Shortly after finishing my own son’s teen bedroom, I was messaged by his good friend’s mama to do the same thing for her son. These boys are just about to enter high school so it was time to get rid of all those elementary items in order to make way for more mature spaces.

Well, for the most part. We don’t want them growing up too fast. ;)

At the consultation I snapped some before pics to document where we started:

As most of us parents know, our kiddos tend to collect a lot of stuff over the years. They go through different phases and stages to say the very least. I know I get really sentimental over certain items and the memories attached to them. To part with these items is hard, but also necessary in order to move forward. Sniff.

However, having a teen doesn’t necessarily mean you have to part with ALL of their youth. Some pieces can and need to stay. They add character without “babying” the room. I’ll show you exactly what I mean when revealing this redesigned space.

After talking with “J,” it was evident he wanted black paint on his walls—something his parents weren’t too keen on. But as we know with teenagers, it’s all about compromise, right? So, one black accent wall got the green light and so did this vision board:

Necessary elements included: 1.) A gaming media center that would be small enough to not get in the way, but large enough to hold his TV and gaming components neatly. 2.) New bedding. I chose a deep green comforter to play off of that back wall and wood elements I planned to add. 3. Long shelving units. four feet long to be exact in order to display some cool decor and a number of his collectibles. 4.) Fun decor pieces to include his love of gaming and Oswald (love Oswald!) 5.) A hat storage pegboard unit his Dad would build. 6.) new drapes, seating, and lighting.

We started with the paint. My “go-to” for black paint is always Valspar’s Dark Kettle Black. However, I switched it up a bit this time when it came to the perfect greige and went with Sherwin William’s Wintersweet Grey. A smidge darker than SW’s Agreeable Grey to add a hint more warmth into this already cool-colored room.

“J” was obviously deep in thought when it came to his gaming, but I grabbed this shot anyways in an effort to show the drastic difference that black accent wall really makes.

Ok, ready for the after pics?

Tracy Haifley of HSB Woodworks constructed and stained the beautiful four foot long shelving to display some of the old mixed with some of the new. Some cool new signs, a caricature, a monogram, as well as a number of other fun pieces which can’t help but pop against that cool black wall.

And remember when I mentioned implementing of those items from days of old? Oswald is “J’s” favorite and earned a special spot on these shelves.

With teenage rooms especially, I like to introduce geometric patterns in a number of different ways. Whether it’s the round magnetic dartboard up against the wall, the pattern on a throw pillow or two, or the really fun “dot”ted plush rug underneath “J’s” bed, shapes create interest in a room. I also think they’re pretty bold and masculine to boot. Win-win!

Next up? The gaming/media unit. This was a little bit of a beast to assemble but look at the finished product! Tons of storage for games and controllers, not to mention extra seating underneath, and a super sleek/modern finish on top of it all.

This kiddo also needed a storage area for his hats as well so his dad built this great unit using a tutorial found on Pinterest. “J” hung his hats and this piece works in his room perfectly.