A Room They Can Grow Into (and Love Right Now!)
Hey there, home decor lovers! You know the thrill of scrolling Pinterest at 11 p.m., imagining your dream home one inspo board at a time? Same. And if you’re a parent, you know how quickly kids outgrow things—clothes, toys, phases (RIP dinosaur obsession). But what if you could design a room that grows with your child?
Enter: Lauren Sullivan aka @withlaurensullivan. She wanted to give her son a bedroom that felt playful and fun for now, but still timeless enough to evolve with him. And spoiler alert: She nailed it. With a bold, brown checkered wallpaper as her design anchor, Lauren transformed a blank canvas into a space filled with personality, warmth, and creativity.
Let’s dive into how she pulled it off—and how you can, too.
Lauren’s Design Vision: Bold, Bright, and Built to Last
Lauren had one guiding principle: design with longevity in mind. No trendy fads here. Instead, she leaned into a classic palette with a playful twist.
"I wanted to give my son a room that he could grow with—not something we'd have to change as he gets older. His walls are blue, and I wanted to add more color to complement it. When I saw the brown checkered wallpaper, I was sold! It’s my favorite color, and I knew it would look great with pops of color like dark blue and the gray in his rug and curtains."
While Lauren typically gravitates toward boho decor, this time she chose a bolder direction. The result? A joyful, imaginative space that inspires creativity and play.
Why the Brown Checkered Wallpaper Works
Looking for a wallpaper that doesn’t scream “kids room” but still adds fun and flair? This one checks all the boxes (pun totally intended).
- Neutral with personality: The brown tone adds warmth while the pattern brings energy.
- Gender-neutral appeal: Ideal for any child's space—whether you're designing for a boy, girl, or shared room.
- Versatile pairing: Works with bold colors, muted tones, wood textures, and more.
- Playful yet polished: Adds structure to the room without feeling too grown-up.
Step-by-Step: How to Install Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Thinking of trying it yourself? You totally can. Here’s a simple step-by-step to help:
What You’ll Need:
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper (like our Brown Checkered!)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Sharp utility knife
- Smoothing tool (or a clean credit card)
Steps:
- Prep your walls: Clean them with a damp cloth and let dry completely.
- Mark your starting point: Measure your wall and mark a straight vertical line as a guide.
- Peel & position: Start from the top, peel off a few inches of the backing, and align with your guide.
- Smooth it out: Use your smoothing tool to press out bubbles as you go.
- Trim the edges: Use a utility knife for clean edges around outlets or moldings.
- Repeat: Line up the pattern and repeat for the remaining panels.
That’s it! Instant upgrade.
Mixing Decor Styles: Boho Meets Playroom Chic
Lauren struck a balance between her love for earthy, boho tones and the playful energy of a kids' room.
- Accent walls: The brown checkered wall is the room’s focal point.
- Color layering: Deep blue walls + gray textiles = cozy but vibrant.
- Functional decor: Open shelving for books, bins for toys, and a comfy reading nook.
- Textile play: She added a gray rug, plush bedding, and curtains that tie everything together.
FAQs: Brown Checkered Wallpaper & More
Q: Is peel-and-stick wallpaper safe for renters?
A: Yes! It’s removable and won’t damage walls when installed properly.
Q: Can it be applied over textured walls?
A: For best results, use on smooth surfaces. Textured walls can work but may require extra smoothing.
Q: Is it kid-proof?
A: It’s durable and wipeable, which makes it perfect for kids' rooms!
Q: How do I order samples?
A: Head to our website and select the "Sample" option on any wallpaper product page.
Q: What if I mess up the install?
A: No stress—it’s repositionable! Just peel back gently and try again.
Your Turn: Create a Space They’ll Love
If Lauren’s transformation proves anything, it’s this: You don’t need to sacrifice style for practicality. With a little vision and the right wallpaper, you can create a room your child will love now and for years to come.
Want to recreate this look? Shop the Brown Checkered Wallpaper here or watch our step-by-step install tutorial to get started today!
Final Thoughts
Lauren’s approach is the perfect reminder that thoughtful design goes a long way. Whether you’re looking for a bold pattern or a neutral base, peel-and-stick wallpaper makes it easier than ever to transform your space—no contractor required. So go ahead, grab a roll (or three), and start dreaming up the room your little one deserves.
