One of the many features about our Connecticut home that made us fall in love with it was the tiny study space off of the upstairs landing. My girls have always been crafty and I knew that I could turn it into a small craft room that they’d love!
Today I’m sharing the “before” and “after” of this space along with the small craft room ideas we used to transform it. Come on in and I’ll show you around… (post includes commissionable links; for more information, see my full disclosure statement {here})
In case you didn’t see what it looked like when we moved in, we’ll start by throwing it back to the “before”. It’s a TINY room that was honestly pretty dreary:
Here’s what that same spaced looks like after its transformation:
These are the small craft room ideas that I used to give this little space a glow-up…
1. Wallpaper or Paint an Accent Wall
One of the biggest changes to the feel of this space is the wallpaper! I hung {this blue and white leafy vine wallpaper} that adds a flowy, creative feel:
I’m pretty addicted to wallpaper and how much style you can add even by using just a single roll. Check out my post on Serena & Lily wallpaper for some of my other favorite wallpapers and get ideas for other ways you can use a small amount of wallpaper for a big impact in my post on wallpaper ideas.
Add Cabinetry (Or Freshen Up Existing Cabinets with Paint!)
The other thing that made a huge difference is that I painted the cabinetry white. I wasn’t sure how that would work out since it’s inexpensive laminate cabinetry but it turned out beautifully! I did it using the same step by step as I did with our painted bathroom vanity – using a primer that sticks to slick surfaces was key!
Change the Vibe with New Knobs
I dressed our new no-longer-puke-yellow cabinets up with some fun new dragonfly knobs too:
How cute are they?! It always amazes me what a difference a simple change in hardware can make!
Store Supplies in Glass Jars
I also added a few of {these glass storage jars} to hold the ribbons and threads that my daughters use the most:
Not only are they easy to access since they’re out on the desk, but since they’re clear it’s easy to see inside and find what you’re looking for.
Don’t Skimp on Lighting
You definitely need ample lighting in a craft room – a combination of overhead lighting and table or desk lamps is ideal. I added a pair of {these petite brass and acrylic lamps} and think they’re the cutest!
And do you want to see what our newly made-over landing looks like too? Here’s where that space started out:
Could it be any more boring? Umm….no! There was nothing wrong with the loveseat or the ottoman but this just didn’t exactly scream “fun place for two teenage girls to hang out” which is exactly what the purpose of this space is. After six weeks of working away, this is what our upstairs landing area looks like today:
Bonus Room Sources: Herringbone wallpaper (color: denim) | White quilted Euro shams (similar) | Blue & white block print pillow covers (similar) | White cozy pom pom throw | Brass sputnik flush mount light fixture (similar). | Roman shades with ribbon trim in Light Navy trim | White Moroccan leather poufs | Other finds are no longer available
Now THIS is a space that my girls will love hanging out in! The whole transformation started with this beautiful daybed and {this foam mattress} that so many of you recommended to me and slowly went from there. If you’ve been following along from the beginning you might remember that the wallpaper was one of the first things that I picked out but it unexpectedly went out of stock and I had to go to plan B and use {this herringbone wallpaper} instead. Well sometimes things happen for a reason because I think it’s a perfect fit for the space:
And speaking of perfect fits, can we talk about our new lighting?? Before we had only a dim, ugly overhead dome light that I replaced with this gorgeous flush mount brass sputnik. Honestly, I surprised even myself when I chose this brass beauty since it’s more modern that what I traditionally go with but I fell for it the second I saw it and now want to sputnik-ify every room of my house – I LOVE it!
And for someone like me who loves well lit rooms, this baby can light up a room like no other (I used a combination of {these 15 watt bulbs} and a few 25 watt bulbs I already had on hand to get the perfect amount of light for the room).
I also added a brass floor lamp next to the daybed for reading – such a great buy and I love that it ties in the brass at the other end of the room!
I shared the deets about {my new Roman shades with light navy ribbon trim} last week but had to mention once more how gorgeous and well made they are. Melissa does beautiful (and very reasonably priced!) work and I highly recommend her. I’m super glad that I decided to go with inside mount shades instead of outside mount which is what was there previously – the inside mounts are so clean, tailored, and fresh looking!
Other new additions are these two white leather Moroccan poufs:
I love that they’re so versatile and can be used for foot rests but also for extra seating when my kids have a bunch of friends over. I’ve seen similar ones for big bucks but spent a lot of time looking for reasonably priced options and reading reviews and ended up buying {these poufs} which actually come in white along with a bunch of other different colors. I’m really happy with how they look and excited that they were such a great deal.
Did you notice in my pouf pic that someone furry came along and joined us mid tour? Hope decided that this whole daybed thing is pretty boss and divides her time between cuddling into the super soft pom pom throw and cozy Euro shams that are mixed in with two block print pillows and a pair of striped tassel pillows.
And how about that kids’ art gallery wall over the daybed, let’s talk about that too – do you like how it turned out?
I used an eclectic mix of frames to frame artwork from both of my girls throughout the years, starting with drawings from when they were super little all of the way through to some current art pieces like the pencil sketch in the middle. I love being able to show off their creativity and get some of their older artwork that I truly cherish out of storage boxes and up on the wall where we can all enjoy it. I would guess that there will be a lot of art swapping going on in this little gallery wall over the next several years as new pieces get created!
If you struggle to arrange art in a gallery wall, see my post on gallery wall layouts that makes it easy!
Let’s take one more “before” and “after” peek before we go, ok? Here’s the entire bonus room space before:
and here it is now:
Thanks to all of you who followed along with this fun project!
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Meg says
The wallpaper combo is amazing!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Meg! I was nervous about it but am happy with how it turned out!
Karen B. says
Kris,
You hit this one out of the park! I love the fresh blue and white linens and wallpaper and the art gallery is absolutely my favorite thing. I always enjoy seeing something that highlights the kids talent and creative side, and in your case, the colors are perfect for the room.
xo,
Karen
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Karen! I kinda feel like blue and white is always a win, right?!
Bree says
Kris, I’m speechless!!! Every single detail is perfect and although I’m blown away by the entire space the craft room really has me giddy!! The wallpaper, the gallery wall, the window shades and everything is so completely you!!! Couldn’t love it all more, friend!!!? xo
Kris Jarrett says
Bree, thank you so much! You know I love your style so that means so much! XOXO
Laura Ingalls Gunn says
Two truly spectacular makeovers Kris! This has been such an inspiring round of the ORC. I really appreciated the extra week.
May you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Laura and same to you!!
Anonymous says
Absolutely love the way the space turned out! It’s gorgeous and feels like such a calming space to curl up and read a book! I have the little three-tired marble top table from Target and would love to know how you white washed the legs. I love that look!
Maile
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Maile! I simply diluted a really small amount of white paint with water (mixed together) and rubbed it on the legs with a cloth. Then once it was dry, I sanded them a bit! Isn’t the table great?! So surprised to find something like that at Target!
Shauna says
Kris this turned out SO GOOD! My favorite part is you’re daughter’s framed art❤️ Looks like such a fun and cozy place to hang out! Go relax now!!??
Kris Jarrett says
Shauna thank you so much! So sweet of you to stop by with everything that you have going on!
Melissa says
Stunning! It all came together so beautifully. I love both wallpapers and the bedding, but the gallery wall is the best part. Love the idea of using your girls’ art, especially since it’s their space. The perfect blend of fun, playful and stylish. Also, Hope is just too cute curled up in all that cushiness. 🙂
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Melissa! I’m excited to have finally gotten some of their art pieces I’ve always loved out of a box and up on the wall!
Patty says
Just so pretty – I would love to cozy up with a cup of tea and a book in this space! Sweet little Hope by my side would make it perfect! You are so creative, Kris, I love seeing your creative process come to life with every project that you do. The girls, I’m sure, will love using these spaces.
Kris Jarrett says
Patty, you’re just so kind – thank you! It’s been so busy that I haven’t even had a chance to sit down on it yet! Hoping to change that during some Thanksgiving down time 🙂
Jenny says
Kris, I love it!! And I’m so glad you include Hope in at least 1 pic of your posts b/c she is the best!! Question, what size quilt did you buy for the daybed so you could get it to tuck under the mattress on both sides, OR, are you clever & it only tucks on the one side???? ?
Kris Jarrett says
Jenny I have the hardest time getting pics without her! She is always getting right into the thick of things when my camera comes out! The quilt is a twin – it does tuck under on both sides (I have no clue if the one I have is longer than typical or not) but just barely on the one far side that you can’t see. My mattress isn’t super thick though!
Debbie says
Kris,
Puuuuurrrrrr perfection!! You knocked it out of the park, as usual. Love, love, love both wall papers and the daybed, be still my heart ❤️,
Those are two lucky girls?
Kris Jarrett says
Debbie, what a sweet comment! Thank you so much! I’ll tell them you said that 🙂
cassie bustamante says
kris, this is gorgeous! i love the blues and the mix of patterns, and i really really love hope. 😉
Kris Jarrett says
Cassie you are so super sweet to stop by! Thank you!!
Suzanne says
Greetings from Vermont!
I’ve been following your ORC. You did wonderful job creating a colorful and fun place for teens to hang out. While I admire neutrals, it’s refreshing to see some color. ….love your choices. Best wishes.
Kris Jarrett says
Suzanne, thank you so much! I appreciate it! Keep warm… Vermont = brrr!!!!! 🙂
Gina says
I love everything about this! Beautiful!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Gina!
Lisa says
Both spaces came out great Kris! I love the wallpaper in both rooms, the girls’ gallery wall and all your pretty and fun touches!! I’m sure the girls are going to live in this space with their friends! So happy for you that you’re done and knocked another ORC out of the park!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Lisa! They have definitely already spent a lot more time using it than they did before! I’m so glad to be done! 🙂
dib says
all EXCEPTIONAL!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much!
Deb says
I love the lively mix of patterns! And the pup nestled in the pillows. I have same thing going on here – my cats have decided my makeover was for them! I really like the sewing table!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Deb! Pets pretty much think any space you make a little bit more cozy was created just for them, right?! 🙂