Levi’s Room

July 15, 2011

Written by Contributing Writer, Sarah Farthing

I know you’ll forgive me from deviating from our usual full house tour for Home Tour Friday after you see all the fun and affordable details in this bedroom. Explore one precious little boy’s room with me and let Jessica McClenahan’s design sense and fun style inspire you!

For reference, and so we can’t assume that she had a lot to work with in the first place:

Floor to ceiling wood paneling, multi-colored striped carpet, a light bulb dangling from the ceiling and a step!

Now I know I said “little boy’s room” but little Levi has a big sister, Cora, that fought hard but was not able to win her battle with Neuroblastoma cancer as an infant. You can read more about Cora’s story here.

The dark room above that has seen better days was first transformed into this sweet nursery for Jess & Joel’s baby girl:

I can’t imagine the task of transforming that same room again after losing her precious daughter, overwhelming is an understatement, but Jess found the strength and over time created this fantastic space for little Levi:

What I love about this room is that Levi’s mom didn’t have to spend a fortune to get this look. She shopped smart, did some fun projects herself and really personalized the room.

This rocking chair & ottoman from Walmart was very similar to the kind sold at pricey kids furniture stores and much better priced. Jess explains: “I read the reviews and decided to give it a shot. We have had it for a little over three years now and have been very pleased. I fed both of my babies in it every night until they were sleeping through the night. Joel and I have both sat in it every night to read the kids books before bed too. It is comfy and substantial…Joel even thinks so and that is saying a lot! The beige suede looking slip covers weren’t my favorite, but the only neutral option. They are better than I expected…and I have washed and dried them several times (due to the spit-up babies) and they came out great!”

Jess followed this tutorial to make a chicken wire frame to hold pictures, Levi’s birth announcement and first birthday invitation, a postcard, and a bible verse she and her husband chose for Levi when he was born.

She says: “The frame is from Hobby Lobby…it was originally black. I used Krylon spray paint (True Blue) from Walmart to paint it. Any frame would work of course. I tried to find a frame at a thrift store or antique store but never came across one big enough, so I just ended up buying this one from Hobby Lobby. Make sure you wait until the frames are 50% off though…it makes them much more reasonable!”

“This book rack is from Pottery Barn Kids. It is mounted to the wall so that kids can’t pull it down. I found the mini chalkboard at a local antique store.”

“We put the closet inserts in ourselves. The brand is Easy Track and we got them from our local lumber and hardware supply store. The shelves sit on metal pegs and are adjustable…so are the hanging rods. The green fabric bins are from Target.” (I love those tractors lined up in the closet, Levi’s dad is a farmer!)

“We found the “L” above Levi’s crib on the side of the road. It had fallen off an abandoned building. How perfect that it happened to be an “L” that fell off??!!”

“…I found a picture of a tree online that I liked the basic outline of and printed it onto an overhead transparency. I borrowed an overhead projector to shine the image onto the wall. I started with the tree trunk and branches and painted it right onto the wall following the overhead projector lines. I painted one color at a time and waited until it had dried to start the next color. I used the little sample cans from Lowes…it was plenty of paint…”

That really is a step dividing the room! Jess explains: “A downstairs bathroom addition was added onto our house before we moved in. The bathroom ceiling is lower than the rest of our house, so when this bedroom was added upstairs they put a step in where the bathroom starts. It definitely limits where you can put furniture. Levi likes it though…he often sits on the step when he is playing in his room. It makes the room unique!”

Jess made the zebra pillows herself with fabric from Hancock Fabrics and the cute little Olliegraphic “Levi” pillow is from sarah + abraham.

And there’s Levi himself, the inspiration for this fabulous kids room! A huge thank you to Jess for letting me share this special room and all of the details that come together to make it such a great space for her exceptionally cute little boy. You can visit Jess at her blog: http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com to keep up with her family and pick up some more great ideas along the way!

Have a great weekend!

You might like...

Category: Home Tours

4 Comments »

Mama Nolte
on July 15, 2011 11:05 am
Perfectly written story about an exceptional family. Thank you.
Julie R.
on July 19, 2011 2:05 pm
Love this room and Love the “Levi” pillow. Even though my little guy isn’t quite so little anymore, I think this pillow w/ my son’s hair color/style and eye color might be on my wish list for next Mother’s day.
Davene Grace
on July 20, 2011 10:22 pm
I’m so glad you featured this room! Jess is a jewel, and I know that many, MANY women have been inspired by her–in the areas of family and faith and, yes, decorating. 🙂
Sarah
on July 31, 2011 11:45 pm
Wow…that room is just gorgeous! I know I’m inspired…