The Container Store :: Kid Room Makeover

A huge thanks goes to The Container Store for their partnership in this room makeover!

Last year I became unexpectedly expecting with baby number five. Although it wasn’t a primary concern, we soon realized that we didn’t really have a place to put her once she was born. For each of my other kids, I had the space to create a traditional nursery. But after we moved into our current house, we were done having kids (or so we thought) and didn’t have an extra room for the baby. Kates and Paige already shared the biggest room and had brand new loft bunkbeds. Ali is about to turn 13 and definitely needs her own space. Which basically left Asher. Luckily, my “manny” was open to the idea of sharing his room.

This left us in a conundrum though since Asher’s current room was 1. a disaster and 2. definitely a boy’s room filled with boy toys (think nerf guns, legos, and boxes of rocks). I talked my husband into a room makeover, but the most we were able to accomplish before Gwen was born was buy him a new trundle bed.

BEFORE: Asher’s room was pale blue with oddly arranged, mismatched furniture.

Then, to my great excitement the rumor that The Container Store was coming to Memphis turned out to be true! Say what?! It was a miracle! It was also the solution I needed to combine their rooms. I perused their ~~massive~~ amazing website and made a list of essentials (and some fun nonessentials).

I decided that each kid would have their own side of the room. This would define the space and also help separate their belongings. But then I had the task of making sure the room still looked cohesive. I couldn’t very well have a “nursery” side and a “9-year-old boy side.” It was also important for me to choose things that could grow with Gwen. So often moms go a bit crazy decorating nurseries with adorable baby themes — but we forget those adorable babies quickly grow up into active toddlers. I knew that I wanted something practical (yet fun!) for Gwen now but could also be used for the next three to four years.

AFTER: Asher’s new green wall color looks great next to his new bed. Rearranged furniture creates a space just for him.

I narrowed down my choices and decided first on bookshelves (this was pretty tricky since The Container Store has so many options!). Previously, Asher had a dark wood bookshelf and a black utility shelf. This made the room feel small. When I chose the bookshelves for their new room, I made sure to find ones that were bright white and they’d both get the same one. Asher would get sturdy wicker baskets while Gwen would get animal themed fabric ones. Same look, yet different.

Asher’s bookshelves have sturdy wicker baskets. Family photo by Kellsey McDermott Photography.

Gwen’s bins need to be used as she grows into a toddler.

Next, since I didn’t have an official changing station for Gwen (#fifthkidissues), I needed something to contain her diapers and wipes. I loved the idea of a rolling cart. I wanted to keep it a touch girly, so I chose light pink (The Container Store has it in LOTS of colors!). While it’s acting like a diaper caddy now, eventually it can be used to store other things.

The pink rolling cart fits perfectly between the bookshelves and crib.

Lastly, I chose decor for Gwen’s side that could change as her personality starts to emerge. I loved the idea of displaying special knick knacks out of reach, so I picked a set of floating shelves, again in white. A modern picture frame currently holds her newborn photo (who knew The Container Store carried small decorations as well?), but could be easily switched out as she grows. I found some local animal-themed art to help round out the decorations and tie back to her bins.

Each of the items displayed has meaning. The bunny represents the fifth rabbit from Watership Down, “Fiver.” The cactus and print come from Albuquerque, where my husband and I had our “baby moon.” The animal print came from a local artist. Newborn photo by Whitney Otto Photography.

While it was challenging to create a space for both a 9 year old boy and his baby sister, it was also fun. I used custom sewn bedding in black and white to keep a neutral color pallet then added pops of color through Gwen’s handmade mobile and Asher’s pillows and wall tapestry. Dark, blackout curtains added a touch of masculinity to the space yet are extremely functional when the sun is still out at bedtime! I also let Asher choose the new wall color (bright green!), helping him feel a part of the total room makeover.