A Sporty Bedroom Refresh for My Little MVP
10% off $100+ at McGee & Co. with code CAITLINPAPPAS at checkout | Geddes Bed | Nell Twin Sheet Set | Fitzgerald Quilt | Gingham Kids Chair | Sedgley Pillow Cover | Isameta Handwoven Rug
When it came time to design my almost-six-year-old son's bedroom, I knew I wanted to create a space that truly reflected his love for sports. It also needed to have an aesthetic that could grow with him, as we see ourselves living in this home for a long time.
Designing a room that feels fun, personalized, and stylish meant focusing on his favorite things, starting with his favorite color: navy blue. I embraced it boldly, using it for the walls and bedding, and pairing it with deep, rich wood tones in the flooring and furniture—creating a cohesive and cozy foundation.
To add warmth and character, I hired my wallpaper installer to hang a timeless plaid wallpaper: Madaket Light Grey Plaid from A Street Prints. It’s also available in Charcoal Plaid, Dark Grey Plaid, and Indigo Plaid. I felt that the light gray paired with the smoky, deep, muted navy paint color I chose (“Coffee Nook” from Magnolia) give the room a timeless, classic feel that can grow with him, even as his tastes evolve.
Personal touches were key, too: I kept a basket of Joe’s favorite stuffed animals, which include his Cuddle + Kind dolls that he’s had since he was a newborn baby. (Did you know that for every doll sold, Cuddle + Kind donates 10 meals to children in need?) Additionally, I decorated the space with memorabilia and decor featuring Joe’s favorite teams, such as the Chicago Cubs, the University of Colorado Buffaloes (we have a handful of CU grads in our family, but most importantly, Joe’s dad, my husband Jason), and of course, his five-year-old soccer team photo, featuring Dad (Jason) as the coach. I also ordered a custom name pennant from Etsy, as well as a Wrigley Field blueprint with custom coloring from Etsy. As much as I’d love to link that adorable wooden letter “J,” it was a handmade gift from a lifelong friend of ours (he’s made a little wooden letter for each of our children).
I complemented all of the navy blue with a warm brown area rug with a vintage pattern to pair with the $45 thrifted antique dresser I found on Craigslist when I was pregnant with Joe. The wooden basketball hoop and mini lounge chair with an oversized baseball pillow (a HomeGoods find!) provide opportunities for Joe to both play and relax in his own little space. The result? A bedroom that's both playful and sophisticated, where Joe can dream big—on and off the field. Now, every corner of the room reflects Joe’s passion for sports, making it feel uniquely his.