Decorating on a Budget: The Boys' Rooms

As my career (let's call it that) as an Army wife progresses, there are certain things that I get better at and one is most definitely getting a house unpacked and set up. Because we know each move is temporary (and with each move, we realize just how quickly those years go by), the sooner we feel settled, the more time we have to enjoy the space. On the other hand, I've learned that spending a lot of money on a room isn't ideal since in each house, furniture, curtains and decor will likely be used differently. 

In this house, getting the boys' rooms set up was my priority. I wanted them to feel perfectly at home before baby comes. We originally thought they would share a room in this move, but because we found a house with the extra space, we kept them separate. 

Bennett stayed with his nautical theme, but since all his furniture has been passed over to baby, he needed new pieces.

 The bed is a twin to Cullen's that has been hanging out at The Farm for the past two years. The set was given to me by a friend when we moved from Winston and I love its classic lines. I had painted C's years ago, but Bennett's just felt right staying the wood color. (We also transition straight from crib to twin beds around here.. never had a problem with them falling out). The letters my mom painted, the poster is from Kev's bachelor days and the trunks held all his belongings at West Point and used to serve as a side table in our living room, but I love them in here.

The only things I bought for his room were the curtains and the bedding. Both from Target, the bedding was $35 (including sheets, thanks Dorm Room sales!) and the curtain panels were $30 for both and are already lined, so we just pull them shut at night and didn't have to buy a shade or blinds. The rug is from Homegoods 5 years ago and has been in all kinds of rooms in our different houses.

 I was planning on buying B his own dresser, but when my mother in law offered this one up, I had to accept. It was her grandmothers and we think it is pretty special for B to use. The vintage map I got at an antique store in Monterey and the other print is a framed scarf.

A book shelf and color coordinated polos live in the closet.

 I think it is the perfect little-big boy's room!

 On to Cullen's room, right next door. He has had a jungle theme since his crib days and I offered to go with something completely different in this house, but he is the one who wanted to keep it.

  I just really like my stuff, Mommy. 

 Again, the only things bought new were his curtains and bedding. Same Eclipse brand curtains from Target (C wanted yellow to look like the sun) and the duvet and sheets are from Ikea (I paid around $40 for the set). The orange pillow we made a few years ago and as you can see, Cullen was very excited to unpack all his stuffed animals.

 On his walls is some artwork we made back in Monterey and then a jungle handprint project we just did earlier this week. Have you ever seen anything so cute?

Also books and colorful polos in the closet

 And a sweet little reminder of the day he was born. This is a great gift for a new baby if you are looking for one!

 I love how each room is so different and really a showcase of their opposite personalities. 

I almost done with the master, which got the most different look (for super cheap) and I just started on Baby's room yesterday, so I will have those to share soon!