I knew my aunt needed my help with her son’s room when it started to look more like a cluttered space than a fun place for him to sleep and play. My cousin turned five last December, but he was still sleeping in his Mickey Mouse bed in her room. As much as my aunt’s room was big enough for his bed, it was definitely time for a change. My auntie was ready to reclaim her space, and my cousin was more than ready to have his bedroom again that matched his growing interests and imagination. So, I took on the challenge of redesigning his room into something he would love—a space-themed adventure he could enjoy every day.

Clearing the Clutter:

First things first: I had to clear out the crib, clubhouse and other things piling up in the room. His toys were also out of control. It wasn’t a glamorous task, but it was necessary! Once the room was clear, I could really start planning the layout and design.

The Inspiration & Finding the Perfect Pieces:

When I first started planning my cousin's space-themed room, I knew that lighting was going to be a key element. I wanted something that would really capture the magic of outer space and add a soft, whimsical glow to the room. That’s when I remembered West Elm’s gorgeous lighting options. Now, anyone who knows me knows I’m always on the lookout for a great bargain, so I wasn’t about to pay full price. I immediately drove almost two hours to the West Elm Outlet in Dawsonville, Georgia, to find the best deals—and trust me, it was worth the drive!

While I was there, I found exactly what I needed: a kids’ planet table lamp and a matching planet pendant light. They were absolutely perfect for the room and added that fun, spacey vibe I was going for. The planets were the ideal combination of cute and cosmic—just what my cousin would love.

Choosing the Perfect Paint Color:

Once I had the lighting sorted out, I turned my attention to the paint. I wanted a neutral tone that would complement the bright colors of the planets and stars but still keep the room feeling cozy. That’s when I remembered a color I’d fallen in love with at the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holidays Showhouse 2024 —Benjamin Moore’s ‘Briarwood’. It was the perfect mix of warm gray and taupe, giving the room a calming, sophisticated backdrop that would make the space elements pop.

I had the perfect vision in mind: soft, dreamy walls that felt like a canvas for the stars and planets to shine.

Bargain-Ready Drapery & Curtain Rods:

Since I’m all about finding deals, I couldn’t pass up the affordable drapery at West Elm online. For just $99 per set, I found the perfect neutral curtains to complement the room’s overall aesthetic. And don’t even get me started on the curtain rods at West Elm Outlet—only $10 each! Sometimes, it’s all about knowing where to look to get the best deals without sacrificing quality. Those little touches really tied everything together.

Fun Finds & Perfect Accessories:

With the lighting, drapery, and paint in place, I needed to round out the room with a few accessories to really make the space come to life. So, I circled back to West Elm Kids online, and wow, did I hit the jackpot! I found the National Geographic Solar System Rug on sale for $160, which was ideal for the theme—colorful planets underfoot, ready to inspire all kinds of imaginative play. I also ordered two National Geographic Space Quilts at $99 each that brought in more of those cosmic colors and patterns, making the bed feel like a true galactic retreat.

But what really added the perfect finishing touch were the Acrylic Cloud Wall Pockets for $60 on clearance at West Elm Kids. They were functional and cute, perfect for holding books or little toys, and they brought a sense of lightness to the room—like little clouds floating in space.

Personalized Touches to Make the Room Extra Special:

What truly made this space-themed room come to life were the personal touches that added depth and meaning to the design. It wasn’t just about creating a fun environment for my cousin—it was about making it a space that reflected his personality, interests, and the people he loves.

One of the most special parts of the room was a project my cousin took on himself. He painted his very own solar system, which added such a personal and creative touch. Every time he looked at it, he could see his own arts & crafts, and it really gave him a sense of pride in the room.

Its All in The Details: A Room Out of This World!

I also found some of the cutest space-themed digital artwork on Etsy for $7 (set of 3), which I framed and hung in the center of the room. The pieces were not only whimsical but inspiring, reminding him every day to 'Dream Big Little One.' It was the perfect sentiment to tie everything together, especially in a room designed to fuel his imagination.

To make the bed even more fun, I found the coolest Organic Solar System Pillowcases from West Elm Kids. They were the perfect combination of comfort and style, featuring planets and stars that added to the celestial feel of the room.

And of course, I couldn’t forget the sentimental pieces that made this room truly unique. I displayed an antique Mickey Mouse picture frame heirloom and a Winnie the Pooh box from his late auntie Kathy. These keepsakes have been with him since he was born and incorporating them into his new room was a way to keep those cherished memories close. Along with these, I added other special mementos that he’s collected over the years, creating a space that felt personal and full of love.

My cousin is also a big reader, so I wanted to make sure his love for books was reflected in the design. I decided to display his books using sleek acrylic shelves from Amazon ($60 for 4). These shelves not only gave him easy access to his favorite stories but also made the room feel more organized and polished.

A Place For All His Books! My Cousin Loves To Read.

The Big Picture:

As I pulled all these pieces together—lighting, paint, rugs, quilts, and accessories—the room began to take shape. It was a true space-themed adventure for my cousin, complete with planets and everything in between. It was amazing to see how something as simple as a color palette and a few carefully chosen pieces could turn a cluttered room into a galactic wonderland.

And the best part? It didn’t break the bank. With the right combination of bargain hunting and carefully selected pieces, for under $1,700, I was able to create a dream room for my cousin, one that’s not only visually stunning but also fun and functional.

The Big Reveal:

After weeks of planning, painting, and putting everything together, the day finally came when my cousin would get to see his new space-themed room. I could hardly wait to see his reaction—after all, I had worked so hard to make it just right for him.

When he walked into the room for the first time, his eyes went wide with excitement. He immediately pointed to the planet light in the ceiling and excitedly talked about how he felt like he was in space. Seeing his joy and enthusiasm made all the weeks of planning and hard work completely worth it.

He was thrilled to finally have a room that matched his love for space—his own personal ‘Mission Control’ station. And the best part? He completely forgot about his old Mickey Mouse bed in his mom’s room and started sleeping in his own room again. The space-themed room wasn’t just a place for him to sleep; it became his new little universe, full of adventure and imagination.

You Are Loved. For The Boy You Are and The Man You Will Become.

That Warm Feeling, Mission Accomplished:

Designing my cousin’s space room was such a fun and rewarding project. Not only did it help him embrace his love for space in a new way, but it also gave my aunt her bedroom back! Seeing how happy my cousin is in his new room made it all worthwhile. I’m so proud of how it turned out, and I hope this gives you some inspiration if you’re looking to create your own imaginative space for someone special.

INCO + Design - Mood Board: The Planet Pop Room

The Design Details - Planet Pop Room:

Design & Organization: Its Not Complicated Organizing

Interior Paint: Benjamin Moore, Briarwood PM-32

Ceiling Lighting/Table Lamp Lighting: West Elm Outlet

Cloud Neon Lighting: West Elm Kids

Bedding: West Elm Kids

Planet Pillowcases/Std. Pillows: West Elm Kids, HomeGoods

Euro Pillows/Pillow Shams: HomeGoods, West Elm Outlet

Felt Moon Pillow: West Elm Kids

Bed Frames & Mattresses: Amazon

Drapery/Rod: West Elm, West Elm Outlet

Acrylic Shelves: Amazon

Acrylic Cloud Wall Pocket: West Elm Kids

Space Theme Art/Gold Frames: Etsy (Shop - LittleNestPrintCo), HomeGoods

Designing the Ultimate Space-Themed Room for My Five-Year-Old Cousin

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