We’ve only lived in this house for two years, but we’ve already ruined it. 

Am I the only mom who’s raised a bunch of filthy animals who shove things onto shelves and set things aside to “deal with later,” creating piles everywhere, until, before you know it, you’re surrounded by so much clutter, you can’t escape and your family’s had to carve their names into the sides of the cave that used to be their bedroom, just so that someone knows there are humans inside, if they’re ever rescued?

No? Just me?

I had a few projects planned to tackle this summer, to rein in the clutter, and I’ve finally completed the first one: my 11-year-old son’s room.

He had a hodge-podge of furniture from his Texas-themed room at our old house that didn’t match his new Texas Stars hockey theme here at the new house.

Also, he’s not into toys.

So all the toys he’s gotten for Christmas and birthdays have just gotten shoved onto shelves, where they’ve sat collecting dust.

Note: this post contains affiliate links. This means that I will make a small commission - at no additional cost to you - if you make a purchase using my links. Thanks for supporting my blog!

The plan would be this: 

• to Marie Kondo this whole situation with the toys, and get rid of the rustic red bookcase pictured, replacing it with a desk where our son can work on homework.

• Clear off the top of his dresser (also: we have rocks for sale)

• Organize his bookshelf

• Repaint the red night stand black

• Shiplap the wall behind the red bookshelf, where the desk will go

• Add cute sconce lights to the shiplapped wall (which I did without running electricity!)

Tween Boy’s Bedroom Update

Shiplap 

We used Rough Sawn Shiplap in Pewter from Lowe’s Rustic Collection.

These are called “shadow gap” planks because the edges are cut specifically to butt each piece against each other, creating a controlled gap between each piece. 

It’s more expensive this way than just using unfinished pine boards, but it makes it easier because (1) the pieces are already stained, and (2) they have the fancy cuts along the top and bottom to create the gap (if you use plain boards, you have to use spacers between each piece to make sure you get evenly-spaced gaps).

Click here for the tutorial on installing shiplap!

Desk & Chair

We found the perfect desk at Target, of course. It’s called the Loring Writing Desk by Project 62. It’s easy to assemble, and it’s the perfect mix of rustic/modern/industrial.

If this adorable leather chair ends up with pen marks or cut seams, so help me God, I will throw myself off the roof of my house, and these mongrels will have to turn their own laundry right-side-out for the rest of their lives.

This chair is not super comfortable for long periods of sitting, according to the 11-year-old, who has Princess & The Pea standards, but it’s so, so cute.

I found it at Home Goods, but they also sell it at Target (it’s only available in a set of two, though).

Sconce Lights

These are from Lowe’s and are my most favorite part of this entire bedroom re-do because they look so dang cute, and I didn’t even have to run electricity to them! 

I loved the shape of the lights, but I didn’t like that they were so heavy-handed on the gold trim, so I sprayed them with a light coat of paint, so that just a bit of the gold showed through.

Click here for the tutorial on installing these without electricity!



Night Stand

This was his old, red night stand from when he was a toddler. I spray painted it black and it was a total refresh that took - including drying time - about two hours.

Bedding

All the Texas Stars bedding I could find was obnoxious green, so I got this basic comforter set from Target, and used fabric paint markers to paint on a Texas Stars logo.

It’s not fancy, but it’s just right for the boy.

The fluffy lounger pillow is from Target. They don’t sell this exact one, anymore, but check out this adorable one from their Opal House collection!

The Dallas Stars quilt was hand-made by my dad as a surprise Christmas present last year. He surprised the whole family by making each of the grandkids their own quilt, and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything so precious in my entire life.

Wall Vinyl

This custom wall vinyl came from Etsy. The shop has different sizes and all different sports, so you can get your kiddo their name and number emblazoned on the jersey of a football, baseball, volleyball, or whatever-sport-you-want wall decor. 

Bookcase & Dresser

This is his furniture from when he was a toddler and I first started changing it over to a “big boy bedroom.” It’s been great furniture - real wood and sturdy. 

It’s also got marker aallll around it, which I haven’t even tried removing, because I’ve become accustomed to this rag-a-muffin lifestyle. 

Telescope

This has been a fun addition since moving out to the country, where the stars shine bigger and brighter.

Grab the SkyView Lite app, too, so you can find out the names of what you’re looking at!

Utility Cart

This cart is sturdy, has wheels, and comes in a few different colors. We got it at Target. Naturally.

World Map

I love this chalkboard-style map - the plan is to use a chalk marker to color in the places he’s visited. So fun!

BEFORE & AFTERS

He loves how grown-up and clean his new bedroom looks, and I do, too! 

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for the tutorial on how to do the shiplap and the sconce lights without electricity!

Next up is to tackle his closet. 😫