Ryder’s Room Makeover: A Thrifty, Hands-On Transformation
We don’t often have the excuse to decorate a little boy’s room ourselves, so it’s a treat to share Kat and Mitch’s inspiring renovation of their son Ryder’s space. Their project is a great example of creative, budget-friendly design: a free bed found on the curb sparked the whole makeover, and a combination of DIY work, thrift-store finds, and a clear design plan turned an ordinary room into a warm, playful retreat.
“We just finished my son’s room and we’re so proud of how it turned out. First things first, this is what this room looked like prior… well several years ago anyway when Ryder was a baby.”
What began as a simple desire to replace an old bed quickly became a full room refresh. Kat explains that spotting a metal bed in a neighbor’s burn pile was the catalyst: rather than simply adding the new bed into the existing periwinkle paint, they decided it was the perfect opportunity to reimagine the whole space. That small discovery set a chain of thoughtful, resourceful decisions into motion.
“My husband did the pallet ceiling and I painted pretty much all the furniture in the room. The color we chose for the walls is Benjamin Moore Thunder. We had the swatch on the wall in our kitchen (actually it’s still there) and whenever someone comes over they give us a weird look when they see the words ‘BM Thunder’ underneath the swatch. Funny. And yes, gross. Unless you don’t have a twisted mind like my friends and I.”
The standout feature of the redesign is the pallet wood ceiling. Although it was time-consuming, Kat emphasizes it wasn’t technically difficult and was absolutely worth the effort. Pallet projects are popular because they offer texture, warmth, and character at low cost, and here the ceiling becomes a focal point that elevates the entire room. The couple invested their time and skill rather than spending a lot of money, which helped them achieve a layered, custom look on a small budget.
“The ceiling was a lot of time-consuming work but totally worth it and actually really not that difficult. And the best part is that Ryder loves it and can enjoy it for years to come. I know that pallet craft seems to be all the rage right now and may be just a fad, but it really does look cool.”
Kat handled most of the painting in the room, giving secondhand furniture a fresh, cohesive treatment so everything felt intentional. The chosen wall color, Benjamin Moore Thunder, gives the space a moody yet comfortable backdrop that balances the natural texture of the wood ceiling. Painting existing pieces is one of the simplest ways to create continuity between heirlooms, thrift finds, and new elements.
“The curtains and duvet cover I found at a thrift store literally days before the makeover was complete. I really didn’t think I’d be able to find anything second-handed. But wouldn’t ya know, a few days later I walked into a thrift store and found this duvet cover and two pillow shams for $3. It was the exact size I needed and it’s from Pottery Barn.”
Perhaps the most charming aspect of this makeover is how much of it was sourced secondhand or gifted. Kat recounts finding a Pottery Barn duvet cover and matching shams at a thrift store for just a few dollars—proof that patience and a keen eye pay off. Aside from a new ceiling fan and a jelly-jar sconce, nearly everything in the room was acquired through thrift stores, auctions, or offers from friends and neighbors. This approach significantly reduced costs while adding personality and history to the space.
“So we were able to makeover Ryder’s room on a very small budget. Actually the only things we bought new were the ceiling fan and a jelly jar sconce. Everything else came from thrift stores, auctions, or was given to us. I love the thrill of finding deals… there’s nothing like it!”
The room also features a custom retrofitted bookcase and other clever touches that tie into the pallet ceiling and overall aesthetic. Many of these elements were DIY projects documented by Kat—handmade solutions and modest renovations that maximize visual impact without large expenditures. The end result feels curated and livable rather than staged, which is often the hallmark of successful home projects done on a budget.
“Hope you like it! – Kat”
This makeover is a reminder that thoughtful design doesn’t require a big budget—time, creativity, and a willingness to reuse and repurpose can produce beautiful, long-lasting results. Ryder’s new room blends function, comfort, and character, and it shows how a family can turn everyday finds into something special. What stands out to you most about this transformation?