Young House Love

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Hanging Decorative Birdcages In A Kids Room

Put a birdcage on it. That’s right, why stop at putting a bird on something when you can put an entire birdcage on it?

Follow up question: why stop at one when you can go with three?

Birdcages Final Shot

Sidenote: we’ve gotten a few questions about the brown sheet on the daybed, so the deal with that is that we still haven’t picked up sheets for the bed, but they’ll most likely be navy and most definitely won’t be that crazy old tan sheet that has been on this daybed for around six years! Haha. So just try to ignore that for now if you can.

But back to the birdcages. I’ve been itching to hang these guys since we started this room, so it’s really exciting to finally unveil the “secret 3D items that we plan to hang to balance that off-center window” as we so cryptically referred to them a few times. Why birdcages? Well, it all started over a year ago when we came across the big white birdcage at a local thrift store during book shoots (we were there grabbing some other things and couldn’t leave without it, so we bought it for thirty beans and I hugged it the whole way home).

Then back in September when we got those $8 thrift store chairs in West Virginia on the drive home from redoing Granny’s bathroom, we also grabbed the red birdcage at the same thrift shop for $10 (it was white when we got it though).

Birdcages Full Side

So we had two birdcages sitting around forever, but I knew I’d prefer one more to make a nice grouping of three. And of course, per Murphy’s Law, the third one wasn’t as easy to come by. We tried a bunch of thrift stores and even stalked craigslist (where some folks wanted $90 for their birdcages, eeks!) along with online decorative birdcage vendors (yes they exist, but they also want lots of money for them). Then when I had almost given up all hope, I found that guy on the left at Hobby Lobby (which was $19 after I got 50% off thanks to their all-the-time sales).

That one came in the darker pewter color and I had originally planned to spray it white to go with the other two white ones I already had, but then I realized leaving it that color (it ties into the navy curtains) and spray painting the $10 one from the thrift store bright red would make for a fun little mix.

Birdcages Wide

We wanted this to be a surprise for Clara, so she didn’t see me paint that one or watch us hang them (they’re all very light, so we just used plant hooks that are guaranteed to hold much more weight than these birdcages along with anchors, just to be on the safe side). She was so excited when she woke up from her nap to see them all hung up. Wish we got it on video. There was lots of pointing and laying down on the floor & daybed and gazing up at them. And then she brought in all of her stuffed animals to see them too.

Speaking of careful, since the white and the red one are especially light (they’re made entirely of wicker) we opted to hang the dark one on the end, so it’s not over the daybed at all, which is clearer from this shot:

Birdcages Not Over Bed1

And even though the white and red wicker birdcages are extra light, we still didn’t want them hanging directly over the daybed, so as you can see from this angle they’re set back a lot and the daybed is pulled away from the wall. That way they’re not in a spot that a jumping-on-the-bed Clara could hit her head. So in the end, they’re just like hanging a mobile or a model airplane or anything else that you might find hanging on the ceiling of a kids room. We’re big fans of making things that Clara can gaze up at (like her flower mobiles) so these birdcages were an especially fun little addition to the room for us.

Birdcages Not Over Bed2

So that’s the story of the birdcages. We love that they add interest, pattern, color, and playfulness to the room – especially since there’s already a frame collage on one wall and we have those postcard ledges on another wall. It’s fun to keep thinking about ways to add dimension and interest beyond the ol’ picture frame, ya know?

Birdcages Vert

Bam. I just hit you with a birdcage detail shot.

Birdcages Detail Shot

And now for a few tiny updates that have also gone on. I found some thin red ribbon from my leftover-from-Christmas box, and ran it around the bottom of Sir Moose, just to balance the patterned shade a bit more. Diane actually mentioned the possibility of painting it here in a sweet comment back when we shared the new shade (thanks for the idea Diane!) but I opted for ribbon since it’s so easily changed.

Moose1

As for how I attached it, I just taped it around the back to hold it in place with regular old scotch tape about a week ago. Still holding strong!

Moose 1

The room’s really starting to look finished in certain areas. We definitely still have lots more on the to-do list, but it’s coming along slowly but surely…

Birdcages Other Side

Speaking of the list, here ya go:

  • paint the room (more on that here)
  • cut down our old den side table to make a play table (more on that here)
  • bring in a dresser (we’d love to find something secondhand) (more on that here)
  • make/hang some curtains (more on that here)
  • add a rug (more on that here)
  • paint the backs of the chairs along with her play table (more on that here)
  • hang our postcard ledges and fill them with favorite flashcards (more on that here)
  • install a new light fixture (more on that here)
  • hang a few 3D objects that we have in mind for wall decor (how’s that for cryptic?)
  • get a new set of sheets for the daybed (most likely in navy) along with a cushy mattress pad
  • refinish or paint Clara’s new dresser (which we got here)
  • turn the junked up closet into an actual clothes closet/reading nook
  • add crown molding (along with tackling the other un-crown-molding-ed bedrooms on this side of the house)
  • possibly paint the ceiling once the crown goes up and we choose a color…
  • add accessories like more pillows, storage bins for toys, etc

Oh and we did frame and hang one more thing…

New Art

Isn’t it cute? I love that you read it right as you walk in, and that it’s full of so many colors that you see when you step further into the room. It’s by Katie Daisy (I’m a crazy rabid fan of her amazing work) and I actually pinned it around a year ago, only to find our new friends Lauren and Steve at our book signing in Palo Alto holding it out to us (all rolled up and tied with a ribbon). Is that sweet or what? It really is amazing how thoughtful people are. When I said “I pinned this so long ago!” she said “I know!”

 

New Art2

I don’t know if I’m just a sappy mom, but it gets me all misty-eyed. It’s so true. Clara is loved like crazy, and every time I see it I send some love to Lauren & Steve for their amazingly thoughtful surprise.

So that’s what’s up in Clara’s big girl room. What did you guys do this weekend? Anyone else hanging giant 3D objects or pretty little prints? What about “put a birdcage on it.” Thinks it’ll catch on? Come on guys, we can make this happen. The question is, do we want it to…?

Psst- Ahhhhhh! The secret video thing we hinted about on Instagram is finally out! It was actually for BBC and not only do I rock a side ponytail, there’s lots of talk about our big goal this year. Nothing like trying to stick to a resolution by chatting about it at length to BBC News. You can watch the video and read the article here. If nothing else, the Clara & Burger shots are priceless.

Comments

  1. Tara says

    To be honest, I don’t DIY or even have the house for that, but I still read everyday because I love the voice behind the posts: you guys! Just wanted to give you two your props, namaste!

    Reply

  3. Tricia says

    My husband and I hung a large, rusty, metal sculpted deer head in our kids’ room this weekend. It was a $3 find at our church garage sale and it’s pretty unique.

    Reply

  5. Ann says

    The birdcages make a HUGE difference. I was wondering how this room was going to come together… between the not-on-a-wall-bed and the neutral color wall… and now it makes complete sense to me! I like seeing how your rooms come together slowly over time because its how we all see our own houses–so it keeps up hope that those almost-but-not-quite-there rooms will eventually make sense too :)

    Reply

  6. Jessica says

    Loved the article. As pastors we too are constantly trying to balance our personal and professional life. We finly moved our office out of our home which made a huge difference. Now that we have a daughter boundaries are more important than ever!
    I have written several posts about this very subject- ill let you know when i write one with all the answers. :)

    Reply

  7. Kiki says

    Normally I’m not a fan of bird-related stuff (I have an odd phobia of birds) but I love these hanging birdcages, they’re so cute, fun, and pretty! And I love how even though there are three of them hanging from the ceiling, they’re not too heavy and they don’t make the corner look darker.

    And can I just say that I would love to stay in Clara’s room? I love how kid-friendly yet grown-up it is. So cute. :)

    p.s. Katie Daisy is definitely an art genius. One of my fave etsy shops!

    Reply

  8. Eileen says

    When I saw the first pic, I thought the birdcages were Photoshop-ed in (I totally looked up for the correct verb, and apparently Adobe frowns on that). :) Those are some great colors in a neat, interesting shape.

    Even if there happens to be some unfortunate incident w/ swinging birdcages, I bet even the heaviest of the three wouldn’t be that bad if it dropped. Not like something breakable or say, a flying basketball to the head. Not that I’m talking from experience of course…

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha! We figure that if Clara didn’t try to climb the Christmas tree (we told her it was just for touching with one finger and mostly for looking) that the same will hopefully work on the birdcages. So far, so good!

      xo
      s

  9. Katherine says

    Love the birdcages! And Katie Daisy is one of my favorites! The room looks great! I am sure navy sheets will look great, too, but I am a sucker for crisp white sheets.

    Reply

  11. Kelly says

    Loved the article and video! It’s a topic that definitely needs more press for us work at home peeps. Last summer I was interviewed and photographed for a NYT article on the same subject so I totally get the feeling of “what?!” Enjoy it!

    Reply

  12. Aimée says

    As a serial daily ponytailer myself, I shifted my ponytail slightly to the side today after watching your BBC piece. No word of a lie, within 5 mins, 4 people commented how nice it looked as I walked down the hall back to my office. So again, thanks for the inspiration :)

    Reply

  13. heather says

    “so the deal with that is that wes still haven’t picked up sheets for the bed”

    The only question I have is: who’s Wes? ;) (<– me being a smartalec)

    (p.s. loving the birdcages!)

    Reply

  14. Melissa @ Loving Here says

    Love this! I’ve always loved birdcages but never had a place for them. I’m going to show this to my husband and say we certainly do have a place for them—anywhere! They look awesome, and that video was super cool! Congrats!

    Reply

  15. Tricia H says

    Just wondering if you guys were planning to put a safety rail on the front of her daybed to keep her from falling out of the bed during the night. I have my own 3-year-old Clara and we are frustrated with the fact that (while they are a necessity for her bed) they seem to be an eyesore in the room! Any suggestions?

    Reply

  16. notSupermum says

    Love how Clara’s big girl room is coming along, and loved seeing you both on the BBC news!! What a surprise to see my favourite home bloggers on our news channel – great stuff!

    Reply

  17. heather says

    I just read your BBC article so on a more serious side, this is very very true, ” ‘Just enjoy this for what it is. You don’t have to share with the rest of the world. They have enough of you already.'”

    I really honestly hope you guys are able to achieve that. It’s part of the reason I walked away from Instagram for a while and I rarely use Twitter anymore. I realized I was always thinking “I can photograph this so I can share.” It’s hard when you’re an innate sharer to pull back, but it’s necessary. The world doesn’t need all of you.

    On that note – way to go at the over 5M page views! Also, way to go in the PR world – you make this place still feel like a small comfty conversation around the couch.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Heather! You’re so sweet! In our heads we’re just chatting with twenty of our closest friends over here (we know there are more out there, but it scares us to think about). So we literally keep the circle small so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. You guys are like our little family :)

      xo
      s

  18. Meredith says

    I got engaged over the weekend! In Richmond! My fiance planned a super sweet getaway for us (we live in Charlottesville) that included lunch at the Capital Ale House, a stroll around the Capital grounds, and a proposal at the Jefferson Hotel! It was amazing :) And I actually thought of Clara when I saw the alligator at the hotel, haha!

    P.S. Love the 3D birdcages and the colors!

    Reply

  19. Laura Campbell says

    Loved the bbc video, and really like the birdcages!
    Really makes you think about trying different things for mobiles in kids rooms!

    Reply

  20. Meg G says

    You should put a picture of your face, John’s and Burger’s on the bottoms of each of the birdcages so Clara can gaze up at them while she is laying in bed.

    Reply

  23. Christina says

    I just say the story about you on the BBC website! Very interesting and congrats on getting reviewed by such an established international news centre!

    Reply

  26. Steph H. says

    LOVE THE BIRCAGES!!! I have one in my bedroom that I filled with little folded origami cranes. It is so cute and so fun to find patterned papers to use. You should totally do it! I just hung them up with fishing line tied to the cage.

    Reply

  27. Elizabeth D from GA says

    I LOVE the birdcages – especially the detail on the gray birdcage! And the video, adorable (Clara and Burger, right?) and really well done. I especially like your idea of putting a list together and being satisfied with it when it’s done – something I think a lot of us need to start doing. More time with the munchkins and less scrambling to get stuff done!

    Reply

  28. Lindsey says

    BBC is our go-to morning news source (although we live in the squarest of US states) so I saw the sidebar ad for your video when I was still a little groggy. I originally thought it was a “smart ad” (meaning they just know my browser history and customized the ad for my IP address). How narrow-minded of me! You guys are an international sensation! As you should be–especially with these adorable bird cages.

    Reply

  30. shel says

    love that!

    we had a white vintage birdcage hanging on a stand at our wedding (for cards) and reused it in our first daughter’s nursery. we eventually added white lights and it made a perfect whimsical night light!

    Reply

  31. Lindsay says

    I love how Clara’s room is coming together! The bird cages are an awesome touch and I love, love, love the new print!

    Reply

  33. lauren | rebuild (health & home) says

    Oh man, loving it! That little trio really makes the room feel special, and yes, I will join the quest to make “put a birdcage on it” happen. We were at a meeting with our wedding coordinator a few weeks ago, and she mentioned how some people use old birdcages as card/gift collectors on the gift table… and now I have “BIRDCAGE!” written in my planning notebook :)

    Reply

  34. Annika says

    Wow, these bird-cages really added that little extra “je ne sais quois” to this space! A touch of fairy tale, maybe? I’m usually not a fan of colours in red or pink shades, but the combinations in this room looks really good! (btw: thanks for a great blog, just found it via Chez Larson.)

    Reply

  36. Nissa says

    Love it! I’m just waiting for some awesome DIY birds to join the cages…I’ve seen some beautiful fabric ones on etsy, but I’m sure you guys could make something even cooler. This room is so much fun!

    Reply

  37. Carolyn says

    I’m sorry if you listed this and I missed it. I love Clara’s heart pillow. Where did you get it? Room is looking fabulous!

    Reply

  38. Stef says

    It makes me sad that you guys even HAVE to defend the placement/weight/potential for falling on the daybed. Of course you wouldn’t endanger Clara. It’s ridiculous that people so often point these things out that you guys have to come ready with a defense.

    Whatev. Room is looking good. Nice work :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Eh, we’re just oversharers, so we share the who/why/what of almost everything – from how we choose a wall color to how we think through kid safety (which is definitely something we like to pass along in case it helps others :) Hope that makes sense!

      xo
      s

  39. Justine says

    Wow, you’re on the BBC! The Queen will be inviting you to tea next. And when you pop over the pond for your visit to Buckingham Palace, you can come and stay with us!

    Reply

  41. Jamie says

    Love the play/big girl room and all its lovely colors!

    Also, just went over to check out BBC and YOU GUYS ARE THE #3 most read story over there!!

    …and on the work life balance front, I’ll share something a good mentor taught me:
    It’s our job to set our boundaries of what we will and will not do (and when) for work. “Work” will always take take take and want more more more so it’s up to us to set limits. And not feel guilty about it!

    Congrats again!

    Reply

  42. Emily says

    Is it weird to love the *insert expletive here* out of you guys even though I’ve never met you? If you guys ever start blogging, I might die. :D

    Looooooove the bird cages. I’m definitely looking to implement a few in our next house somehow!

    Reply

  43. Anne says

    You guys just make my heart swell up with joy! You are such an inspiration in so many ways. You are fun, and kind, and grateful, and the love that you send out to the world comes back to you in such wonderful ways! I love how you work together so well as a team. I love how you are not afraid to try new things. I could gush on and on!
    One question I still have about Clara’s big girl room is the color scheme you chose. Do you have any inspiration photos you can share that show how others have used the navy/pink combination? Or, is this entirely your own idea, and if so how did you decide to combine those two colors? I would never have thought of combining those, but I really love how the room is coming together, and I’ll admit that I’m surprised by how well it works!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Anne! You’re so sweet! I think it was all just born from us putting things that we already had together on the floor in a grouping (like we did way back here). We loved how the navy frames that we already had looked next to the bedding with Clara’s two favorite colors (red and pink) – so we decided to see how it would come out and add in some more navy for balance! I’m sure there must be other rooms with navy and pink (maybe search pinterest with those two colors in the search bar?) but we usually just organically end up somewhere thanks to trial and error more than basing our room design on a picture in a magazine, if that makes sense! That way it feels personalized and a lot more “us.”

      xo
      s

  44. Emily says

    I love the three bird cages! My daughter has one in her room and I put a dangling bulb inside it (borrowed from a paper globe lantern). The cage casts a shadow over her ceiling and down her walls, making it look like she is in a cage. She uses it as a reading light. :-)

    Reply

  46. Amanda L says

    Love the BBC article and video. My family has owned a business my whole life and finding that balance can be tough. My parents aren’t that good at it so I hope you all take the time to really make it work!!

    Reply

  48. Anika says

    Congrats on the BBC interview! You guys always come across as so natural in front of the camera, and Clara really looks adorable.

    I am really liking all the navy that’s being added into the room to temper the pink: I hope Clara will love her big girl room for many, many years, and I’m so excited to see how it’s all coming together. (I can’t believe what that room used to look like anymore since it seems so close to finished now!)

    Reply

  49. First House Spouse says

    That’s such a neat idea, hanging up bird cages as decorations! We’ve been considering sticking white-bird decals or hanging white-bird decor on the walls in our recently updated Eggplant Room (guestroom). Thanks for the idea!

    Reply

  50. Nicky says

    just watched your BBC video – loved it! you guys are so relatable and genuine and it really comes through in this piece :)

    one random thing i noticed – Sherry, you don’t use your ring and pinky finger when you are typing?! so weird! haha! still love you guys, though ;)

    nicky

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ten million points for noticing that!! All my BFFs and relatives are so mystified by my typing method because I’m really fast but I have the weirdest form. No idea why! I try to use all fingers I just can’t do it! Hahah!

      xo
      s

    • Allyson says

      Ha! I do the same thing Sherry! I’ve tried to type with all my fingers on the keys and it just feels too weird. Glad i’m not the only one who types like this :)

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