It almost defeated me, but thanks to all your support and encouragement and a healthy dose of Irish determination I made it to GAME DAY!
The Challenge
- The Host: The wonderful Linda of Calling It Home
- The Objective: Transform a room in six weeks
- The Playing Field: My 17-year-old son’s incredibly disorganized bedroom
- The Player: My favorite firstborn
- The Game Plan: Make this space functional, stylish, and undeniably cool
After years of clutter and a room that no longer suited his style, it was time for a masculine, moody, and mighty transformation. The goal? Create a space that balances functionality, personality, and grown-up sophistication—something that a teen would be proud to call his own.
Before the Makeover
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the chaos that once was. This room had seen years of school papers, outgrown clothes, and sports gear stacked and scattered. The furniture was mismatched, the walls lacked personality, and there was zero organization. While my son had gotten better at keeping his space tidy, the layout and design did him no favors.
Fast forward six weeks, and I’m thrilled to present the Moody Masculine Mighty Teen Room Reveal!
The Transformation
This project required some serious sweat, creativity, and a whole lot of problem-solving. Here’s what went down in the One Room Challenge:
- Found hidden treasure – $100 in cash and $40 in gift cards buried in the disaster zone!
- Cleared out five years’ worth of schoolwork and outgrown clothes
- Sold old furniture – A bookcase and dresser that were the wrong scale for the room
- Painted three walls in a deep, moody black to create a bold, sophisticated look
- Sprayed the dresser using a Homeright paint sprayer for a flawless finish
- Built, stained, and installed a metal and wood bookshelf (IKEA hack), a sleek desk, and a three-wall picture ledge
- Maximized storage – Added a metal trunk, a new bookcase, and improved closet organization
- Revamped the bed area – Rebuilt and upholstered a new headboard for a sleek, custom look
- Brought in stylish new bedding (though still waiting on the ticking stripe duvet!)
- Enhanced lighting – Installed two wall sconces over the bed, a desk lamp, and two dresser lamps
- Added practical hooks for towels and baseball hats
- Created a sports-inspired display – Mounted his snowboard and baseball bats for a stylish and functional look
- Installed bamboo Roman shades for a polished window treatment
- Designed a custom chalkboard quote wall inspired by Friday Night Lights
- Crafted an epic wall art piece – Blew up a photo of my son with his football co-captains and turned it into block art
The result? A moody, masculine, and mighty room that reflects his personality while giving him a stylish and functional space.
Key Design Elements
1. The Moody Color Palette
Going dark and dramatic with black walls might seem like a bold choice, but it instantly elevated the room’s aesthetic. The moody tones provided the perfect backdrop for wood accents, industrial-style furniture, and statement lighting.
2. Smart Storage Solutions
Teenagers aren’t always known for their tidiness, so we made sure to incorporate plenty of storage. The metal trunk, bookcase, and closet organizers ensure there’s a place for everything—keeping clutter at bay.
3. Industrial & Masculine Vibes
By combining metal elements, natural wood, and deep tones, the room gained a modern yet industrial edge. The IKEA metal and wood bookshelf hack gave him the perfect place to display books, trophies, and memorabilia.
4. Statement Lighting
Lighting can make or break a space, and this room got a major glow-up. The wall sconces, desk lamp, and dresser lamps work together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for studying, relaxing, or gaming.
5. Personalized Artwork
The highlight of the room? The football-themed block art. Taking a high-impact photo of my son and his co-captains and turning it into a unique piece of wall art made the space truly his own.
Final Thoughts & Lessons Learned
I won’t lie—this One Room Challenge tested me! But seeing the before and after transformation made every ounce of effort worthwhile. I’m incredibly proud of how this room turned out, and most importantly, my son absolutely loves it.
If you’re thinking of tackling a teen room makeover, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Work with your teen – Let them be involved in choosing colors, furniture, and decor so the space reflects their style.
- Maximize function – Prioritize storage and multi-functional pieces that grow with them.
- Take design risks – Dark colors, bold furniture choices, and unique artwork make a space memorable and stylish.
- Plan ahead – This six-week challenge flew by, and having a clear game plan kept things on track!
A huge thank you to Linda at Calling It Home for creating and hosting the One Room Challenge—it’s the ultimate motivation to complete a room transformation from start to finish.
More details on all these projects coming soon, but for now, check out all the amazing One Room Challenge reveals and see the incredible transformations from other participants!
GO TEAM!
Are you planning a moody and masculine teen room makeover? What are your must-haves for designing a functional and stylish space? Let me know in the comments!
