My Son Requested for a Steph Curry–Themed Room. Here’s How I Made Us Both Joyful.

Part memoir and half design information, Annie Meyers-Shyer’s This Oak House is a love letter to the outdated home she purchased from her mother-in-law in Los Angeles and transformed to turn out to be her family’s house. Chronicling each step of the method on Instagram, the previous style govt has now documented the transformation in a beautiful new book (and Target product line). What appears to attraction Meyers-Shyers’ devoted followers is that whereas the house is extremely polished and grown-up, it’s additionally relatable. You study all kinds of issues just by studying her diary-like chapters about each design determination. Below, the mom of two is sharing an unique before-and-after about her children’ rooms, in addition to their shared rest room and TV room.

Flexibility in child areas is vital! Drawing inspiration out of your youngster and the house itself and retaining the long run in thoughts will result in the most effective outcomes. For us, three nice, unexpected issues occurred in the course of the design and construct phases of our children’ rooms right here at This Oak House. First, in Teddy’s room, we confronted a dilemma with the mattress placement. The most pure wall for the mattress had a window proper within the center. I’m not a fan of inserting beds below home windows—particularly right here in L.A., the place earthquakes are a priority. During an early architectural assembly, Covington proposed one thing actually surprising. Rather than forcing the mattress onto the north wall with the window, he advised reorienting your complete room and constructing a pretend wall with a comfy mattress nook on the west wall as an alternative.

Bookshop

This Oak House: A Renovation Story with Interiors to Inspire Your Own Home

$45
$42

Shop Now

It took a second for me to wrap my thoughts round it, however as soon as I did, I knew it was excellent. It was an excellent concept, and it jogged my memory why it’s so vital to rent people who find themselves smarter and extra gifted than you might be. I might by no means have considered it, and I really like seeing the nook each time I stroll into Teddy’s room.

The second great second got here in the course of the renovation of Charlie’s bed room. Both the first bed room and Teddy’s bed room have dramatic high-vaulted ceilings, whereas Charlie’s room had a typical 8′ ceiling. Since it was closest to our bed room, it made sense for Charlie, our youngest, to have this room, however I felt a bit responsible that he wouldn’t get the identical dramatic peak and attraction his brother’s room had. One day throughout building, Brian Blythe known as me to share a discovery. During the demo, that they had uncovered a hidden house for a vaulted ceiling in Charlie’s room. Knowing how a lot I’d hoped Charlie might have a vaulted ceiling, he didn’t simply keep on with the unique plan; he made positive to discover this risk, and fortunately it labored out. I used to be thrilled to get that decision.

The third great shock got here from the reconfiguration of the upstairs structure, which left a small space between the children’ bedrooms. We determined to show this house into a comfy little TV room for the boys, a spot the place they might hang around collectively and with mates. During demo, we uncovered a beamed ceiling on this space, which regarded like it might have as soon as been a part of a porch. We restored it, and it introduced character and attraction to the house.

With the construction of the three children’ areas set (the 2 bedrooms and sitting room), we moved into the design section, which I discovered actually enjoyable. I approached these rooms with a looser, extra playful mindset, hoping to seize the spirit and youthful vitality of my children. We started, as all the time, with a flooring plan and an inventory of necessities for every bed room: queen-size beds, a desk for every child, and a snug spot to learn. Mike’s staff drafted the furnishings layouts, after which we dove into the small print.

I requested the boys what they envisioned for his or her rooms, and the conversations went like this:

• Charlie: I would like my room to be purple.
• Me: Like the partitions?
• Charlie: All of it, even the ceiling.
• Me: . . .
• Teddy: I would like my room to be the colours of the Golden State Warriors—blue and yellow—and I need a life-size mural of Steph Curry on the wall.
• Me: Sigh

With these “marching orders,” I had my design course. I needed to honor Charlie’s affinity for the colour purple and Teddy’s blue and yellow request however had to determine find out how to make it work throughout the framework and palette of our home as a complete.

Charlie’s room incorporates a studying nook in a daring purple, striped cloth. It’s complemented by a subtly patterned cream-and-red stripe on his Roman shades. Teddy’s house is simply as vibrant, with a blue cushion with a yellow pipe in his studying nook and a blue and white–patterned mattress. In lieu of a Stephen Curry mural, we hung a signed jersey in a easy maple body. A very good compromise if you happen to ask me. Lucky child! While the boys’ rooms are crammed with shade and pleasure, I selected to maintain the partitions impartial, creating the proper backdrop for frolicsome patterns and vigorous colours.

I needed the boys’ bogs to have wooden flooring, so we determined to make use of space rugs as an alternative of wall-to-wall carpet of their bedrooms. I felt a wood-to-wood transition was nicer than a carpet-to-wood transition. The space rugs are wool, which is a good materials for bedrooms because it’s sturdy and straightforward to scrub.

How to Design a Timeless Kid’s Space

Designing children’ rooms that may develop with them is all about balancing enjoyable parts with basic selections that may adapt to their altering tastes and wishes. Here are some ideas for making a timeless room on your youngster.

Choose a Neutral Base Palette

Walls and huge furnishings items in impartial colours provide flexibility, making it simple to refresh the room over time with new accent colours or decor. If your youngster needs a vibrant shade, think about using it on simply changeable parts like pillows and throws.

Keep Storage Flexible and Abundant

Kids acquire extra belongings over time, so be sure there’s room for progress. Concealed storage, baskets, and open shelving enable for versatile group that may be tailored as they transition from toys to books, devices, or sports activities gear.

Create a Place for Memories

Give your youngster a corkboard or magnetic board for his or her favourite drawings, pictures, or mementos, which may change as they develop.

Use Artwork and Decor That Can be Swapped Out

Instead of everlasting murals or wallpaper, take into account framed prints, posters, or artwork that may be changed as your youngster’s pursuits change.

Invest in Grown-up Furniture

Opt for an adult-size mattress (full or queen) moderately than a child-size or themed mattress. The similar goes for desks. Nothing mini. If you select small furnishings, you’ll simply have to exchange issues before you suppose.

Incorporate Multifunction Seating

Consider including a comfy studying nook, a beanbag chair, or a small couch that’s comfy for little children however giant sufficient for older youngsters and teenagers. Seating that works for each playtime and leisure can assist the room adapt as your youngster spends time in numerous methods over time.

Use Timeless Patterns and Shapes

Stick to basic patterns, like stripes, polka dots, or gingham. These versatile patterns can transition from early childhood into the teenager years with out feeling outdated.

Aim for Quality and Classic Design

When attainable, put money into well-made, timeless items that may stand the take a look at of time—each in sturdiness and elegance. High-quality furnishings and decor with basic strains and supplies will age superbly and may typically be repurposed as your youngster grows up. For instance, Teddy’s altering desk transitioned right into a dresser when he was a toddler, and with a contemporary coat of Drop Cloth paint by Farrow & Ball and a few new knobs, it can now stick with him effectively into his teen years.

Photography by © 2026 by Roger Davies