Shared spaces

If our home purchase goes through the boys will have to share a room, at least for a little while. The house is large, but is essentially a 2 family home. Or better put a family home with an attached in-law suite. The main house has 2 bedrooms, the in-law suite has one, in the basement. Eventually, we will probably convert the house back to a single family home essentially doing away with the in-law suite but for the first little while it will stay as is. Which means our boys (3 &5) will have to share a room. I have some misgivings about the idea, if only because my oldest is not a very good sleeper and my youngest is.

I shared a room as a child, I was 8 my sister was a newborn. I still remember her waking up in the middle of the night and me getting up to turn the music box back on. Brahm's Lullaby is forever ingrained in my head. I have hope that because they're close enough in age it might make them closer, that it might work for them but until we figure it all out I have at least searched many an inspiration photo:

Source: windhula.blogspot.com via Jacquelyn on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Jacquelyn on Pinterest

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Jacquelyn on Pinterest

Source: marligrace.blogspot.com via Jacquelyn on Pinterest

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Jacquelyn on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Jacquelyn on Pinterest

London Calling- Inspiration from Over the Pond

'Not to know what happened before we were born is to remain perpetually a child. For what is the worth of a human life unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history' -- Cicero

My love for all things British began at a young age. Growing up I loved all things Royal. My fascination with Princess Diana as a child even resulted in me taking to biting my fingernails because I had learned that was something she did.

My father is the genealogist in our family. He has spent innumerable hours researching our family origins. My great grandparents were born and raised in England and through his research he was able to trace our family history all the way back to William the Conqueror. I hope to someday visit England but until then I just might have to settle for British Inspired Decor, namely the Union Jack... It's everywhere lately (perhaps in part due to the increased interest in the Royal family thanks to William and Kate)

Furniture:

Miss Mustard Seed

 I wonder how Grandma would feel if I painted her cedar chest this way?!

Pillows:

Accessories:

This is my inspiration for the family room... it was Stephen & Chris' man cave... just goes to prove that I prefer masculine decor, but it incorporates both of my posts today... Union Jack and Nautical Maps!

Framed Flags:

Rugs:

Even Kitchen appliances

Map Roundup

Oh take me away!

 

Has it been done before? Um... I can think of about 25 posts about maps that I've read recently... it's by no means a new trend... even for me. I have always had a love of maps, their graphic nature, the possibilities they suggest, their beauty, the allure of far away places! Here's my collection of inspiration pictures of maps and nautical charts:

 

They look stunning in kids rooms, especially playrooms and boys rooms!

 This is one of my absolute favorites, maybe because of the Union Jack

Maps aren't just limited to kids spaces though, framed they make a nice art statement

Yellow Fever Or Orange Crush?

Yellow Fever

OR...

Orange Crush

It’s been decided…

My house usually looks dishevelled and disorganized. There is evidence everywhere that boys live here, big boys and little ones. There is no place in this house that is untouched by the messiness of those boys. I find cars and trucks on the counter, balls under the couch, peanut butter left out, tractors on the end tables. Toothpaste gummed to the bathroom sink and spray on the mirror. There are dog toys and boy toys littering the yard, there are dumptrucks under my bed. The male species who live here are all a little like Pigpen!

OK, that’s not to say that I am not a little at fault too… I may have a pile (or 10) of magazines around the house… is there a Magazines Anonymous? I may, or may not, have piles of paper around that need to be filed, I may, or may not, leave dishes in the sink on occasion. The laundry is piled on top of the drier as I write this, waiting for someone (me) to find the motivation to put it away. My bed is not made, in fact the room was one of the messiest in the house. Many things that don’t belong have a tendency to congregate there. It drives me crazy. The kids are not usually allowed in there, so it becomes the stashing space for everything we don’t want them to touch.  Christmas did a number on the room, presents were stored in the closet, wrapping paper littered the floor, tags, tape, rubbermaid containers… you get the picture right?

I spend my days surrounded by all their stuff everywhere, I shouldn’t spend my nights that way too. It should be a refuge, a sanctuary, a place of rest and relaxation. The room is not very inviting, it’s grey and cold and the furniture doesn’t match (and not in that nice eclectic unmatchy way). We splurged on a king size bed a few months back, which does help with the sleeping space but sadly the headboard is the one from our queen bed, just sitting there behind a bed that is much bigger. Winter makes me want to nest. Makes me want to break out the warm blankets and cosy pillows. Makes me crave a makeover.

The boys have real beds. Made out of wood. Not steel bedframes with one size too small headboards. They have real beds, that weren’t exactly um cheap… so why can’t we have a real bed in our bedroom? Well, it’s finally been decided that we can… 4 poster lovey here I come!

Wheatons

Ethan Allen Barrett Bed

And as much as I love the Pottery Barn Farmhouse bed… they don’t ship to Canada. Poo poo on you Pottery Barn, cause I would go for broke at your store!

That beautiful master bedroom at the HGTV 2011 Dream Home has me inspired… and I have to admit I spent the day searching for black and white ticking stripe bedding…

Ethan Allen… you cost too much!

Enter ebay, and Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams- similar look less $$$

http://cgi.ebay.com/MITCHELL-GOLD-BOB-WILLIAMS-GOODNIGHT-DENIM-KING-DUVET-/260715256608

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mitchell-Gold-Bob-Williams-Goodnight-Denim-King-Bed-Set-/380304535823?pt=US_Duvet_Covers&hash=item588beab10f

I can’t decide if I will add the red yet or not, I do have a soft spot for red…  and the throw… well I might just add a little Canadiana into the mix.

We’ll see.