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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Space Cadet

| By John Petersik | October 9, 2013 | 101 Comments

Reader Redesign: Space Cadet

Some of our friends with sons lament that it’s hard to find inspiring boy rooms, which is why we’re always excited when a cool one shows up in our inbox. And our excitement for Dacia and Jordan’s nursery creation could almost be described as “out of this world.” Pun intended. Here’s Dacia’s email:

Hi John & Sherry! I wanted to share my nursery with you guys. When we found out that our very first wee one was going to be a little dude, I immediately took off with designing the nursery. I had a plan all worked out, and then one night my hubby (who normally couldn’t give two hoots about decorating) sweetly said, “Would you mind if I helped design the nursery?” Being the emotional pregnant woman I was, the fact that he wanted to help design a room for our son melted my heart and I threw all my plans out the window! So we started planning things out together, and I have to say, I’m so happy we did it together because I love the direction it took!

Nursery After  

My husband has a fascination with all things astronomy so we infused that into the nursery. We put our own twist on a traditional mural wall by using embroidery hoops to create a 3D planet ‘mural’.

Nursery After Crib

Most of the nursery is done in grays and blues, but we wanted a fun pop of color so I made over a changing table that I got on Craigslist for $30. I also updated some run-of-the-mill navy curtains with simple star embellishments.

Nursery After Chaning Table

On the wall opposite the crib, we added a futon so that my husband and I both have places to sit if we’re in the nursery together. Hanging above it is some art that I designed explaining the meaning behind our little man’s name. We plan to add some family pictures on either side of it once we get those taken and framed.

Nursery Roarke Art

Sherry, I totally get what you mean when you say that Clara’s nursery was your favorite room in your old house… I’ve already fallen hard for the nursery. We love spending time in it with our son! – Dacia

How cool is that room? Got any favorite parts? The mural is so creatively done (such a great use of embroidery hoops), not to mention the little nods to outer space elsewhere in the room (notice the stars in the rug?). Thanks for sharing your little astronaut’s room with us, Dacia and Jordan!

UPDATE: Here’s a link to Dacia’s blog post about the nursery, complete with more pics. So sorry for not including it earlier!

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Comments

  1. Avatar for HollyHolly says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Wow that is an amazing nursery! Great job guys.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I love the design, but I’m saddened by this being a “boy” nursery. Space and science is a universal love.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Amen! It would totally work for a girl too, it’s just adorable for Roarke too!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for AmyAmy says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:33 pm

      Agreed! It’s a wonderful room, full of learning, and this is something that would be great to inspire little girls too!

    • Avatar for SondraSondra says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:34 pm

      Yes! I love this nursery for any baby. Actually, I love this nursery for me!

    • Avatar for NatalieNatalie says

      October 9, 2013 at 8:08 pm

      Well, they did have a boy, so of course it’s a boy nursery…

    • Avatar for ChristiChristi says

      October 9, 2013 at 8:24 pm

      YES! We’re expecting, and we’re considering an astronomy theme no matter what we have :)

    • Avatar for LilyLily says

      April 4, 2014 at 2:18 pm

      Agreed! We’re not finding out the gender and are planning a space-themed baby room, and it’s been so disappointing to me to see that all of the space/astronaut/science rooms are tagged “boy.” :-( What?!

    • Avatar for Abby J.Abby J. says

      April 29, 2014 at 10:41 am

      I think it’s totally fine to have astronomy for a girl, this couple just happened to have a boy. Wouldn’t a cute girl change be to leave that great mural wall, and just paint a similar changing table in a coral color instead of yellow? (I love coral and navy together.)

  3. Avatar for JenJen says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    From one science nerd to another, very cool!!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for GracieGracie says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    Stinko. I can’t see any of the pics. I’ve never had a problem with the pics not showing up on y’alls website before, but I’ve tried refreshing the screen and hitting the ‘show picture’ button to no avail. I didn’t know if maybe they were coded a little differently or something. Anyways the room sounds cool. Wish I could see it!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      Boo! So sorry Gracie! We haven’t done anything different but we hear that virus blocking programs can hide pics for 48 hours and then they mysteriously pop back up (like Avant or McAffee) so maybe that’s going on? You can also try a different browser or clearing your cache/cookies/data. Hope they come back soon!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for HayleyHayley says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:56 pm

      Are you using bloglovin? I noticed the other day that when I was using the “mobile” settings for all my blogs on bloglovin, that it took out all the pictures! I set it to visit the original sites, and now everything is as it should be :)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 10:48 pm

      Thanks for the tip Hayley! Good to know if others have that issue!

      xo
      s

  5. Avatar for BethBeth says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    I love the wall, of course, but also that changing table! I see those on craigslist all the time but the yellow is just perfection. I think the seating is also really smart- my husband and I find ourselves hanging out our son’s nursery all the time.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for CarliCarli says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:43 pm

    What a unique and fun space! love this!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for KLKL says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    Oh my gosh, this is awesome. I am an adult woman and want this for MY room! Love the simple touch of stars on the curtains, and the great pops of color everywhere. SO well done.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 2:47 pm

      I know right? I want to move in!

      xo
      s

  8. Avatar for Jess GrayJess Gray says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:46 pm

    I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect gray combination for my new house. Did Dacia by any chance provide the names of the paint colors she used??

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 2:47 pm

      Hope she drops in with that info!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for HillaryHillary says

      October 9, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      Here ya go Jess!

      Rocky Bluffs by Valspar – lightened by 25% and Semi Sweet by Valspar

      http://www.lemondroplife.com/2013/02/18/our-nursery-the-source-list/

  9. Avatar for RyanRyan says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    Very cool! I love that they included Pluto in the mural. I don’t care what anyone says – it’s still a planet in my book!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 2:55 pm

      Wahoo! Pluto, represent! Anyone know the Two Skinnee J’s song called Pluto Is A Planet? It’s awesome.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for HillaryHillary says

      October 9, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      Haha love them! We now sing “Pluto is NOT a planet!”

    • Avatar for meganelainnmeganelainn says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      #teampluto

    • Avatar for ShannonShannon says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:39 pm

      I agree! Pluto is a planet! Even my kiddos say so even though they are learning without it.

    • Avatar for KellieKellie says

      October 10, 2013 at 12:31 am

      While in college, some of my friends formed a band called “What About Pluto?” Seriously though – you can’t give the guy planethood and then just take it away. So mean.

    • Avatar for ConstanceConstance says

      October 10, 2013 at 9:33 am

      I love the sentimentality of Pluto as a planet, but this changed my mind hook-line-and-sinker. This whole CGPGrey YouTube channel is AMAZING. Here is the one for Pluto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_2gbGXzFbs

      It is indeed (unfortunately), not a planet and now I can clearly explain why! (Spoiler alert, if Pluto is a planet, then every astroid in the astroid belt would need to be one too).
      #sciencenerd #factlover :)

  10. Avatar for julie g.julie g. says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Oh my gosh…AWESOME!!! Who wouldn’t want to grow up in that room? I gasped as soon as I clicked on the page. Thank you for the inspiration and congratulations on your astronaut.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Lisa @ Double Door RanchLisa @ Double Door Ranch says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    What a precious room! I absolutely adore it! The upholstery hoops are genius, but what really gets me right in the feels is that picture explaining your little dude’s name. Personal and wonderful!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Katie OKatie O says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    Pluto will always be a planet in my book! My kids are going to be so confused…

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Angie@Echoes of Laughter[email protected] of Laughter says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    Wow That looks so fabulous! Love it!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Leigh AnneLeigh Anne says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    Absolutely adorable! YHL readers are some of the most creative people on Earth…and beyond!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for JulianneJulianne says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Very sweet that your husband wanted to share part of who he is when decorating the nursery. It’s very creative. Love it! :0)

    Reply
  16. Avatar for LaurieLaurie says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    Do I have to be a little boy to have that room because, as a middle-aged woman, I would totally LOVE to have it! The navy curtains with the stars and the bright yellow table? LOVE it!

    What an awesome theme. You could keep running with this too. Shooting stars on the ceiling, little galaxy mobiles, when he gets older you can do wacky alien monsters. SO much fun!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for debdeb says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    Yep, gotta love the mural! …and the changing table.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Wendy @ New Moms TalkWendy @ New Moms Talk says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    This reminds me of a little trip we took this summer, inspired by my step-son, D, who wants to be an astrophysicst.

    As we moved from Utah to Washington, we stopped at Bruneau Dunes State Park near Mountain Home, Idaho, which is home to the largest public telescope and observatory in Idaho.

    We happened to be there when they were holding a chat- http://www.newmomstalk.com/2013/10/02/bruneau-dunes-state-park-star-gazing-and-chat/ and it was incredible!

    D was able to see things he had learned a bit about in school and on his own, ask questions from experts, and photograph the sun using the telescope.

    Oh, and the sunrise there is pretty incredible, too- http://www.newmomstalk.com/2013/09/09/bruneau-dunes-sunrise/

    For any solar/astro other person, Bruneau Dunes is worth the trip!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 3:46 pm

      Sounds really cool!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for luckythreadsluckythreads says

      October 9, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Love the Bruneau Dunes! I grew up in Boise, ID and we used to take field trips there in elementary school. We would climb to the top of the dunes and slide down. The only downside was finding sand in your pockets, hair, ears, etc. for the next 10 days. Anywho…Idaho represent!

  19. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:18 pm

    I LOVE this room and I LOVE that it is different and fun and young!! I have one of those changing tables and now don’t need it…I’d sell it!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    Did I miss…where is that rug from? AMAZING room! Love it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 3:45 pm

      Hope she drops by with that info!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Dacia @ Lemon Drop LifeDacia @ Lemon Drop Life says

      October 9, 2013 at 4:01 pm

      It’s from RugsUSA..it’s the Homespun Star Trellis rug!

      You can get the breakdown of everything here: http://www.lemondroplife.com/2013/02/18/our-nursery-the-source-list/

  21. Avatar for maliboumalibou says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    Holy space cadet! This is awesome! I love how minimalist it is.

    I learned the “Mary’s Violet Eyes Make John Stay Up Nights” version. When Pluto came along, we added “Pondering” to the end. Now we say, “Mary’s Violet Eyes Make John Stay Up Nights Pondering Pluto’s status”.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AllisonAllison says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:52 pm

      My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas doesn’t make any sense without Pluto. :( I like yours!!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 10:48 pm

      Haha!

      xo
      s

  22. Avatar for Christy NiebaumChristy Niebaum says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    The embroidery hoop planets are my favorite. Genius!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    I NEED to know where that rug came from!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dacia @ Lemon Drop LifeDacia @ Lemon Drop Life says

      October 9, 2013 at 4:31 pm

      RugsUSA, baby! It’s the Homespun Star Trellis rug!

  24. Avatar for Dominique PaoliniDominique Paolini says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    Wow. I LOVE the solar system on the wall. Filing this away for “Someday.”

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Erin @ The Impatient GardenerErin @ The Impatient Gardener says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    What a fun space! I love that it’s fun but not childish. I’ve been seeing all these grown-up nurseries lately and I decided they can be a little depressing sometimes, but this is a perfect balance of everything!

    Reply
    • Avatar for bfishbfish says

      October 9, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      I agree Erin — I love that it’s not “baby traditional” but still a fun room for a growing child and his family. The parents’ joint effort is awesome. Although we bicker a lot about almost all DIY and decorating efforts, my husband and I are both pretty artistic and our ideas always end up complementing one another’s.

  26. Avatar for GeertrudeGeertrude says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    Wow! Love that room! My favorite part? The mural. So clever!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for JeannetteJeannette says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    I NEED THAT CRIB!!!! PLEASE TELL ME WHERE IT IS FROM!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dacia @ Lemon Drop LifeDacia @ Lemon Drop Life says

      October 9, 2013 at 4:28 pm

      We got it at Babies R Us..it’s the Bassettbaby Ava 4-in-1 convertible crib!

  28. Avatar for LillyLilly says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    What a great room! I can’t imagine the special love that goes into making a room for a little baby you are so excited to meet. They did such a great job of giving the room a fun theme that will be enjoyed even more as the little boy gets older without going too matchy overboard on the theme! Bravoo!!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for AnnAnn says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    I’ve fallen hard for the rug. Source? Thanks for sharing. Love the embroidery hoop 3D effect!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for JBJB says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    I rarely comment, but this room is amazing. The planets mobile is spectacular. I also heart that it appears pluto is included as a planet (pluto forever).

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dacia @ Lemon Drop LifeDacia @ Lemon Drop Life says

      October 9, 2013 at 4:33 pm

      We’re on the die-hard “Pluto-is-a-planet” bandwagon :)

  31. Avatar for EricaErica says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    What a fantastic room! I love the pop of color from the changing table, but that mural wall takes the cake.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Dacia @ Lemon Drop LifeDacia @ Lemon Drop Life says

    October 9, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    O.M.G. I can’t believe my nursery got featured! Aaaan I realized that I didn’t even mention my blog (Lemon Drop Life). You can get all the nursery deets over there!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 4:28 pm

      Thanks for commenting and dropping the link to your blog Dacia! Hope people hop over there for more details!

      xo
      s

  33. Avatar for CALICALI says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    BRILLIANT!! Love the idea of the embroidered hoops as planets!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for lauralaura says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    Wow! That is a lot of work in that nursery! Love the yellow changer and the rug! That babe will have lots to look at for sure!

    Laura
    House Envy

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Julia @ Cuckoo4DesignJulia @ Cuckoo4Design says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    So awesome. I adore that area rug!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for AbbyAbby says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    Love the theme. Have the same planet mobile from Pottery Barn Kids for my shared boys room.

    Reply
  37. Avatar for VickiVicki says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    I’m long past the season of needing a nursery but this design is “beyond”!!! I love everything, wonderful to look back and remember they did it together. Thanks for the feature.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for LPZLPZ says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    I have never seen a nursery with seating for two adults before. I am curious: parents, is seating for two something you wish you had? Would it be useful in our future baby’s room?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:00 pm

      That’s a good question! I’ve always loved the idea of a daybed or something in a room with a crib (so two people can sit, someone can sleep/nurse lying down, etc). John and I actually do hang out in Clara’s room more now that there’s a spot for both of us to sit and read with her before bed (in her previous rooms there has just been one chair).

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Dacia @ Lemon Drop LifeDacia @ Lemon Drop Life says

      October 9, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      It’s come in handy a lot for us, even doubling as a an extra place for visiting family to sleep right after he was born!

    • Avatar for ShayShay says

      October 10, 2013 at 8:23 pm

      Our son’s room isn’t big enough for more than one chair, and generally we’re sitting on the floor with him playing more than anything, but the footstool pouf is a really nice asset for a little extra seating at times. Think when family or friends are visiting.

  39. Avatar for Kate CraigKate Craig says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:38 pm

    SO fun! And I love that it’s a room he could grow into

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Sarah B.Sarah B. says

    October 9, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    Love this nursery! What a great idea and it could work for a boy or a girl!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for Vanessa WVanessa W says

    October 9, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    Whoa, what an awesome room! I don’t have any little ones or foresee any in the near future but O.M.G. that crib!!! So beautiful!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for JenJen says

    October 9, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS.
    When the time comes, this will be basically our kid’s nursery theme, boy or girl.

    We even have a collection of toy star ships from both Star Wars and Star Trek to hand on the ceiling as well. We both agreed on that, but I have been keeping an eye out for ideas for the wall.

    LOVE LOVE LOVE. Let me go grab my hubby and start working on the family expansion so we can mimic this!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for ShannonShannon says

    October 9, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    Love it! The wall is awesome!! I had to call in my 8 yr old solar system loving son to see it and he loves it as well!! The hoops are genius!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    October 9, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    I love his nursery!! You did an amazing job! I might just have to steal that wall mural idea for our next place as my son is just getting into space and astronauts.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Pam the GoatherdPam the Goatherd says

    October 9, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    The embroidery hoop planets/mural is the absolute best!!!! My babies are all adults now, but I’d still like to do a wall like that somewhere in my house – maybe the family room or home office.

    Reply
  46. Avatar for ArliArli says

    October 9, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    OOOOH, I love it! If I had a wee one I’d definitely consider an astronomy-themed room after seeing this. How fun!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Jennifer B.Jennifer B. says

    October 9, 2013 at 6:51 pm

    My favorite part is PLUTO! When I saw the mural, I started saying the planets in my mind and wondered if he would be included. I’m thrilled!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Emily @ Life on FoodEmily @ Life on Food says

    October 9, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    So cool! And I love the rug.

    Reply
  49. Avatar for LoriLori says

    October 9, 2013 at 7:35 pm

    Awww…makes me want to have another child just to decorate…I really love it. I love the rug …the lamp….futon!!! hello? why didnt I think of that!!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Michelle @ A Healthy MrsMichelle @ A Healthy Mrs says

    October 9, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    What a great room! I love the wall mural and the rug — what a lucky little dude :)

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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