Kid-designed and Mama-built= one part tacky + nine parts love

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Kid-designed and Mama-built= one part tacky + nine parts love

by Audrey
(Olympia, WA)

It's totally this clean all the time! (ha, ha)

When my son turned four years old, he decided that he wanted to have a space in our main house for all of his special things. As we have a family bedroom (and bed), and a new brother was on the way, things were getting a little crowded. We talked with Orin about what he'd like, and built this little room to his specifications. We had a great time designing it with him, and while we wouldn't have ever chosen bright blue as the color theme (myself preferring the more traditional unfinished wood style), we wanted this project to really belong to our son, and we wanted him to be proud of and see the ramifications of his design choices. The walls have changed color a few times, and he's been talking a lot lately about making the far one pink for his 5th birthday party. The artwork on the walls was mostly made by our family or close friends, and Orin chose the ocean theme for the first incarnation of the room.

I have had the fortunate pleasure of working for the past three years in a wonderful fair trade store, which has a waldorf-inspired little sub-store called Gnome's World, and I have tended to devote at least half of my monthly paycheck (much to my husband's dismay) to buying things for my son. We try to stick to high-quality natural toys, and all of Orin's toys are intended to inspire creative and challenging play.

While our playroom doesn't fit into the generic "natural playroom" theme, it suits our family perfectly, and I look forward to its future incarnations with glee.

Comments for
Kid-designed and Mama-built= one part tacky + nine parts love

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Aug 25, 2008
Rating

Fun
by: Sarah Harelt

This may not be pretty, but it sure looks fun.

Aug 16, 2008
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rockin' family!
by: Anonymous

you guys rock! your boy has got it good... i wish we could see more of your room over the years...

Aug 15, 2008
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My fave!
by: Anonymous

This one is my pick, it's so funky and fresh! I wish my girls could come and hang out with your son. And he's such a cutie! He looks so proud of the room he created! Nice job and good luck! I love the wooden baby crib in the corner, and the colorful rug. Maybe your boy has a future in decorating?

Aug 15, 2008
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very beautiful!!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

love this room!!!!!!! love the color and atmosfhire!

Aug 15, 2008
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YES
by: Anonymous

What the other commenter said about "guiding rather than controlling" is so spot on. After all, it is HIS space, why try to be like an ad in a waldorf toys magazing? It takes a very special parent to be open to something like this, what a lucky child to have you to guide him and help him blossom.

Aug 15, 2008
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ummm...you rock!
by: Anonymous

this is such a lovely example of a mom who has guided rather than controlled. his room is so inviting and fun and creative and well done but it is all his creative direction, she just gave him what he needed to make it happen! I LOVE it... can you help with ours sometime??

Aug 15, 2008
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Dig it
by: Anonymous

I dig this one and think it is actually my pick for one of the winners! I'm so sick of seeing the waldorf rooms that all look exactly alike. This one is unique!

Aug 15, 2008
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Awesome!
by: Woolies

I love this room - it is truly HIS room. Great way to build his self-esteem!

Aug 14, 2008
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I love this
by: Rachel

I really love this entry because like others said, it doesn't fit the mold, but it STILL is natural. So awesome that you let him design it himself, afterall, it is HIS space. Way to go, mama! This entry really stands out.

Aug 06, 2008
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celebrate diversity
by: Jon

I get tired of seeing the same thing over and over- this one's unique! Way to go, putting your son first over trends and peer pressure.

Aug 02, 2008
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Bright and Friendly
by: Lily

You're right, it doesn't fit the mold but I bet it fits your son! It's so bright and friendly, and I think it's great that you let your son participate so much in the planning and implementing of the room! You're brave to give him so much creative control. I bet your family is a lot of fun!

Aug 02, 2008
Rating

Bright and Friendly
by: Anonymous

You're right, it doesn't fit the mold but I bet it fits your son! It's so bright and friendly, and I think it's great that you let your son participate so much in the planning and implementing of the room! You're brave to give him so much creative control. I bet your family is a lot of fun!

Aug 02, 2008
Rating

Beautiful!
by: Anonymous

Beautiful room Audrey! I love that it was designed by your son and your family together and that it changes as he does. :)