A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How to Design a Kid's Room That You'll Both Love! - Pretty Real

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How to Design a Kid's Room That You'll Both Love!

10:05 AM

 

A modern take on red, white, and blue- check out this classic  modern boys room makeover!
Usually slow and steady is how I roll. But since painting Dax's room was part of a sponsorship, it put my pace into overdrive. Funny how deadlines do that. ;) I shared all the details about the paint yesterday but wanted to follow up with the other sources and share a bit more of the process of designing a fun classic modern boy's room, here. Plus I share my BEST tips for designing a kid space. Oh and I've linked every source at the end for you!

A Classic Modern Boy's Room with vintage touches, a subtle military/adventure theme, and a modern take on red, white, and blue!


Let's revisit the before, first
You won't believe this before and after!

Getting Started
It can be really tough to start a room- to commit to one direction or another. Though I don't always follow it, I love the advice to "start with the rug." When I found a rug for Dax's room that fit the 'vibe' in my head, things started to come together. My advice is this- it doesn't necessarily have to be a rug, but you have to be inspired by something to start. A rug makes sense because it's the hardest to source and one of the more expensive components, but for me, it was the rug coupled with the paint color and this art, that did it. Once you have your inspiration, put all of your pieces on a mood board like I did here. It could be in Canva (the site I use), ipiccy, Pinterest, even a folder on your phone. You just need to see it all together.

A fun before and after plus advice on designing a kid's room you'll both love!
Bed  |  Throw Blanket (similar)  |  Bedding  |  Lumbar Pillow  |  Sconce

To theme or not to theme?
I tried to steer clear of a theme in the girls' room but here it ended up being a very subtle military/adventure theme. If you choose to theme, do it subtly. Here the art,  swiss cross pillow, the paint color, the use of mixed metals, and the one I'm most proud of- using red, white, and blue in a modern way-- are all a nod to the military but aren't in your face.  It was really hard for me not to go crazy with it (why do I LOVE  a theme so much?!) but my goal was to create a room that could grow with him so any 'theme-y" elements needed to be able to lift out relatively easily. When you lock yourself into a theme (even one you, yourself love), it's likely that you'll want to re-do the room every couple of years. If money was no object I'd be like 'sign me up!' but sadly, that's not my reality. ha. Kids' minds change often, and if I'm being honest so does mine. Insteadtake the approach I did in the girls' room which was to incorporate all the things they're into right now (unicorns and rainbows in that case) in easy to swap ways- art and accessories. In Dax's room, that means the color blue, vehicles, the outdoors, adventure, and outer space (the space art hasn't arrived yet but it's adorable!). 

Things of Note

-The coolest modern wall treatment (if I do say so myself). Update: Tutorial here!

-Subtle nods to a military theme (art, swiss cross pillow, metal furnishings/accessories, etc)

-A modern take on red, white, and blue

-A moody blue hue by Clark+Kensington called Gothic Iron (the top portion is Clark + Kensington Silent White)

Here are some more photos and then I want, nay, I NEED to talk more about kids and paint colors!

Ways to Fill an Empty Corner

A Classic Modern Room for Dax plus Advice on Designing a Kid's Room That You'll BOTH Love!

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + Advice on Designing A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!
After I completed the girls' room I realized that less is more. Here's another tip- Having something on every wall, along with their belongings that will inevitably end up in corners, under beds, on surfaces... just feels cluttered-- No matter how cute it is. As such, I wanted to give this space room to breathe. Rather than putting more furniture in this corner, I settled on large art to fill the space. Other ideas with a small footprint include a mirror, a faux tree (how cute would that be?!), and what I did in the other corner...

A Reading Nook
I've always loved a little cozy spot in a kid's room. Whether it's a beanbag (like I used here and here), a cute saucer chair (like here), or even a pile of pillows, having a little spot they can chill in is both cute and practical. 
A Classic Modern Room for Dax + Advice on Designing A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!
Sources linked at the end!

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + Advice on Designing A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

I had to include a close up of this adorable stump table. I just love it! Also, I have a problem with collecting vintage kids' books (but is it really a problem?) and this set was like the holy grail for an adventurous little boy's room! 

You can barely see it but my sister sketched Dax and it's the most darling thing ever. Plans are in the works to darken it so we can see it better though. The Be Brave art is from his nursery. I will probably replace it with something like this but I couldn't part with it just yet. ♥ Joe was battling cancer when I was pregnant with Dax and the scripture on it is Jeremiah 29:11. I was having a particularly rough day when it arrived and tears rolled down my face as I read:

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."  I mean it's worth hanging onto for a bit longer, right? 

And for some perspective, here's the view straight ahead as you walk into the room:
A classic modern boy's room with adventure elements, a subtle military vibe, and a modern take on red, white, and blue!

Book/Toy Storage
Here's the book/toy storage situation. To keep messes at bay, keep toy and book storage within reach. I always prefer a combination of open and closed storage. Cute toys and books out, plastic obnoxious toys, hidden. 

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + Advice on Designing A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

Here's a tip for inexpensive art- shop Juniper Print Shop! You guys know I'm obsessed with Juniper Print Shop. It's such an amazing source for affordable, stylish art, all curated by the founder, Jenny Komenda, who has impeccable taste.

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

Let me show you one more practical and easy storage solution- hooks! While that's not news, in the past I've been guilty of using a couple of cutesy hooks that don't hold much. But a set of 4 or 5 hooks hung at the right height makes all the difference! Plus peg hooks are trending y'all.

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!


His Bed/Bedding
We love his little bed! The finish is great and is perfect with this wall color. The simple vintage/modern shape is so good and the price can't be beaten. I love a quilt in a kids' room but fell in love with this comforter (it also comes in a duvet) and went with it. I was looking for a wool camp blanket but then I came across this soft cozy throw that's just perfect (this one is almost identical). Here's a tip for kids' bedding you'll both love. If your child wants character bedding, but you don't, add a character pillow or allow them to choose character sheets. It's easy to incorporate the character in smaller doses rather than invest in all the Spider-Man things only to tire of it (you and junior) in a year or two. 


A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!


A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

The Wall Treatment (and Kids and Paint)
Ok here's the thing. You don't have to paint your child's room whatever color they ask. I find that there are a few scenarios. The ideal one (in my opinion) is when the kid could care less and we as parents get to do whatever we want. ha! This is an easy one. Then there are the kids who have strong opinions (raises hand) and then you have two options- cave to whatever the child wants. This works when you, as the parent don't really care either way. But if you're reading this post, that's probably not you. So then there's us- those of us who want our kids' spaces to reflect their personalities and wishes but also don't want to vomit when we walk past a turquoise/purple/hot pink/black (wait, actually I'd be cool with black) room. In that case, here are some ways to handle it-
1- Use your interpretation of the color the child wants. So if Genevieve wants a purple room, I head to the paint store and choose some pretty muted or mauve-like purple-ish (emphasis on the ISH) tones I can live with. This is you setting them up for success! Then you let the child choose from them. It might not be your choice but at least it's not the color of Dimetapp. 
2- If you're hardcore and can't live with [insert bright color here] at all but still want your child to have a say, work the color into the design in small ways- bedding, art, drapes, etc.
3- Another option is to let them choose a fun paint color for their closet door! You can still help them choose, but they'll have a little more ownership. 

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!


And now for some before and afters:

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

A Classic Modern Room for Dax + How To Design A Kid's Room that You'll Both Love!

I truly love designing kid's spaces and loved working on this room for my favorite little boy! If you have any questions, let me know!

SOURCES:
affiliate links included

Paint Colors
Clark + Kensington Gothic Iron
Clark + Kensington Silent White

Furniture
Bed (and here)
Oak Finish Cube Bookcase (and a more affordable option)

Art
Mountain Art (over the hooks)
Combat Vehicles Infographic Art (or here with free shipping)



Accessories/Lighting
Baskets in Cubby Storage

Bedding
Red and Gray Throw Pillow- West Elm/no longer available

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17 comments

  1. This looks amazing! Thank you for the inspiration!

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  2. I absolutely love the look of this room! Do you mind sharing what the lighter color on the walls is? It fits so well with that dark moody blue

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  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  4. Could you share how far you went up with the blue color on the walls?

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  5. Are the ceilings the same white as the wall?

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    Replies
    1. no, the ceiling is just white ceiling paint from Lowe's or Home Depot!

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  6. So inspiring. Thank you thank you for posting AND linking to sources. You transformed the room into a thoughtful, personalized oasis.

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  7. What is the height from the ceiling that you started the darker color?

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    Replies
    1. 32"- I basically painted the bottom 2/3 of the wall!

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  8. Your sons room is super inspiring me on how to design and set up my sons room! Did you relocate your sons dresser to the side of the room not pictured? Or did you decide on a different way to store his clothes?

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    Replies
    1. Hi! So just one corner isn't pictured (though I think it's pictured in other room posts) but to answer your question, I use 2 of these inside of his closet! https://rstyle.me/+ejSEARxjphqty1rMc-c_9w

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  9. Would you mind sharing where the gold/brass wire basket is from?

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    Replies
    1. no longer sold from target, unfortunately. It was pillowfort.

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