Our home is a canvas of evolving spaces, and few transformations are as heartwarming and significant as a child’s bedroom makeover. We’re thrilled to finally unveil the updated room of our little man, a space that has gracefully transitioned from a cozy nursery into a vibrant “big boy” haven. This project marks a significant milestone, as we’ve waved goodbye to the crib that served our family for nearly eight years – a bittersweet moment, indeed, as our children have always had a special affection for their cribs!
Our son, who will be four this April, made the definitive decision to move out of his crib in January. This personal declaration, while a touch nostalgic for us, also ignited the excitement of giving his room a much-needed refresh. For the past four years, his nursery had been largely untouched, almost frozen in time since its original creation in anticipation of his arrival. You can journey back and explore the original nursery design process here, to truly appreciate how far this space has come.
From Crib to Cozy Daybed: A Milestone Transformation
Our son’s new room now radiates a fresh, airy feel, perfectly suited for his growing personality and needs. The heart of this transformation is the daybed, replacing the beloved crib that had been a central piece of our family’s early childhood journey. This transition symbolizes not just a change in furniture, but a shift in identity for our little one, embracing his “big boy” status with enthusiasm.
Ceiling Light / Sconces / Similar Daybed / Similar Rug / Blue Bee Pillows / Art / Duvet Cover / Sheets
It’s no exaggeration to say that this room remained largely unchanged since we first put it together for his arrival in April 2014. The same comfortable chair, the familiar rug, the original curtains, even the crib sheets, the cheerful green closet door, the distinctive bike art, and the trusty play baskets – almost every element was exactly as it had been. When asked for updates, our standard response was, “If you look at the original blog reveal, that’s pretty much what it still looks like today! The only real difference is the removal of the changing pad once it was no longer needed.”
A few months ago, a minor change did occur when our son discovered that the little “T” wall decals we’d meticulously added were, in fact, peel-off-able. After more than three years of untouched display, they had a good run! Thankfully, with the recent addition of elegant sconces and a large, impactful piece of art to the wall between the built-ins, the space feels refreshed and open, effortlessly embracing its new aesthetic without them.
Daybed Dynamics: A Seamless Hand-Me-Down
You might recognize the daybed itself. It’s the very same one our daughter used after her transition from the crib, when she was around 3.5 years old. She enjoyed it until just last year when we upgraded her to a more spacious full-sized bed, a project you can read more about here. This perfectly timed upgrade conveniently freed up the daybed, making it available for her brother whenever he was ready to leave his crib. Little did we know we’d have nearly another year to wait! It truly highlights how much our kids adore their cribs!
Similar Chair / Pouf / Similar Side Table / Curtain Rod / Similar Curtains / Similar Daybed / Sconces
Smart Solutions & DIY Charm: Built-ins and Beyond
The daybed truly offers an excellent stepping stone from a crib. Its low-to-the-ground profile, coupled with two protective rails at the ends, provides a sense of security that eases the transition, almost like a larger version of a crib but with an open front. This particular daybed, originally from West Elm (though no longer available, we’ve found a similar option here), comfortably accommodates a standard twin-sized mattress. When we initially designed these custom built-ins, we intentionally planned for them to eventually frame either a twin or even a full-sized bed. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the space finally fulfilling its designed destiny with this perfect fit.
Similar Drawer Hardware / Sconce / Art / Bee Pillow / Duvet Cover / Cloth Bin
For those interested in the DIY aspect, we have a comprehensive write-up detailing how we built the custom built-ins in each corner of the room. Our method involved using ready-made Ikea dressers as the base, then adding custom bookcases on top. We cleverly incorporated crown molding and baseboards to give them that seamless, integrated “built-in” appearance. This project is surprisingly accessible and very doable, even for beginner DIY enthusiasts looking to add character and storage to a child’s room.
Illuminating the Nook: Plug-in Sconces as a Game Changer
Among all the new additions, the sconces might just be my absolute favorite. I’ve always envisioned adding sconces to either side of the cozy “interior nook” created by the built-ins. However, the idea of shining lights directly down on a baby in a crib seemed… well, a bit like a “baby investigation” (ha!), so I exercised unusual restraint and patiently waited until we transitioned from the crib to a proper bed. My patience paid off when I discovered these incredible brass and blue enamel plug-in sconces at Target for an unbelievable $49.99 each. They practically screamed “BUY ME!” and I happily obliged. For the best luck in finding two, I highly recommend ordering them online.
Art / Bee Pillow / Duvet Cover / Sconce / Cloth Bin / Similar Drawer Hardware / “I’d Be Lost” Print
One of the most appealing features of these sconces is their plug-in design. Hardwiring into the side of our built-ins simply wasn’t a practical option, so these were a perfect solution. Even better, the on/off switch is conveniently located directly on the base of the sconce. This means no more fumbling around trying to find a switch on a cord hidden somewhere behind the bed – a small detail that provides blissful convenience in a child’s room.
To ensure a neat and safe installation, we also utilized 3M Command cord clips to secure the cords discreetly against the baseboard. This prevents any dangling wires and keeps the space looking clean and tidy. We’re happy to report that we haven’t encountered any issues with our son messing with them. While caution is always advised with younger children in a crib, these sconces are ideal for an older child in a bed, offering both style and practicality without compromising safety. The way the cords turn and follow the baseboard creates a seamless, polished look, making these cord clips incredibly valuable.
Art That Inspires: Personal Touches on the Walls
The striking wall art is another favorite discovery for this room, perfectly capturing our son’s current interests. The vibrant combination of colorful rocks – what almost-four-year-old doesn’t love rocks?! – and bright hues is essentially his “sweet spot” these days. This particular piece is a downloadable print from Jenny’s Print Shop, acquired for a mere $15. We then had an 18 x 24-inch print made at FedEx Office for just $22. If you haven’t yet explored Juniper Print Shop, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s an excellent resource for obtaining incredibly affordable large-scale prints, or prints of any size, really. Since we already had a suitable frame, the total cost for this impressive, wall-filling art was under $37 – an absolute win for budget-conscious decorating!
Curated Comfort: Bedding, Seating, and Storage
To make his new daybed feel extra cozy and inviting, we carefully selected a new bedding ensemble. This includes a set of charming blue & white pinstripe sheets, a couple of playful bee-themed accent pillows, and a practical long gray bolster pillow with a convenient zip-off cover for easy cleaning. The duvet cover is the same Ikea OFELIA VASS style that we also adore and use in our own master bedroom, ensuring a cohesive feel throughout the house.
The reading nook in his room also received a subtle update. A new pillow on the chair, this specific one, was chosen to echo some of the lighter colors from the bed, effectively tying that side of the room into the refreshed palette. Many of the other elements in this area are cherished finds: the stylish side table is a secondhand gem (though we’ve sourced a similar option for you), the plush rug was a lucky HomeGoods discovery (and here’s something comparable), the comfortable pouf is from this retailer, and while the original chair is no longer sold, a very similar style is available here. Each piece contributes to a cozy and functional corner perfect for reading and quiet play.
Maintaining Character: Beloved Elements That Stayed
While the room has gracefully moved away from many of the deeper forest greens that dominated its original nursery decor, some beloved elements were simply too iconic or cherished to change. Our son still adores his cheerful closet door, painted in Benjamin Moore’s vibrant Irish Moss. This lively green beautifully ties into the giant bike print that continues to hang proudly over his bookcase. This particular print holds a fun anecdote: it originally hung in The Gap, and we simply asked if we could have it when they were updating their store displays!
Similar Rug / Similar Chair / Pillow / Pouf / Similar Side Table / Woven Baskets / Fabric Bins / Similar Curtains
Functional Transformations: From Changing Station to Organized Bookcase
What once served as his “changing table”—which was actually an Ikea bookcase cleverly wrapped in wood—has officially reverted to its primary function as a bookcase. The natural woven baskets that filled the cubbies were already present, but we did swap out the larger, more “baby-ish” bins (which featured a gorilla and a dragon) for some lighter-colored fabric bins. Now that we’re no longer storing bulky diapers or baby blankets, these smaller, more accessible baskets are perfect for a three-year-old to easily pull in and out, empowering him to help clean up his own toys – a definite bonus for fostering independence.
Timeless Keepsakes & Practical Gadgets
Every time I share a picture of the charming whale decor, without fail, I’m asked about its origin. We actually acquired it from Pottery Barn Kids many years ago, perhaps as far back as 2012. I truly wish they would bring it back; it’s just so adorable and has become a beloved fixture in his room. And that simple shelf holding his books… do you remember when John built that eight years ago? It was, in fact, the very first thing he ever constructed! It’s incredible to see how far his DIY skills have come since then, now confidently tackling projects like elaborate built-ins and even a deck – well, *a* deck. He might only build one of those in his lifetime, ha!
That round device nestled with an iPod is our trusty sound machine, a piece of equipment we’ve owned forever. We use it to play a white noise album on repeat throughout the night while he sleeps – a tradition that our daughter also benefited from in her early years. I often joke that we might be the last household on earth that still uses an iPod every single day!
Room Size & Future Considerations: Why a Daybed Works Best
A question that frequently arises is why we opted for a daybed instead of jumping straight to a full-sized bed, especially given how our daughter’s room felt much more grounded and less like a “skating rink” in the middle after we made a similar transition. The answer lies simply in the dimensions of this particular room. Our son’s bedroom is considerably smaller, perhaps even half the size of his sister’s. A larger, full-sized bed would undoubtedly make the space feel cramped, leaving little room for movement. Our son still frequently uses the floor for spreading out his cars, building with blocks, and engaging in imaginative play. Therefore, the daybed is the perfect solution for this room, maximizing both comfort and valuable play space without sacrificing functionality or style.
Explore the Room: Video Tour & Before & After Transformation
For those who prefer to see spaces “in action,” I’ve put together a quick video tour of the room. This offers a dynamic look at all the updated elements, including a closer peek at the cord clips, a full view inside the closet, and much more. Simply click play below to immerse yourself in the redesigned space. NOTE: If you are reading this in a feed reader, you may need to click through to our blog post to view the video. Alternatively, you can also watch it directly here on YouTube.
It’s always incredibly rewarding to reflect on where we started. To truly appreciate the transformation, cast your mind back to this very same room – complete with old carpeting and distinctive pink trim – when we first purchased this house back in 2012! Note: You can explore all the dramatic before & after photos from this house on our dedicated House Tour page here.
While it wasn’t the worst room to begin with, it has undeniably undergone a remarkable journey and come a very long way. We’re immensely proud of its evolution, even if it does end up remaining “frozen in time” once again for a few more peaceful years!
Shop the Look: Curated Finds for Your Child’s Room
For anyone inspired to recreate this charming and functional “big boy” room, I’ve put together a convenient mood board. This curated selection features many of the actual items we own and purchased for the room, alongside carefully chosen similar items for those pieces that are no longer available for direct purchase. We hope this makes it easier for you to “get the look” and bring a similar sense of style and comfort to your own child’s space.
1 / 2 – Ceiling Light / 3 – Sconces / 4 – Long Gray Bolster / 5 – IKEA Duvet Cover / 6 – Similar Daybed / 7 – Pinstripe Sheets / 8 – Similar Drawer Hardware / 9 – Wall Art / 10 – Closet Door Paint (Irish Moss) / 11 – Accent Pillow / 12 – Blue Bee Pillows / 13 – Similar Side Table / 14 – Woven Baskets / 15 – “I’d Be Lost” Print / 16 – Fabric Bins / 17 – Similar Chair / 18 – Pouf / 19 – Whale Decor / 20 – Similar Rug
P.S. For more detailed insights into specific projects mentioned, you can see how this room came together as a nursery here, learn how we built the custom built-ins here, and discover how we wrapped that Ikea bookcase in wood here. Additionally, for a complete list of sources and paint colors used throughout our entire home, we’ve created a comprehensive Shop Our House page with all those essential details.
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