All for GRYFFINDOR – Harry Potter Designed Room

I'd like to start with...I haven't blogged since 2018. Let's unpack that really quick, so much life has happened in that time, so much growth and so much change! I can't believe it's been this long, with that being said we have some catching up to do! So as we all fa la la into the 2021 holidays, I wanted to share my most recent work with you, Gryffindor.

Here’s how it all started... my oldest turning twelve, coincidentally my last blog was about the girls tree house beds and them moving in together. We then moved on to bunk beds and now on the eve of my oldest 12th birthday she asked for her own room.

Not only her own room BUT a Harry Potter, Gryffindor house themed room. My brain went to all the cheesy things this room would be as I scrolled the internet as a non Harry Potter fan. There I said it, I wasn’t a fan and up to this point hadn't watched all the movies. My knowledge of Harry Potter was based on Universal Studios (super cool) or Walmart accessories (enter my “this room could be cheesy” feelings). I’ll just be honest, on the first ask... I went with a no on the room theme.

For Aidan, for years she has gone down the Harry Potter fan worm hole. She fell in love at Universal Studios and immediately wanted a robe and full membership to Harry Potter Fandom. This, at universal studios includes the robe, wand, candy, books, train ride to islands of adventure and a gaping hole in your wallet. I succumbed to the wand on our first trip. After years of Universal Studios trips, on our last trip I got the robe. It was a special Mom and Me trip where we celebrated her elementary school graduation since her school trip was canceled due to Covid-19. It was hot as ever that day in May and my "Jo-Jo" proudly walked around with her robe on and wand out, she was even selected by the wizard at one of the experiences within the Harry Potter "land."

As we planned for her birthday, a room was always a part of the equation, it was time for her to have her own space apart from her sister(s). I had a cool tween room in mind. Complete with my subtitle hints of pink and greens, maybe even a neon sign. I showed her the concept board on this and she gasped. Fully confused at this tween room, she asked if we could go to Universal again, instead of a room for her birthday. I took the bait and asked why. Her reason being because she wanted a Gryffindor Room but understood if I thought she was too old for a “themed room.” If you're reading this...you're probably an adult so you understand why I now HAD to make this room a reality. I deep dived into all Harry Potter movies.

With a little under 10 days to her birthday I had several ideas and no design board. I needed a focal point and decided on a bookcase wall that I would frame to make it feel more authentic. We accessorized the room with Pottery Barn Teen Harry Potter items that really added a great pop!

The room is complete with Platform 9 ¾, if you dare to run through the wall (not suggested LOL), the complete collection of Harry Potter Books, Mirror of Erised and a magical candle area. It’s signature piece, her turtle as her “magic” pet.

As a family we all love this new space in the house. The design of the room comes together in a way that she can grow into or out of. Themed rooms aren't just for little kids and how awesome it is to have a magical imagination born from Hogwarts!

I’ll close with this, after designing this room I took the Harry Potter House Quiz, I am Ravenclaw.

Designer Mom