Welcome to Sam's Room
New Stained Dresser & Old Ikea Chair
The LeMans Car Bed
Car Bed with "Aerial" Carpet
Old Chest with Toy Storage (use to be the changing area)
Vintage Globe, Hess Truck, Framed Tim Biskup/Gary Baseman Postcards and Hanging German Pull Toys
Vintage globe with Slot Cars (track is stored under the chest)
Close up of Dwell Kids for Target Sheets and Custom Comforter
Vintage Scarf with Dwell Kids for Target Pillow
Felt Banner (originally in his baby room) & a needlepoint originally made for my brother
When my son turned 2 we turned our guest room into his new big boy room (his new sister also needed the baby room). When it came to choosing a theme, it was easy! My husband and I both come from car families (we met at Watkins Glen) and as a child I always wanted a car bed (yes me, not my husband). A lot of the other things we already had and just re-purposed. Furniture placement was tricky because we have 2 radiators, 3 windows and 2 doors. And we also wanted to give Sam some floor space. The room still could use some small touches, but Sam loves it (after all Jenson Button is his idol)! I will be sad when he outgrows it.
The Stats:
The Car Bed:
The Inspiration: The LeMans 917 Porsche in Gulf Livery
The 1971 LeMans Movie Poster
The Car Bed: Masked and Primed
All Painted!
A Modified Little Tikes Twin Size Car Bed (It is pretty easy to find these on Craig’s List) painted to match the LeMans Porsche 917 Gulf Livery Paint Scheme (also seen in the 1971 LeMans movie staring Steve McQueen). We masked and spray painted the orange striping and added the Gulf decals. My husband would still like to hang a picture of Steve McQueen above the bed (I’m still not sure how I feel about this). I also sewed the striping details and number onto the Comforter.
The Dresser & Nightstand: We decided buy a new dresser and nightstand. I tried finding something on Craig’s List but I really wanted a dresser with easy open drawers and we had limited floor space. We bought them unfinished (American made) and stained them gray.
The Chair: An old Ikea classic that use to sit in our Living Room (it reclines). I added the vintage scarf with classic car emblems to the back. I have had the scarf for years but never had a good place for it until now.
The Aerial Rug: I LOVE this rug. It is called the Flyover Rug from Land of Nod. I think it is interesting (it could be because of the years I spent drawing/making colorful planning maps) without being overly “kiddy” feeling but it is still good for pushing matchbox cars on.
The Sewing Desk: Okay so this really shouldn’t be in his room, but it is pretty convenient to have it hear for when I need to sew. He actually likes watching me sew and has never bothered it (knock on wood). This use to be my husband’s grandma’s desk. The funny thing is that my grandma had the same exact desk! It will eventually move upstairs to my future craft room, but for now it works out well being here (plus I can look out the window while I sew).
Accessories: The pillow and sheets came from Dwell for Target Kids (no longer available). I bought a blue comforter and sewed on the orange fleece and piping. The curtains were clearance shower curtains (cut in 2) from CB2. I made the bunting for the baby room originally.
The To Do List:
Add a little more artwork (possibly some of Sam’s). I am looking for a different piece of art for above the bed. The race poster is from the baby room and the colors don’t work as well as I would like. Move the sewing table. Clear out all of the old chest to make space for more toys and clothes.
Maisie’s Big Girl Room:
Now to decide if Maisie should get a matching pink car bed (w/ LeMans Porsche 917 Pink Pig Livery color scheme)!
ooh yes, matching bed for Maisie! Love this post.
Thanks! I missed the chance to buy a mint condition pink one in December. The only thing I have been trying to deal with is that the bed takes up a LOT of space and Maisie’s Room isn’t very big.
Hi guys I’m actually “customizing” by boys bed too. I wanted to ask what primer was used on the bed and also what brand paint? Has it held-up well so far?
Thanks again for any insight it looks great!
Al, Thanks for the questions. For my son’s bed which is now almost 3 years old we used gray primer and then an orange spray paint designed for plastic (I think it was Rustoeleum but it could have been Krylon). It has held up quite well. There are 2 small worn spots on the bed (where the original blue is showing through) right at the front top (where it has been worn by my son getting in and out and where the blanket touches it). Otherwise it has adhered quite well and there are no signs of peeling. I think that the gray primer probably wasn’t necessary. When we went to get the paint for my daughter’s bed Home Depot doesn’t seem to sell spray paint for plastic anymore but they had a formula that was good for several surfaces including plastic (I think it was Krylon). This time we didn’t prime it. The key is to do several light coats to avoid dripping. Then it is also recommended to let it dry for several days before using, which we have done both times. I think the key is using a good quality spray paint that has a slightly better nozzle for thin even coats. Another option is to try some vinyl decals, which are pretty readily available or could be ordered from a sign or auto body shop. We used vinyl for the sunoco decals and they have held up extremely well.
Good Luck!
-Heidi