Hi friends! Courtney (Melissa’s daughter) here. I’m glad to share a tour of my son Forrest’s bedroom in our new Lake House.
Last month we moved into our new home, and my parents-in-law joined us in the lower-level MIL suite. We’ve been enjoying the house and slowly making it our own.
One of the first rooms we personalized was Forrest’s. It has a lovely view and plenty of space, and we were excited to give it a fresh, cheerful update.
Here is where we started:
The before: a dark brown wall, floral curtains, and medium blue walls with a brown painted bamboo accent.
Now the room feels so much lighter and brighter after painting the walls Misty by Sherwin Williams and updating the curtains. The ceiling light is still the same for now—home projects take time, after all.
It’s sweet to think this was once a treasured kids’ room. I found tiny marks on the ceiling from old glow-in-the-dark stars—just like the ones I had growing up. It made the room feel full of memories, and now I’m excited to create special childhood memories for Forrest here.
You’ll notice many pieces carried over from Forrest’s nursery in our previous rental, along with a few new additions that help the room feel like a “big kid” space:
- A gingham mini chair, safari play table and chairs, cane Montessori bookshelf, and a house-shaped wall shelf.
- A sweet crib sheet, blanket, pom-pom storage baskets, and outfits—some gifted items that fit the room’s playful, cozy vibe.
I’ve listed sources at the end of the post.
Forrest’s first table and chairs are already a daily favorite. He uses the set every day, and I love picturing future playdates with little ones sitting side by side to color or snack together. The set is sturdy and well made—one chair shaped like a giraffe and the other an elephant adds a fun touch.
I’ve had a house-shaped shelf for years, and I was excited to find a similar style to hang alongside it. Together they create a small “animal house” corner where I can display favorite treasures—one shelf is low and within Forrest’s reach so he can play with items safely.
This gingham mini chair is adorable and perfect for story time. Forrest often plops down here to “read,” and the chair comes in other fabrics and shapes if you want different options.
Why does this chair make him look so grown up? It’s a little bittersweet!
The Montessori-style bookshelf keeps books accessible at Forrest’s level, encouraging independence and daily reading. I love the cane detailing and the well-made construction.
A small carved wood stool in the room is a sentimental piece that belonged to my mother and then to me as a child. It feels nostalgic and special to include family pieces in Forrest’s room.
The crib sheet and blanket caught my eye immediately—the playful patterns and soft fabrics are perfect for his bed and cozy moments.
Pom-pom baskets are great for grouping toys and supplies. We rotate the contents to keep play fresh; right now the low basket holds a musical instrument set. The low basket also fits well under a crib for extra storage, and we keep a matching hamper and a small bin for diapers and wipes nearby.
An elephant canvas in the room turned out to be a special find—painted by my sister-in-law and discovered in my parents-in-law’s garage. It’s meaningful to tell Forrest his aunt painted it, and it suits the room perfectly.
A floor-length mirror was already in the room when we moved in. For now I’ve placed a console in front of it. I love that the mirror reflects the lake view, and I’m considering adding a wooden frame around it later. Some angled wall hooks came with the room too—they’re quirky and will likely be replaced in time.
A small Beatrix Potter 3D wall plate by the closet door is another nostalgic item from my childhood bedroom that I’m happy to have in Forrest’s room.
If you’re searching for charming, giftable clothing and nursery pieces, I highly recommend brands with timeless prints and soft fabrics. Their pieces feel special for everyday wear and make thoughtful gifts that can be kept as keepsakes.
Sources for above: Coastal Shirt // Pants // Rainboots // Striped Overalls // Chore Jacket
Sources for above: Crib Sheet (pattern options) // Baby Blanket // Pom Pom Basket Bin // Pom Pom Basket Hamper // Pom Pom Low Basket
You can follow along on my Instagram as I share simple joys and moments from our life. I’ve shared more of our home there in story highlights and in HomeBody Gathering Place, too.
Wall Paint Color: Misty by Sherwin Williams
Cane Montessori Bookshelf
Safari Play Table Set (color options)
Gingham Mini Chair (our pattern is Gingham Bluejay)
House Shaped Floating Shelf
Crib Sheet (multiple pattern options)
Baby Quilt on Crib
Pom Pom Basket Bin
Pom Pom Basket Hamper
Pom Pom Low Basket
Cars/Road Rug (similar option)
Bunting Banner
Leather pouf – similar option
Crib: Ikea SNIGLAR
Chair: Ikea EKTORP
Small lamp with pull chain (our rattan-wrapped version was from a retailer but is currently out of stock)
Favorite Children’s Books
Wood Sailboat on Windowsill
Wood Bear Toys
Wood Animals
Wood Dinosaurs
Wood Tree
Sailboat Framed Print
White metal + wood storage side table (top comes off to become a basket)
Elephant basket – a thrifted find (similar options available)
Little wood stool – from my childhood bedroom
Beatrix Potter wall art – from my childhood bedroom (similar options available)
Elephant painting – by my sister-in-law
Art above crib – a thoughtful gift drawn and painted by a TIR follower
Curtains – handed down from my mom, originally from Target
Low white table with drawers – Ikea
Woven wood two-door cabinet – previously available at a major retailer in this line
White and wood wall shelf – an older World Market piece (similar options exist)