Designing my kids nurseries was such a blissful process. Does the baby like pink and turquoise? Yes. Should I paint a tree on the wall? Of course. Do I want to avoid a theme or licensed character? ABSOLUTELY.
But then comes the day you start daydreaming about new design ideas—about the time that you are ready to move your sweet baby from a crib to a big kid bed. Remember how easy it was designing a room for that newborn? Well, it’s not that easy anymore. You see, in the last few years our little children have formed likes, dislikes and, gasp, opinions! And if you haven’t had to fight with a three-year-old about what to wear or been forced to buy the soup can at the grocery store with the latest and greatest TV characters on it in fear of complete public meltdown…well, just wait a few years. Your day is coming, eventually.
This past year we moved into a new home, and my six-year-old was so excited to get rid of his “baby stuff” and graduate to a big boy room. I’m sure he had dreams of Transformers wallpaper, Spider Man hanging from the ceiling and a train track bordering the walls of his room. But I was not ready for that. I didn’t want the characters everywhere, and at the rate he was changing obsessions, I would be broke with each redesign. So we compromised, and I got creative. And let me tell you, it’s the smartest thing I’ve ever done.
Here’s a picture of Cade’s current room. Can you find the Batman?
Still searching? Well keep looking, because to the adult eye, all we see is an adorable vintage sports boy’s room. But to my son, he sees Batman. You see, I bought him these Batman sheets from Pottery Barn, and yes, I’ll admit it’s not the perfect match to his beautiful duvet and shams, but when we pull back the comforter at bedtime, he squeals with joy at his Batman-themed room. Tricky, very tricky.
So now I get to keep my children’s rooms decorated how I want and still satisfy their latest obsession with character-themed sheets. The perfect design compromise.
Looking for your child’s favorite character? Here are some of the most popular choices—and don’t stress if it doesn’t match perfectly with your decor. Remember, you could have decals all over your wall too.
1. Princess Sheet Set 2. Star Wars Sheet Set 3. Dinosaur Sheet Set 4. Dora Sheet Set 5. Toy Story Sheet Set 6. Barbie Sheet Set
From Crib to Big Kid: Keeping the Same Decor! | Project Nursery
Wednesday 10th of April 2013
[...] When we started Caden Lane bedding years ago, we didn’t have big kid bedding to coordinate. We were constantly getting requests for it, and it wasn’t until my first was old enough to grow out of his crib that I realized why we had so many requests. You decorate your entire nursery around your crib bedding, then BAM, you’re faced with Batman and Barbie themed bedding at age two (see my old post on themed sheets). [...]
Kelly | Blushink
Thursday 26th of January 2012
This is EXACTLY what I've been trying to explain to my Superman Loving Husband. It's all in the sheets (the ONLY place I will allow for some superhero theme / Pixar Movie Character to show it's face in my son's toddler room.He doesn't get it. It's a never ending battle.
carrie
Tuesday 24th of January 2012
We learned this trick this year when I wanted a nautical, red white and blue big boy room for our two boys, but also hate deny my toddler something fun in his room. Growing up my mom was the MASTER of decorating our room, but adding in little details that we had a chance to pick ourselves. I remember thinking it was the coolest thing ever, and it gave me a respect for what my mom chose to put in there as well (so she didnt have to stare at care bears for 5 years!) but carebears on my sheets still felt super cool! At christmas time my son got flannel frosty the snowman sheets on his bed, and thought it was SO cool! YES! Love when that happens!
One Hip Sticker Chic
Monday 23rd of January 2012
LOVE that idea!
Erin Hall {i can craft that}
Sunday 22nd of January 2012
I dont mind Themed sheets but I hate Character sheets. i dont mind princess sheets, but hate Barby or Cinderella. I dont mind the dinosaur sheets either. its when a child is fixated on a character it bugs me. to avoid that I just dont let my daughter watch a lot of tv or when i do dont stick just to one show! But she is young yet. though i have to say I dont mind superhero sheets like batman, or movies like star wars.