You may remember we converted our third garage into a den/playroom/wresting pin last year. Since then, several of you have asked about what’s going on in there. I think you probably meant decorating-wise, but either way, here’s your answer:
This room has become the main hangout. And, while I’m happy there’s a space in our house for wild Nerf basketball games, gymnastics, American Idol auditions, chase, and anything else you might feel like doing, it is making me a little crazy that it’s not decorated—at all. I’m so eager to add some personal touches, but just can’t quite get going knowing how this room usually looks most days.
But, I do have plans. This is what’s for sure, so far:
A few main pieces are in place. We bought the navy sectional at an outlet and the rug was a Craigslist find. The recliner—technically a Father’s day present—was our splurge for the room, but I figured we’d get our money’s worth out of it in the long run. (It’s made by Bradington Young.) So far, I’m finding the leather and velvet to be pretty “wipeable” and the Persian rug is great for disguising spills. We technically don’t eat in this room, but isn’t it funny how that happens?
So, moving forward, here’s a rundown of what’s on the potential to-do list when I finally get started. . .
-Hang two lanterns for overhead lighting. I have these still sitting in my garage waiting to be spray painted.
-Have bookcases built around the door opening. You know I love the feel of a wall covered in bookshelves. I considered an option similar to this one, but think I ultimately want to hold out—and save up—for custom ones.
Julie Ranee Photography via Houzz
-Put something on the big window—soon. This will probably be my next project. I’m leaning toward a combo of a natural shade and curtains (fabric still to be decided. . . ). The window in the room is extra wide and would require a custom shade if I go with one all the way across. I may split up it up and hang two shades like this photo:
-Hang art. The walls are a big, white, blank slate right now. I definitely want this room to feel personal to us and am thinking of using more of the kids’ art behind the sofa.
-Bring in task lighting. I haven’t quite decided on the specifics yet, but I think this is an interesting look:
-Add a couple more upholstery pieces. Instead of a coffee table, I’m using a tufted ottoman. I have one sitting in my garage that I ordered from here. I just haven’t had the heart to bring it in the house yet, knowing it will be used as a leap pad by the babies.
I also bookmarked this page from the PB catalog. I think the brown chair we had in our old family room would be great covered in a navy pin stripe someday. . .
Although all of the details aren’t worked out, I have a good idea of the overall feel I want for this room. A few more general inspiration photos for the space:
Architectural Digest
Find more on my “den ideas” Pinterest board.
Looks like an excellent plan! Love that rug and I think your inspiration picture for task lighting is a fun idea.
I love the inspiration Emily … and the animal print! xo Kristin
Love where you’re headed! I’m glad to hear that the velvet is wearing well, I’m really considering it for my next sofa. Your leather chair is almost just like mine and ours are BY too. I love that they don’t particularly look like recliners. Those lanterns are going to be fantastic!
I think you’ve got a great plan going. It is a challenge designing a room that you know will take a beating. :) Love your plan.
It is going to look amazing (and I love how it already looks)!
I love the few main pieces you already have in place. We just moved into a new house that has a bonus room off the kitchen and it’s like a couch pillow party in there every single day! It definitely feels like the little one somehow claimed the space. While I love me a good pillow fort, I too am itching for a little more definition and decor structure. I’ll be following along intently!
Overall your plans just make me wish I had a garage even more! I can imagine the treasures in yours just waiting for their time :)
Having a garage is great–too bad we rarely park in there!
I have been following your blog for awhile now but a first time commenter! I love the approach you take to decorating your home. As a busy mom to 5 adorable kiddos, I’m curious as to your toy storage approach within the main living areas of your home. I have one little guy at home and another on the way and I’m always looking for new ideas on keeping my house kid friendly yet comfortable and stylish for adults. Not sure if you have posted about this in the past and I have missed but I would love to read about your ideas.
Kelli, we got really lucky with this room and had enough space to put a long closet that holds all of the toys. That doesn’t necessarily mean they actually stay in the closet, but it’s a nice thought :)
that is going to be one good-looking room!!!!!
What a great CL score! Do you know the manufacturer of the rug?
It is going to be very neat!
We have a BY recliner that I bought in High Point in 1990ish that has been recovered several times and still looks great – I love that it doesn’t scream “recliner”.
I was one that had asked whatever happened with that wonderful blue sectional…..now we know. Love the plans for the room!
Not nearly as exciting as you thought, I’m sure! :)
What a fantastic surprise to see my photo amongst your plan! Thank you so much for including it! It’s definitely personal to my daughter and was my favorite project when I redesigned her room recently. I love all of your plans for your room. It’s going to be incredible and perfect for your family!
Emily, I’ve been reading your blog for a long while. I love your ability to combine the “keeping it real” approach with the design angle. It really is like a breath of fresh air every time I look at your spaces– it is beautiful, inviting and REAL:) I have four kids, the youngest is 15 months old. So I know that a house with small kids never looks as picture perfect as some bloggers show it.
I look forward to seeing new posts on how you decorate this room!
Yay excited to see what you do! I am super loving that animal print! :)
Great inspiration. Love the lanterns you plan to hang. That is like our playroom. . . love that we have space to do all the crazy things but not decorating drives me nuts! We have the same tent in G’s room.
Ahh! I can’t wait to see how this room turns out!
Emily – I love the rug you found on craiglist! Do you know where it came from, or does it have any identifying marks or labels?
Holly, Here’s more info on the rug. I’m sure it’s the same one as seen here:
http://www.auctionflex.com/showlot.ap?co=1&weiid=10205989&lang=En
I bought one pleated shade for a wide window and it is very heavy. The kids find it too hard to raise. I wish I’d gone with 2.
Thanks, Donna. I hadn’t even considered the weight.
Are you glad you went with the dark blue sectional? I am debating whether to get mine made in a dark blue microfiber (3 kids 2 dogs) or go gray. My husband is skeptical of the blue and thinks we will get sick of it. But I love blue and thought it would add some color to my house.
Yes, I love the navy! I think it’s just as classic/neutral as a gray :)
Can you tell me about that cheetah fabric??
It was a remnant that I bought at an antique mall. I’m 95% sure it’s by P. Kaufmann.