You guys!! Today I’m tickled pink to share a big update on our kids’ bedroom makeover. If you remember, I mentioned a while back that we decided to do a full makeover on their room by adding a new window in the kids’ room. It was one of those things that pretty much had to happen because it was the darkest little room in the world. Really, even in the middle of the afternoon you’d need a light on to read a book.
We talked and talked and talked about putting another window in there to give the space more light, but we were always too intimidated by the idea. I mean, putting a window in an exterior wall is kind of a big deal. But we finally made the decision to hire some help to get it done and I’m SO glad we did. It turned out even better than I had imagined it and I can’t wait to show you all how it looks. But first, we have to start with the obligatory before photo:
New Window in the Kids’ Room
Eeeeeeek. I took this photo as we were emptying the room before the project got underway and it’s obviously not the prettiest thing. You can see how dark it is, but this picture doesn’t do it justice because I had the light on when I snapped this photo. And thanks to a giant tree outside the window on the left, it was the kind of room that never got sunshine. It was just a sad little space. I hated it and so did the kids. (And if you’re curious, that tape there on the wall was our way of visualizing where the window would go. It was actually super helpful.)
Here’s a progress shot of the new window in the kids’ room going in. The company we hired actually did a great job of keeping everything clean and tidy. I love this little “tent’ they built up around the window to keep the dust from getting in the whole house.
This isn’t the greatest shot, but it gives you an idea of what goes into cutting a window into an exterior wall. It’s a pretty detailed process and I’m so grateful that we opted to hire help for this one instead of trying to do it ourselves. This one was definitely out of our comfort zone! Here’s how the room looks now:
Quite the difference, right?! I still cannot believe this the same room. There is so much light! In fact, it was a bit tricky to photograph this area because it’s so bright. But I’m not complaining! That new window in the kids’ room was exactly what this little room needed.
Adding Shiplap
I also wanted to do shiplap on this wall just to give it a little more pizazz. You know I like pizazz. And I’m so glad we did because it really gives this space a lot more character. I LOVE it, especially with the contrast of the black bed frames.
Obviously we still have a ways to go in here, but I couldn’t wait to share our progress. We’re still working on getting new furniture and we also have to finish painting the trim and doors. But in the meantime we set up the new beds and I just love how it looks, even without mattresses! Those beds were exactly what I wanted–just simple and classic. Anything big or flashy would have been too much in this small space, so I think these are perfect. Plus I got them for a heck of a deal, which is always a plus.
I can’t wait to get more work done in this room, but for now I’m pretty darn happy with how things are coming along. That window makes all the difference in this room and now I kinda wish I could put an extra window in every room. Kidding. Sorta.
While you’re here, you might want to drop by these other posts on our fixer upper projects:
Kitchen Progress Update: The Passthrough Reveal!
I just love it!! Can you come do my house next? Lol
So much better!! Can’t wait to see how you decorate it!
haha sure Tamara!!
I love this!! It really brightens it up!
It really does, I’m so happy we did it!
Looks fabulous! What a difference the window and the ship lap make! And the beds, so cute!
Thanks Donna!! Such a difference, right?! I can’t wait to finish this room.
Looks awesome! Love, love, love the shiplap too! We just did an addition to our house adding a bedroom and used shiplap on one of the walls and I love it! We also have a similar bed against that wall! Can’t wait to see the room when its done!
Isn’t it the best Melissa? I love shiplap so much. It adds so much interest to any wall!!
Where did you find those beds? Love them!
From Target!! They’re on sale right now too. You can see them here: https://rstyle.me/n/c9aqiwb6hgf
The addition of the window brightens up the room so much!!! Love the shiplap wall….and those beds are amazing.
Can’t wait to see it finished. (As I was reading and looking at the pictures, I thought ‘she has stained trim and white trim on the shiplap wall…..i will have to ask her about that.’ Then as I kept reading, I read the answer…LOL
Please post how you painted your trim and doors….I’m at that point!!
Yes!! We still need to do the trim and doors. We are dreading it. I’ll def share the process when we do though!
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a blessed day
Love your blog friend,
Tammy
Thanks so much sweet Tammy!! xoxo
Looking awesome!! Love love love the black bed frames!!! Keep up the good work Sarah! You just have the eye for this home decor stuff! 😍 can’t wait to see the finished room!! I’m actually excited 😆😂
Aw thank you Gayle, I really appreciate that!!
Sarah, awesome job! I love the beds and shiplap too..your daughter will be in heaven being able to read her books with the additional lighting from the window.
Oh you’re totally right Candy!! She’s already loving it so much. And I’m so happy they don’t have a dark, sad room anymore.
Looks really nice Sarah Joy! Love the beds too!💕💙xoxo
Thank you Becky!! I am so happy with how it’s coming together.
love shiplap. I’m sure your girls will love their new room. Love the beds being in black.
Me too Carol! I love that black and white contrast.
Oh, Sarah, that looks wonderful! The black beds against the white shiplap looks so clean and classic. I love vintage style iron beds, a few years back we got a similar style for my son’s room and I adore it. Definitely a style they can grow with. Can’t wait to see what else you are doing with the room😊
Isn’t it the best?! Some might call it simple, but I just love those beds. And you’re right, they are great as the kids get older too!
Excellent! Love the window, let’s all the healing sunshine 🌞in as well as a relaxing breeze. Perfect nutrition for growing children. I want to do shiplap, but am a little intimidated. How hard and laborious is it really? 😵 😭 Have a blessed day, Angela 🎃
Oh it’s so easy! I have a tutorial for faux shiplap here: https://sarahjoyblog.com/master-bedroom-planked-wall/
I LOVE it!! What a difference it made! ❤️
Thanks Angie, I am so happy with how it’s coming along!
Best decision ever. Love the natural light, and that feature wall!!
Yes yes yes!! I totally agree Diane.
This room demonstrates a tremendous change and I love it. The black metal beds are so vintage looking and the new window is just what this room needed. Your decorating skills have come so far since I first started reading your blog. YOU and your home are growing in so many ways. I always look forward to your posts!
haha you’re so right Nancy! I feel like our home and my style has evolved so much since I started blogging. It’s been a fun journey!!
Love it! So light and bright!
Thanks Emily, I love it!!
Wow, I understand the need for a second window. The room is so much brighter, and I love the beds. Looking forward to end result!
Right?! This room really needed that window. I’m so happy we were able to do it!!
Those beds…with that shiplap…and the white on the walls with all that light! I’m absolutely in love with this room! I can’t wait to see how the rest of it evolves.
Thank you Kathy!! I am loving it too. Can’t wait to finish it!
I love the amount of light coming in the room now! So awesome! The shiplap and black beds are perfect! Can’t wait to see the finished product. Your kiddos are going to love it!
Thanks Laurie, they are already loving it so much. It’s like a whole new room now!!
I love that window in there. It really makes a difference. Those beds are really cute too. Where did you get them? Can’t wait to see what else your going to do.
They’re from Target! And they’re on sale right now. Here’s my link: https://rstyle.me/n/c9aqiwb6hgf
Sarah,
I love all the changes you are doing to the house! The extra window will make such s difference. I can’t wait to see the finished room! Hugs to all!
Judy
Thank you Judy!!
Beautiful! Looks so good, just like everything you do!
Thank you so much Erica!!
That looks great! Are they black or bronze?
Well the description on the Target site says bronze, but they’re def more black.
It looks amazing, Sarah…What a transformation! – so bright and happy now! 🙂 I love windows and the light they bring. That is one thing I wish I had more of throughout my home. The room is just so pretty and classy in its current minimal state…I can’t imagine how fabulous it’s going to look when you’ve touched it with your magic!
Aw thank you Dana, you are so sweet! I can’t wait to finish this room, it’s going to be so fun!
Love it! I’m curious where you kids slept when all this was happening? Love the shiplap and new beds.
Hi Kyla! They slept in our room, with their beds on the floor. It was actually really fun!
Looks fab…..would love to see pic of room with both windows.
It was kinda tricky to photograph because it’s a small room, but when I do the final reveal I’ll try to get a whole room shot!
Looks amazing and bright! ❤️❤️❤️
It looks great Sarah! Those beds remind me of my son’s when he was little. They really brought back memories. I switched over to see your house tour from when you first got your house and it has really come a long way! You should be very proud, y’all are doing a great job! I can’t wait to see what else you do with the room! 😁
Ah thank you so much Shelia! I need to update our home tour–so much has change this past year. And it’s fun to see how it’s evolved over the past 3 years.
What a difference sunlight makes in any room! Love the shiplap and window so much. Can’t wait to see the final outcome! You have that special touch that makes a room feel so cozy and inviting!