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Name/Age: Julian
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Family: Julian, his Mom Yvette and his Dad
Room Size: 135 square feet
Division: Baby
Tip for Living Small with Kids: Because kids need a place to play when the weather, especially in the wintertime, doesn't permit them to go outside, I wanted to create a space for playing as well. I used what empty space we had to break up the room a bit and create different visuals or areas of interest. The foam floor we bought really helped to break the room up and create a visual border. (Rugs can also do this really well). I then played with the wall space to create different areas of interest. In a room without the length that we had to deal with, another good option is to empty out a closet and turn into a play space perhaps even painting a mural or fun characters on the interior. I'm helping my brother in law do this for their little girls room and it's turning out great!
Give Julian and his parents a THUMBS UP if you think this room belongs in the finals!
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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in putting together this room? Living in a railroad apartment, our biggest challenge was how to create width without overpowering the length of the room. I immediately knew I wanted to break the room up into an area where Julian could play and another for story time and sleep thus creating two spaces and not accentuating the length of the room. I visited a ton of baby furniture websites and a few stores in our neighborhood and found the foam floor that we used to begin experimenting with wall space, rearranging of furniture (numerous times) and trying to keep the narrowness out of the room. The floor helped to create separation between each so called space.
I had a narrow space at the entry way and empty wall space so I decided to buy a child size park bench, a small green shag rug and a print of birds that all helped tie in the illusion of outdoor. I added the coat rack to bring a little color to the wall. Since my husband had painted a mural on the opposite side of Julian's crib, we wanted to keep the rest of the wall clean. We bought wood, cut it down creating a frame for a chalkboard and then painted green chalkboard paint on the interior. This didn't take up any additional room since we used the wall as our base.
It was hard to find the right pieces of furniture because most pieces I loved were too wide and took up so much space, we would have had to compromise foot room. (I really wanted to Duc Duc Eddy Rocker).
I found a chaise being the perfect match to mirror the crib on the opposite side and rest alongside the mural on the wall. Julian loves to have his stories read here and it works great as a changing station as well.
The round table helps both spaces to flow together naturally and I love how the color helps to complement each space.
I found measuring before purchasing to be a priority. Space planning can really make a room.
Give Julian and his parents a THUMBS UP if you think this room belongs in the finals!
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!
You did a great job on the room. It really looks like it will keep your little man busy. Love all the artwork too!
view growingmama's profile
It's beautiful! Who makes the chaise? I love it!
view mookiejane's profile
Fantastic mural of Where the Wild Things Are! I wish I had the talent to pull that off.
view DC_Mom's profile
I love it. This one might be my favorite. While I love the way many of the perfect little coordinated nurseries look they aren't always functional once a baby turns into a toddler constantly on the move. This one actually looks like it will grow really well with your baby and it has tons of personality, not just style. Well done.
view Auburn's profile
I agree, this is really functional & fun at the same time! That Where the Wild Things Are! mural looks fantastic!! Nice job!
view allyn's profile
Amazing! This was my favorite childrens book too. Creative, cool, tasteful, how could this lose?
view hollyam's profile
woah that is such an amazing mural! did you hire someone to do that? i want one for my kid!!! really nice use of the space. must be an amazingly happy kid in that room!
the rocking horse is cool too!
view leslierenee's profile
It's so great to see the finished product! You have such an eye for design, and my brother is an amazing artist. I hope you win!
view daftfad's profile
what a wonderful mural!
i love the chalkboard.
great work!
view besosyfotos's profile
Wow Nathan--You are a wonderful artist! Little Julian's room is so colorful and so cute. Hope you win!! I voted.
Love you all 3,
Mary Ann Stark
view boerneboy's profile
What an artist!!! The mural is amazing. And the foam mat and the chalkboard are perfect. Love it...
view nicolemoore's profile
love and toys!...what more could a kid want!...very nice space...
view irossomar's profile
The creativity, imagination, and color as well as functionality of this room was thoughtfully planned. Nicely done!
view plind315's profile
Wilds Things is the BEST..are you kidding me?!?
view pfougerat's profile
Wow Yvette!! I LOVE IT!! Great job!
view kelleymccauley's profile
Wow!! This is great!!
view soleilwv's profile
You guys have done a great job. Makes me want to be a toddler again.
view bjg123's profile
Sweet!
view Abhaya108's profile
love it
view nputnam's profile
i love this painting with the sunglasses...is that your son?
view ilovedecorating's profile
Julian is so blessed to have such wonderful parents who have taken the time to put so much love, thoughtfulness and planning into his room. It is important for children to have a place where they can thrive and feel loved and secure. I definitely believe this room is all that. It is great! you guys did very well.
view pvielmann's profile
What an amazing room! Julian is blessed. Maybe he'll be an artist like his Daddy and Mommy.
view Puphover's profile
How very unique! I love the depth of color and design. I can see where the design of this room can develop Julian's mind and creativity. You guys did a splendid job.
Keep up the good work! I'm impressed.
view Jo7Foster1's profile
Great use of space...very artistic parents...lucky boy!
view thefanlady's profile
oh yeah i totally agree! i love that rocking horse! you must have gotten that from someone really special! and the mural again is sooo cool! let us know who did that so we can hire him/her!
xo
view sideshow's profile
What a GREAT place to sleep and play! A unique room where a baby can grow as a toddler with many hours of fun...thechimeman
view thefanlady's profile
Love the MURAL!! All the furniture ties in with the purpose and theme of the room...a creative, playful, and restful areas...GREAT JOB!!!
view thechimeman's profile
Julian's room looks like a lot of fun! I love all of the colors!
view amber17's profile
My husband did the mural and the painting of Julian with sunglasses on...thanks for all the comments. We love watching Julian grow with his room.
view yvettecooper's profile
Love the bench with the grass carpet. So park like. A great space for a little wild thing.
view jessroo's profile
Great Space!! We love the the theme!
view cydsmom's profile