Los Angeles–based author, blogger and Instagrammer Jenn Hallak calls herself the Overwhelmed Mommy, and it’s easy to see why. Every day is an adventure in the bustling home she shares with her family: husband Frank; 5-year-old daughter Ava; sons Franky, 2, and 5-month-old Hayes and their energetic pet Boxer, Baxter. But super busy or not, Hallak loves to take on creative challenges, so she relished the opportunity to design a bedroom for the boys to grow up in together.

Every step in the process, Hallak discovered ways to express her style and create a nurturing shared space. She started with a warm, natural palette that complemented the rest of their house. “Our entire home is pretty neutral-colored, with naturals sprinkled in,” she explains. “They’re the colors I am loving right now, but we threw in a couple of bold blacks as well.”
The couple agreed that a comfortable, custom nursery chair was not only essential, but that it would be the anchor of the room — and their choice of the Wingback Swivel Glider & Recliner in Statesville Leather Caramel was decidedly collaborative.

With the palette and focal point settled, Hallak set about planning the space and visualizing how all her favorite pieces would fit together. “I did a lot of designing on my computer,” she says. “I would save photos of different pieces I loved, put the photos side by side and look at different combinations. I had to actually see it all together to make decisions.” When the couple paired white cribs and a wooden dresser with their custom chair, the room felt complete. “It’s a pretty small space, but everything ended up working out perfectly.”

Durability and versatility were high priorities for the Hallaks. “The cribs can convert to beds, so we don’t have to buy new ones. And even if they change the theme of their room when they’re older, the beautiful wooden dresser will work in any room.” They took that approach when they previously designed Ava’s room. “We’ve done small updates here and there, but the larger items have remained the same. I really try to make it so my kids’ rooms will work no matter their age.”

As for accessories, they can be both fun and practical, Hallak says. “They’re some of the most important things. The animal rocker is definitely loved! And the beautiful baskets keep the room looking clean but allow the kids to access the toys easily on their own.” And while the boys love their toys, the whole family adores the chair. “Hands down, my absolute favorite piece,” says Hallak. “Before every single nap and bedtime, Franky says, ‘rock, rock, rock’ because he loves that special time with us so much. And we love that time with him, too! It has so many memories for us already.”