Teen boy bedroom makeover – A Rock n Roll retreat
What do you do when your son has gone from Hot Wheels to Heavy Metal? Create a rock and roll retreat of course! Check out this teen boy bedroom makeover for easy design tips that add style and personality.
When designing a kid’s room, I always invite their input. It’s their space after all! Since both our boys play guitar, and I mean “plugged in, loud” electric guitar, I knew this teen bedroom design would need some “cool” factor.
It’s often an interesting challenge to figure out how to marry their wishes with my creative vision. Nurseries are easier as I only need to please the parents 😉
Teen bedroom makeover: Wondering where to start?
Find inspiration in things they are passionate about and incorporate that into a design that will also stand the test of time.
Since kids change their mind everyday, try to avoid a whole match-y theme they will grow out of quickly. At the same time, adding finishing touches that speak to their passions and hobbies will give them a unique space filled with personality.
Creating the teen boy bedroom design:
In our case, I decided to work with the red upholstered headboard I had made him a few years back. It has nail head trim which added to the rock n roll aesthetic.
Because I had a vision of listening to music in a small crowded club, when I found the Slate brick wallpaper, I knew it fit the vibe I was going for. The dark colour would also make the red headboard pop. (it comes in a lighter tone too).
Q: Is peel and stick wallpaper easier?
The advantage of Peel and stick wallpaper is that it can be more easily removed when needed. Because of this, it makes it less of a commitment should you decide to change things up later. This is a brick option I really like Grey-london-brick-peel-stick-wallpaper.
Having tried both wallpaper types , I personally like the unpasted wallpaper (paint on the glue first then add paper) as it gives me more time to line things up. But I’ve successfully used Peel and stick options on furniture makeovers as well, for example.
New to wallpaper? If you haven’t hung wallpaper before, it’s easier than you might think, especially when you have the right tools. With many tutorials online, you can pick up pro tips to ensure a job well done. Check out these Peel & Stick wallpaper installation tips
Pro tip:
Always choose the wallpaper first, then head to the paint store to find a coordinating paint colour. It’s much easier to match wallpaper to paint then the other way around.
Q: What do teens need for this age/stage?
When considering decor and furniture, a good assessment of what they will need will help guide your choices. For example, are their current beside tables still working for them? (think size and colour) What type storage do they need? Can you repurpose/repaint what you have already? How many guitar stands does he need? (ok, that last one might be a bit specific to our project lol)
Double duty decor: If you have a kiddo who needs a desk for homework, like we did, then it just made sense to add one with storage that could also serve double duty as a bedside table.
This industrial wood/steel one was a HomeSense/Winners find. I love how the wood adds warmth and pops against the dark wall. The drawers and cubby also offer added storage . Here is a similar modern wood desk that I really like too.
As it happened, my son’s bedroom makeover coincided with the installation of hardwood floors upstairs and with allergy season upon us, I appreciate the hardwood even more.
Tired of bifold closet doors?
To add character (and because I’m not a fan of bifold doors) we built this DIY sliding closet door. It’s a personalized detail designed to mimic a boxcar door as a nod to his love of trains.
Choosing Teen Bedding and Décor:
For fun teen bedroom style, one of my favourite shops is Bouclair Home Decor. They have an amazing and constantly updated selection of home decor to choose from.
Out went the little boy bedding and in with a neutral stone gray set. It seemed like this “Live Life Loud” pillow and sign were tailor made for this room.
Get thrifty with teen bedroom decor!
When it comes to affordable and unique décor, don’t underestimate the power of thrifting. I found this solid brass plate at a local shop and it’s the perfect vintage piece to showcase his coins from around the world (or guitar picks of course). Check out details on The Benefits of Thrifted decor: Why you should give it a try.
I already miss the “little kid” phase, but a new chapter calls for a new look and feel that reflects him and his growing interests…so I’m trying my best to embrace it by creating something he will enjoy for many years.
He may tower a foot above me now, but he’ll always be my baby. (Sure hope he doesn’t read this post!). Any advice on how to get through the teenage years would be most welcome.
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