I’ve wanted to create a chalk wall for Braden for awhile, so of course I turned to Pinterest for inspiration. I have two boards saved with playroom and kid’s room ideas here and here. Give me a follow on Pinterest while you’re there! https://www.pinterest.com/laureenloves/
We have a space upstairs that doubles as a playroom and game room, and I debated whether or not I wanted to create this space in there, but ultimately, I landed on putting this space in Braden’s room instead because:
1) We are in the process of shifting him to a new room that’s just a tad farther from the master bedroom that’s more of a “big kid” room. His current room that’s closer to the master will be for the new baby. In B’s new room, there’s a wall that needed something on it, so the chalkboard idea made sense here.
2) I wanted to create space that made him feel special and excited about the transition. We have a queen bed in his new room. When we made the transition to him being out of the crib, I didn’t think he would be ready to go straight to an adult size bed since he likes to move around quite a bit, so I thought easing into a toddler bed in his current room, which feels familiar to him, before moving him to a queen would be best.
While it’s been nice having this room double as an extra guest room, we’re not living in a McMansion with multiple guest rooms; we’re making one guest room downstairs,which is actually my new office — also a work in progress. I hope to share that soon! I’m definitely in nesting mode since I’m now in my second trimester and am no longer on bedrest, so I’m trying to maximize this time to get things done around the house. For me, this means it’s time to purge, organize and make some decisions when it comes to home decor. While on bedrest, I had a lot of time sitting, staring at blank walls, empty spaces and even boxes that still needed to be sorted through. Eek, I know. We’ve been in this house for almost a year, which I can’t even believe. While one would think you’d edit and purge before you moved to a new house, we did not because – well, because life. Building a house and moving while two people work full time jobs wore us down. I don’t think I ever want to move again.
Anyway, back to home decor. I think decorating is a marathon not a sprint, and I don’t have the budget or the decisiveness to pull the trigger on things and complete the transition from new house to new home. I love a curated home, and I’m definitely taking my time with picking up pieces here and there so I feel like our home has a personality. All that said, I’ve made quite the honey-do list for my handy husband and have prioritized rooms, with Braden’s being at the top of the list since he’s here and all. 😉 I don’t have the head space right now to think of the baby’s room yet (total second child problems already!).
So, that brings me to the chalk wall. I’m lucky in that I can show my husband a picture, and he can usually build what I want or tell me if it’s worth it to buy it. He’s my Ben of all trades!
Chalkboard and Magnet board details:
I wanted the chalk wall to also have a magnetic element to it. Braden is doing such a good job of learning his letters and our kitchen fridge is not magnetic. At our old house it was, and he was so good with learning all the different animals when he was younger while were in the kitchen cooking. Playing with magnets kept him entertained while we made dinner, so I would highly recommend these animal magnets for kids ages 1-2 and these letter magnets for kids ages 2.5 – 4.
I came across this chalkboard and magnet board, and I knew it would be perfect for B’s room. I love the barn door element. If I had my way, I’d have multiple barn doors around my house but alas, the hardware for barn doors is a little pricey. So, what a fun way to bring this element into the home and not break the bank. (I have a spot for a barn door in my house that we left open that we’ll put in one day. Don’t you worry, sweet husband. It’s on my list. 😉 ) I think this chalkboard is meant to be in a kitchen or mudroom, and I think hanging in these rooms would be fabulous, too! I’ve been finding some great things at this retailer lately. I bought this beautiful brass light fixture for our playroom/game room and I’m really happy with it. I’ll share more on that soon, but if you’re looking for a cool brass fixture, I highly recommend this one! And, good news — there’s a great sale going on now for up to 30% off, plus free shipping if you spend 100+. This sale ends on 3/6. Use code STOCKUP to take advantage of this amazing sale! I don’t think I’ve ever bought anything from this site without at least a 20% off coupon, so sign up for their email alerts so you know when the good sales are happening (which are pretty often!).
Details on the benches:
I have been a fan of navy buffalo check print for awhile and love that it has made a resurgence lately, probably due to Caitlin Wilson’s impeccable taste and design talent. I want EVERYTHING in her store and as soon as I win the lottery I will be buying tons of her rugs, throw pillows, and wrapping every room in grasscloth wallpaper, etc., etc., For now, her style serves as serious design inspo for me. So, when I saw these ottomans online, I knew I had to find a spot for them. I originally thought they would be great in front of B’s bed but I like them better in front of the chalkboard. B sits on them while he draws or plays and he can kneel on them if he needs to reach a little higher.
I plan to share more of Braden’s room once I get it a little more squared away. Same on my office! I’m sort of working in chaos right now. I hope you enjoyed this little peek into B’s room, and check back for more home posts soon!
Chalkboard & magnet board | I like a couple of others as well – Farmhouse chalkboard or Gray Chalkboard | Buffalo check ottomans | Galvanized Metal Letter
Animal magnets | Alphabet magnets | Eraser| Eraser & Chalk set
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