys with bins and closed storage to keep clutter under control. The finished space feels energetic without being chaotic because colors, patterns, and storage systems were chosen with intention. The orange bed and the bold wallpaper were standouts for both Sherry and me — they bring playfulness and visual rhythm to the room.
Henry’s deer head wish also came true. The playful, three-dimensional animal head on the wall is a lightweight cardboard piece made by a Virginia-based maker called Cardboard Safari, which adds whimsy without overwhelming the room. It’s a great example of how a quirky element can personalize a child’s space and reflect their interests.
Beyond the visual updates, what matters most is how the room functions for daily life. Jesse’s choices support creativity, play, reading, and rest: a defined art station for drawing and painting; accessible storage for independent clean up; task lighting for reading; and comfortable bedding in bright, cheerful colors. Those practical decisions are what make the space both beautiful and livable.
Jesse says Henry is delighted with his new room, and that’s the best outcome of all. For readers who enjoy room reveals and practical DIY tips, check this site’s collection of reader redesigns where many more before-and-after projects and ideas are shared. Thanks to Jesse for letting us showcase this joyful, intentional big-boy room!
— Jesse