Well, it’s been officially over a year since I’ve posted a blog entry. Yup, life has been busy over here. I thought blogging may be a better way to dive deeper into each completed project, so I thought I’d start with a recent room makeover for two teenage boys.

Truth is, I really enjoy working with kids on creating their dream spaces. Kids are fun. Kids are playful. And kids can be very indecisive (or on the contrary, decisive) at times. Luckily, these boys did their homework for me and were opinionated and specific in their wishes, which helps the process flow so much better.

The process

We started the same way that I normally would, and that’s by seeing the space in person. Photos and measurements are taken and wants and needs are discussed. Important when refreshing a space is noting which items will be staying. The “reality” that we see a lot on social media shows that spaces often get a complete overhaul, when in reality in many of my projects I’m working with a few existing pieces. These pieces start the design in that you have to work to make them work.

In this case, we kept both beds in each room and a rug in one of the rooms. Paint, window treatments, and flooring were staying as well. The rest was left for us to recreate. I took notes pertaining to the needs and wants of each boy, and then went home and began the sourcing process. In this instance, I gave them each about a week turnaround. I presented 2-3 options for each piece I had selected. I think with kids, limiting the options is the better route. You want them to make decisions and not dance around. The younger boy wanted a space that incorporated his instruments as well as a vintage concert poster wall. The route we took in his space was colorful, pattern on pattern, and music-driven. The older boy wanted more of a “California” vibe in his space. He too is inspired by music, but we also wanted to include sports paraphernalia, surf vibes, and calming blue tones in the space.

Once selections were made, I did the ordering and was able to install when both boys were away at school. I’m super happy with the result and hope that they are too (and are keeping their rooms clean.) One can hope, right? Scroll below to see the “after” results. I’ve included links to products where applicable.

Happy to be back!
xo, Abbie

photography: @charlotteleaphotography