Redecorating my Son's Big Kid Room: Part 1

Welcome to part one of our new series: Redecorating My Son’s Big Kid Room. The title might be a work in progress, but the excitement is real. This project is going to be a blend of design challenge, family story, and, of course, a few unexpected plot twists—because what makeover journey is ever smooth sailing?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: aren’t you already knee-deep in another big project? Yes, yes we are. We’re in the middle of a new product launch—Josh’s baby—and if you haven’t checked it out yet, you really should. It’s been a labor of love and something we’re so proud of. But when a new design project comes along with a deadline attached, sometimes you have to hit pause and shift gears. That’s exactly what we’re doing here, and I’m thrilled to take you along for the ride.

See Part 1 here!

The Backstory: Surfing, Vacations, and an Air Cast

Before we dive into design details, let’s talk about the not-so-subtle accessory I’m sporting these days: an air cast. When I first shared it online, about 90% of you guessed it was because I’d broken my leg. Totally fair assumption! But the truth is, it’s not broken—just some possible nerve damage. Not ideal, but manageable.

And here’s the kicker—I did it while surfing. That officially makes me a “cool mom,” right? At least that’s the story I’m sticking to. Injury aside, surfing has kind of become the theme of our summer. We just got back from an incredible vacation, and my little one came home completely surf-obsessed. He’s talking surfboards, ocean waves, and beach vibes nonstop. Naturally, that energy has spilled over into his room, which is still very much a leftover space from his younger years.

Cue the perfect storm: a kid ready for a big kid bedroom, a mom in an air cast, and a looming design challenge.

Why the One Room Challenge?

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know we don’t always take the easy route. So instead of just doing a slow, casual update, we signed up for the One Room Challenge.

For those who might not know, the One Room Challenge is an eight-week design event where hundreds of designers, DIYers, and bloggers tackle the transformation of a single space. It’s fast-paced, community-driven, and a little bit wild. You commit to finishing your room within those eight weeks, document your progress, and share the before-and-after magic with the world.

So here we are: one leg down, working mostly after bedtime, and taking on a complete kids’ room makeover in just eight weeks. Am I a little nervous? Absolutely. Am I excited? Even more so.

Big Kid Room Goals

So, what are we aiming for with this surf-inspired kids’ bedroom makeover? Here are a few of the key goals for this project:

1. Create a “big kid” vibe.
   My son is officially past the toddler stage, and his room needs to reflect that. We want it to feel a little more grown-up but still fun and playful.
2. Incorporate a surf theme.
   Surfboards, ocean colours, beachy textures—this is going to be the heart of the design. The goal isn’t to make it feel like a theme park, but rather a stylish nod to his new obsession.
3. Maximize functionality.
   Between school, play, and rest, a kid’s room has to wear a lot of hats. We’ll be rethinking storage, adding workspace elements, and making sure it’s a room he can grow into.
4. Keep it budget-conscious.
   As with all our projects, we’ll be balancing style with practicality. That means a mix of DIY, smart shopping, and maybe even repurposing some pieces we already own.

Step One: Saying Goodbye to the Green

Before we can bring in the surf vibes, we need to start with a clean slate. And that means tackling the walls. Right now, they’re a bold shade of green. Personally, I can’t wait to cover it up. But hey, maybe I’m biased—what do you think? Are you Team Green or Team “Please Pass the Paint Roller”?

Painting is always one of the most transformative (and affordable!) steps in any room makeover. The right wall color sets the tone for the entire design. For this surf-inspired big kid bedroom, I’m leaning toward a palette that feels light, airy, and coastal—think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and crisp whites.

Stay tuned, because Part Two of this series will dive into the actual paint choices, prep work, and maybe a few surprises along the way.

Challenges Ahead (Because There Always Are)

Let’s be real: no renovation project is complete without a few hiccups. And when you add in an air cast, late-night work sessions, and an eight-week deadline, you know the challenges are coming. But that’s part of the fun, right?

Some of the hurdles I’m already anticipating:

• Working around my limited mobility.
• Keeping the project kid-friendly (my little one loves to “help”).
• Staying on track with the One Room Challenge timeline.
• Balancing this project with our ongoing product launch.

But honestly, the challenge is what makes this so exciting. There’s nothing like the pressure of a deadline to get those creative ideas flowing.

What’s Next?

Over the next seven weeks, I’ll be sharing the full transformation of this space—from mood boards and color palettes to DIY projects and final styling touches. Whether you’re here for design inspiration, One Room Challenge updates, or just the behind-the-scenes chaos of doing it all on one leg, I hope you’ll follow along.

And if you’re planning your own kids’ room makeover or looking for big kid bedroom ideas, I think you’ll find plenty of takeaways you can use in your own home. From surf-themed wall art to clever storage hacks, we’re going to cover it all.

Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you! Are you Team Green or Team “Let’s Paint It Over”? Have you ever participated in the One Room Challenge yourself? Or maybe you’ve tackled your own kids’ bedroom transformation and have some tips to share. Drop a comment below—I love hearing your stories and suggestions.

And don’t forget to check back for Part Two, where we’ll roll up our sleeves (well, as much as I can in this air cast!) and start making some real progress.

Final Thoughts

This project is more than just a room makeover—it’s about creating a space that reflects who my son is right now and who he’s becoming. It’s about giving him a room he can feel proud of, a space that sparks his imagination, and yes, a little nod to his new surf obsession.

So here’s to paint rollers, late nights, and the joy of transformation. Part One may be all about setting the stage, but I can already picture the finish line. And I can’t wait to share it with you.

Stay tuned—it’s going to be a fun ride.

Xo Sarah