The walls of Clara’s big girl room are dry and the few items of furniture that we have (mainly just a daybed, an old side table, and two small wooden thrift store chairs that I don’t think we’ve even shown you yet) are back in the room. So here’s how it’s looking now:
Totally done and magazine ready, right? Just kidding. But it’s a huge improvement from this so we’re psyched.
The new wall color is awesome. Pardon these not great pics of it (Monday’s pics did it more justice). In person it’s subtle and warm and cozy but not too yellow-y or peach. And since it’s not too bold or compete-y, it’ll allow us to layer in a ton of other colors. Highly recommend it.
Oh but since the title says something about table tweaks, here’s the scoop on that. Wait, first a little info on the chairs. We got them for $8 each at a thrift store in West Virginia on our way back from redoing Granny’s bathroom way back in September. Then we just tossed them into the cluttered playroom and hoped we’d see them again someday. Haha. Now that it’s all cleaned out, it’s like discovering an extra room in your house. Amazing. Anyway, I think we’ll paint the chairs a crazy bright color (red?!) and keep the table crisp and white.
Speaking of the table, remember when it used to be a side table in our first house‘s den?
It was actually a side table from Target that we tweaked by adding a larger top and then painted white a few years back (originally for our bedroom, then it moved into the den once we found a TJ Maxx ottoman that worked better in the bedroom).
It actually hasn’t found a home in the over-two-years that we’ve lived in our current house, so the poor thing has just been sitting randomly in the corner of the sunroom or the basement. Poor little listless side table. Until now. We realized that thanks to those two thrift store kids chairs the table would make a cute little spot for those chairs to saddle up to, but it was too tall to work as-is. See how it towers over the other kid-sized table that we made for the living room here?
Well, it was nothing a little sawing couldn’t solve. After unsuccessfully finding any screws to free up and remove the stem from the top, John sawed it off with a reciprocating saw and then went back with his Dremel to clean up the part we’d be attaching it back to later (so it was nice and level).
Trimming the 4-inches off of the stem proved challenging given the angle of the base. John’s first attempt looked something like this. He’s the first to admit that it wasn’t his finest work.
Especially since it resulted in a not-so-level cut.
So he went back, remarked a level cut line around the stem on all sides, and then carefully shaved it down a bit more with his Dremel, being careful to stick to that line on all sides as he went.
Much better. But it was about a 1/4″ shorter than we originally intended. So we had to throw it away. Just kidding, that quarter of an inch doesn’t matter, thank goodness.
With everything cut, he used his Kreg jig to make some pocket holes to reattach the stem to the base. Sure the pockets show a bit, but it’s so far under the table base that you won’t see them unless you’re under the table on the floor (Clara does that sometimes, but we don’t think she’ll mind ’em, haha).
Now it’s nearly the same height as Clara’s drawing desk in the living room, see? (Note that this shot was taken while laying on the floor, so you can barely see those little pocket holes).
Now Clara will have a table for coloring/play doh/dolls/Gin Rummy in her room with her two thrift store chairs (which I fully intend to paint bright red as of right now, but you never know when I’ll change my mind).
So that’s what we’ve been up to in Clara’s big girl room. I’d call it 7% finished. Haha.
The blanket is my favorite (from a Joss & Main sale about a month or two ago). And the two tie-dye-ish pillows are from West Elm. I want to add more pillows of course (wouldn’t navy look cool on there too?).
Oh and the pink C pillow was from the same Joss & Main sale as the blanket. Isn’t it cute? Clara is OBSESSED with her big girl bed. The doc said not to switch her until she’s uncomfortable in her crib or climbing out of it (the girl climbs into it but never out – go figure!) so we’re happy to keep her contained to her crib where she happily snoozes… but man oh man, she sure looks cute in this bed. And someday she’ll get to officially move in.
Until then it’s a pretty fun playroom…
… which beats the heck out of the junk-room that it has been for the last two years by a long shot. She says hanging her head in shame. Oh well, better late than never.
We’re still sorely missing some major elements in here, so here’s what’s on the agenda:
- painting those chairs a bright happy color
- bringing in a dresser (we’d love to find something secondhand)
- making/hanging some curtains
- adding a rug
- hanging art on the walls along with a few other 3D objects that we have in mind (how’s that for cryptic?)
- installing a new light fixture
- hanging a mirror at Clara-height somewhere in the room (she loves making funny faces and laughing at herself)
- turning that junk closet into an actual clothes closet/reading nook
- adding crown molding (along with tackling the other un-crown-molding-ed bedrooms on this side of the house)
- adding accessories like more pillows, storage bins for toys, etc
You know we’ll keep you posted as we inch along! What are you guys painting, tweaking, and cutting down these days? Anyone else finding thrift store chairs or converting old Target tables? Spill it.
Grace Nielsen says
So far so good!! Love that J&M blanket!! SO darling! Which makes me LOVE the idea of painting the little table red – it’d be SO “pop goes the big-girl room!!!” and fun!!
See you in Portland on Saturday – can’t wait!! Thrill of my daughter and my life!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Can’t wait for Portland!
xo
s
Erin says
I had a table and chairs in my room growing up! I loved it! I kinda still wish I fit it sometimes!
Jamie S. says
Quick question regarding Clara’s little table . . . When you guys repaint (or replace and paint) pieces like this, do you include any kind of top coat to ensure that it will survive coloring, banging, drink rings, etc.? If so, what do you recommend? I recently repainted a nightstand and I am in LOVE with the matte black paint job, but I want it to last. I also, however, don’t want the top to be super shiny, unlike the rest of the piece. Thanks in advance for the advice!
YoungHouseLove says
We either use a poly sealer (our favorite is Acrylacq by Safecoat, which is non-toxic and low VOC) or a paint that’s formulated to take abuse even without a separate top coat (like Benjamin Moore Advance, which is made for cabinets that get banged and beaten but keep on ticking). I would either go with matte Advance paint if they make it or just a matte water-based poly (they definitely have those).
xo
s
Jamie S. says
Thanks!
Amanda says
Ah, it’s coming together! I adore the blanket on the bed – it’s so, so perfect!
Alex says
This is so exciting, its so fun watching everything grow! I’m nowhere near having my own home or family yet but I get such a happy/exciting feeling whenever I visit your blog!! So thanks :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Alex, that’s so sweet.
xo
s
sharmeela says
Hi Sherry & John,
like practically the rest of the world, i love your blog – this is the first time i have ever written anyone on a blog – i’m sure we could crack some g-d awful jokes about that. we are combining two awfully cute brick houses in Sunnyside Gardens Queens (right down the block from astoria) and i am painting the rooms myself – which is a big deal as i NEVER had the patience or the courage to do it in the past. this past weekend i was painting with benjamin moore aura paint – and it went on ok but needed quite a few swipes with the roller for full coverage. but in the picture of john painting clara’s big girl room, he seems to just roll the roller and the paint goes on in a full-on swipe. what’s with that? am i using the wrong roller? when i rolled the paint on it was sort of splotchy – i didn’t know until i saw your blog that maybe there were more efficient ways to do this painting thing. help! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, it sounds like you’re doing it right! A roller isn’t perfect – except for maybe its first swipe when it’s loaded with paint – and we definitely go back and forth with the roller a bit to get full, even coverage. And in most rooms I go back over with a second coat to fill in some areas that we missed or didn’t get full coverage.
-John
[email protected] says
My oldest daughter is 2 in a half, and we switched her to a mattress on the floor when she was around 2 or younger. Her physical abilities were far advanced and she transitioned very well to it. We just upgraded her to a big girl bed this week. I know Clara is super advance then my Chloe is. Clara will be fine. Doctors will say anything these days. :)
Chrissie says
That room is shaping up to be so pretty! When can I move in? :-p Clara is one lucky little girl!
Kay f says
I love the paint color. I must have missed it. What is it?
Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s Alaskan Skies by Benjamin Moore. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Amy says
I’m currently home on maternity leave with our 3 week old girl. (We also have a 6 1/2 year old boy.) In between snuggling and regular daily house maintenance, I’m trying to find the motivation to take up several organizational projects that constantly fall to the background. I’ve managed to reorganize our tiny pantry in a more functional way, but I still need to purge my son’s closet of clothes that no longer fit, reorganize the kitchen cabinets to accomodate the new baby’s things, and a few other boring tasks. I had a few related questions for you:
1. I was wondering if you two have any suggestions on keeping the “necessary” clutter organized?
2. I was hoping to get your opinion on the Ikea shoe cabinet in your laundry room, now that you’ve had it for a while. (It’s one of the things I’m considering to get our entry in order…)
3. I was very lucky with my first child in that he never needed a pacifier, unlike the new baby. Any tips on how to keep it from falling out of her mouth constantly when she’s sleeping?
Just kidding on that last one…unless you really know the magical secret! :)
YoungHouseLove says
We love our shoe cabinet! I think the general key to keeping organized is assigning a place for everything (a bin, a basket, a drawer, everything should have a place so cleaning up can happen on auto-pilot). As for the pacifier tip, we have no idea! Clara is a thumb sucker and never really took a paci :)
xo
s
Jenny says
How about that great acid yellow that Jenny Komenda used on her parsons table for Clara’s chairs? It would play off the yellow book project wreath, and would look awesome with the red and pink in the blanket.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that color like crazy. Always another possibility for sure! I’d also love that in the sunroom on the coffee table in there…
xo
s
Jaime says
What is the wall paint color/brand! Thinking of repainting some rooms in the house and want to explore this nice neutral option!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s called Alaskan Skies by Benjamin Moore.
xo
s
Molly says
I just read the blog and LOVE the color scheme in Clara’s big girl room. I am also addicted to the short online sales such as Joss and Main and Gilt Groupe. Well, RueLaLa (the same concept) is having a sale today through Monday Jan 28 at 11 am featuring a “Fairytale Bedroom.” I do not have children so I haven’t checked it out, but it may have some of the extra pieces you’re looking for. If you are not a member, email me and I’ll invite you. Enjoy! I can’t wait to see more of her room!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Molly! Off to check it out.
xo,
s
Sara says
Ahh I’m soo excited to see her big girl room!
Kathy says
Well, every time I see Clara, I can’t believe how she’s not a baby anymore. Looks like a Long Tall Sally to me, such a sweet girl, you guys are so lucky!
kelsey says
You guys are awesome! I have fallen in love with your blog lately. Just curious where you got the adorable day bed!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kelsey! We got it from West Elm a while back (a wedding present from John’s God Mother actually).
xo
s
Matt says
Hey John, ever try those pocket hole plugs that Kreg and others sell? I wonder if they’re enough to cover up that telltale look.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, those are great!
-John
Becky K says
Yeah, number one biggest parenting mistake we’ve made (so far) is the premature big girl bed….the next kid won’t get out of the crib until 7th grade! :$
Abigail Stender says
Rather than painting the chairs, I would think about leaving them. I think the natural wood tone would do well to balance out some of the other sprayed pieces that are already in and you plan to bring in. Maybe just adding some BLIK peel and stick graphics to them might be fun: http://www.whatisblik.com/shop/explore/giant-robot-small
This was one example that looked like it might fit on the chairs, but they also do custom. If custom, I would love pink or red stick graphics of Clara and Burger’s heads (one for each chair) a la this project you did: https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/10/head-shot/
You could also probably have these printed at a local graphics store (they would do window decals for businesses) or you could even just modge podge some paper you cut out yourself.
So many ideas! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love the ideas Abigail! We’re definitely going to wait for the room to evolve a bit more before doing anything to the chairs. Should be fun to see where we end up!
xo
s
harmony says
Just curious–are you guys planning on buying an organic mattress for Clara’s big girl room, too?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re on the fence about that since we’ve had that twin mattress for so long we doubt it’s still doing any off-gasing. Perhaps we’ll get an organic mattress cover?
xo
s
Erin says
So cute! The chairs would look wonderful in a bright fuchia with gold legs. :) Anxious to see where you take the room!
Trisha says
Where did you buy Clara’s daybed? Looking for one now for my daughter And love yours
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! It’s from West Elm around 6 years ago (John’s God mother got it for us as a wedding present).
xo
s