Hi friends! Courtney (Melissa’s daughter) here. I’m excited to share a tour of my son Forrest’s bedroom in our new Lake House.
We moved into this home last month and have been slowly making it our own. My parents-in-law are living with us in the lower-level suite, and it’s been such a joyful, busy transition. One of the first rooms I wanted to personalize was Forrest’s because it has a lovely view and plenty of space.
Here is where we started:
Before: Dark brown accent wall, floral curtains, and medium blue walls with painted bamboo detailing.
Now the room feels so much lighter and more cheerful after painting the walls Misty by Sherwin Williams and swapping the curtains. The ceiling fixture is still in place for now — home updates take time — but the overall shift is already lovely.
I love imagining the little moments this room held for the family who lived here before us—tiny marks on the ceiling that looked like glow-in-the-dark stars made me nostalgic for my own childhood. It feels special to create a cozy, memorable space for Forrest to grow up in.
We reused many pieces from Forrest’s nursery in our old house and added several new items that give the space a more “big-kid” feel, such as a gingham mini chair, a safari play table and chairs, a cane Montessori bookshelf, and a house-shaped shelf — all pieces that make the room practical and playful.
- Gingham mini chair, safari play table and chairs, cane Montessori bookshelf, and house-shaped wall shelf.
- Cozy crib sheet and blanket, pom-pom storage baskets, and a few favorite outfits and accessories that make the room feel collected and warm.
I’ve included sourcing details and notes throughout the post for reference.
Forrest’s first table and chairs are already in daily use. This sturdy set is perfect for coloring, snacks, and future playdates — I can picture two little kids sitting together at this table. I especially love that one chair is a giraffe and the other an elephant; the playful shapes are a sweet touch.
The house-shaped shelf is a longtime favorite of mine, so I was thrilled to find a similar piece to pair with it. Together they create a little “animal house” corner to display treasures within Forrest’s reach. He was so excited when we hung them.
This gingham mini chair is simply adorable and often hosts a tiny “reading” session. It comes in multiple fabrics and styles, and seeing Forrest sit in it makes him suddenly look so grown up!
The cane Montessori bookshelf is perfect for displaying favorite books at toddler height. Forrest loves choosing books from the lower shelves each day. I adore the cane detail and the quality of the piece.
A small carved wood stool from my childhood adds a nostalgic touch. It’s special to include family pieces that carry memories through generations.
The crib sheet and blanket are whimsical and soft — details I couldn’t resist. They bring a cozy, playful pattern to the crib area.
Pom-pom baskets are great for sorting toys and rotating play items. The low basket currently holds a musical instrument set, and it would also tuck nicely under the crib for extra storage. We keep a matching hamper for larger toys and a small bin for diapers and wipes.
An elephant painting we found in the garage turned out to be a meaningful discovery: it was painted by my sister-in-law. It’s lovely to tell Forrest that his aunt made the artwork, and it fits perfectly in the room.
A full-length mirror was already in the room when we moved in. I’ve placed a small console in front of it for now because I love that the mirror reflects the lake view. Someday I might add a wooden frame around it to make the mirror feel more finished. The angled wall hooks were also a quirky preexisting feature that we’ll likely change later.
A small Beatrix Potter 3D wall plate by the closet door was another item I grew up with — it’s sweet to include familiar pieces that carry family memories.
If you’re looking for special clothing and nursery pieces, Pehr is a favorite of ours. Their prints and soft fabrics make lovely everyday items and memorable gifts that feel like keepsakes.
Sources and notes: I’ve listed many of the items and favorites used in the room — from the Montessori bookshelf and play table to crib linens, baskets, rugs, and small decorative finds. These pieces helped shape a calm, practical, and playful toddler room filled with family touches.
You can follow along on my Instagram for more glimpses of our life and home. I share simple joys, updates, and little moments from our day-to-day.
Wall Paint Color: Misty by Sherwin Williams
Crib: Ikea Sniglar
Chair: Ikea Ektorp
Low white table with drawers: Ikea
Several woven and wood storage pieces, baskets, and small toys round out the room and help keep it organized and inviting. Many of the decorative elements are family treasures, which makes the space feel even more personal.