Remember when I found inspiration for a nautical kids room in the most unlikely place?
Of course you don't remember. That was two-and-a-half years ago…which is precisely how long this project has been underway.
I swear, every time I started making headway on their nautical kids room, one of the boys would get sick or something would break or I'd get totally absorbed with something else.
I was SO proud when the rivets were finally in place! Opa helped cut and affix some boards on the wall, and then I glued drawer knobs in rows and painted around them one-by-one. It was tedious, but I love how it really does mimic the look of ship rivets for our nautical kids room.
After that was done, Nate constructed a bunk bed from two extra-long twin beds. To show their appreciation, the boys promptly Sharpied all over his handiwork.
I was going to stain this piece of furniture, but I decided that some shabby chic white paint would be easier to touch up. I'm starting to realize that life with boys means accepting imperfection and planning for a LOT of touch-ups.
Our partner, BEHR, has the most gorgeous shade of white called “Ivory Keys.” It's my new obsession. You all know how I love their Ultra Pure White. This shade – one of their 2016 colors of the year – feels a little softer. A bit more forgiving. I gave the bunk bed a fast rubdown with a sander to make the paint stick, then slapped the paint on there haphazardly before sanding small sections of it away. It has a nice, rugged whitewash look that matches the room well.
The original window hardware is one of the few things we kept in here from the previous owners. I love these black iron accents above the boys' cozy beds.
Hanging by the crib, we have a bunch of funky plaques that have been handed down over the years. The decorative paddle was a cheap score from Tuesday Morning.
That fish display from my dad is the stuff of nightmares. Literally, Some Boy had nightmares the first night I put it up. I was afraid I'd have to take it down, but he warmed to the big-mouth bass after I explained that it's a “friendly fish.”
Over in the corner, some more fish swim through the air and a homemade flag helps disguise the baby monitor.
We picked this rad picture up in Vegas and paid an obscene amount to have it matted in a gaudy frame. Totally worth it, though, as it's become one of my favorite pieces in the whole room. Nate convinced the boys that the mermaid in the picture is me, and now they sometimes ask where my tail has gone.
Have I mentioned that the kids have their own bathroom? The hilarious signage is from eBay.
I also created a reading nook for our nautical kids room, complete with some vintage-looking pillows and creative storage options (also from Tuesday Morning). The rope handle on that lower basket plays into the nautical theme really well.
Stay tuned for some more updates on our nautical kids room. If you know anyone who a nautical kids room may be a fit for, feel free to pin this and share!
How is your favorite room decorated?