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Beth Callaghan

Beth is a writer, crafter, DIYer and design enthusiast, living in L.A. with her husband, 2 young boys, and a large mutt named Caesar. She loves fonts, yoga, matcha lattes, and home-grown tomatoes and is not shy about being a consummate nerd.
    Before & After: From Antique Dry Sink into Changing Table
    When Tiffany over at Taste{full} Life found this antique dry sink, the wheels started turning and she realized she had the potential for a unique changing table for her imminent new baby. Although she was wary of a “country” aesthetic, a new coat of paint and a few other touches updated this piece into modern farmhouse chic.Tiffany learned some important lessons about painting antiques that she shares in her tutorial at Taste{full} Life.
    Beth Callaghan
    Jul 16, 2020
    Raise the Roof: Kids’ Loft Bed Inspiration
    When I was in college, my roommate and I got a loft bed system, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Not only did we have lots of floor space to hang out and study, I loved having the privacy and coziness of my own secret bed platform. For small spaces, a loft can be a great way to open up floor space, but even if you don’t feel you need the extra room, a loft can be a great hideaway for a kid.
    Beth Callaghan
    Jul 16, 2020
    Before & After: Kids’ Table & Chair Set
    I am quite envious of skilled thrifters; I’m unable to see the potential in a yard sale find or figure out what’s quality and just needs a little repair or TLC. That’s why I love seeing yard sale transformations. I have some hope that if I look at enough, the skills will magically transfer to me. So I’ve been staring at this beautiful kids’ table and chair makeover for a few days. Check out what Lolly Jane did with this well-loved table and chairs.Amazing, right?
    Beth Callaghan
    Jul 16, 2020
    Before & After: Sesame Street Dresser
    Since I was a child, I’ve loved Sesame Street; my parents even credit it with teaching me to read before I reached kindergarten. And I even had a similarly plain, white dresser in my room. Imagine my delight had my parents turned it into this beauty that features some favorite Sesame Street muppets!I would’ve flipped for this Sesame dresser (although back in the day, Elmo probably would’ve been Kermit), and when my kids were preschoolers, they would’ve loved it, too.
    Beth Callaghan
    Jul 15, 2020
    Fun Bookends For Kids’ Rooms
    We all know that having lots of books around is key to a child’s development, and they can even make wonderful decor. Especially when you pair them with some unique bookends. We’ve seen some great ones before, but check out this round up of fun recent offerings that might be right up your alley. 1. Bicycle Bookends, $49.95, at Little Tinkers. 2. Wooden Alphabet Bookend, $55 for one, at Etsy Shop Graphic Spaces Wood. 3.
    Beth Callaghan
    Mar 11, 2020
    Fresh Kids Room Color Combo: Green & Orange
    I’m a big fan of less common color schemes, and I love bold color in nurseries and kids bedrooms. In honor of color month here at Apartment Therapy, I rounded up some fantastic spaces featuring a relatively underused color scheme: orange and green. 1. This “Small Space Nursery Triumph” is tiny, but the mix of patterns lends it lots of personality and the soothing sage green and carrot orange are balanced by the neutral greys and whites. 2.
    Beth Callaghan
    Mar 11, 2020
    Before & After: Upcycled Fire Truck Lamp
    You’ve gotta have some vision to see the potential for an old plastic fire truck to become a special piece of decor. And that’s exactly what Jasmine brought to this toy when when she turned it into a modern, artful lamp.Jasmine from Jasmine Orchard Styling was inspired on a recent trip to Amsterdam by a large industrial crane. When she found a large, well-loved old toy fire truck with a moving ladder, she saw its potential as the foundation for a unique table lamp.
    Beth Callaghan
    Mar 11, 2020
    Leif’s Modern Victorian Bedroom
    Name: Leif Oliver, 16 monthsLocation: Natchez, MississippiRoom Size: 176 sq. ft. When Vicki Eastland’s family moved from an ultra-modern townhouse to a 100-year-old cottage, there was some serious redecorating to do. Vicki met the challenge head on, though, and after scouring flea markets and vintage shops on Etsy, she’s managed to design a room for her 16-month-old son Leif that combines a Victorian aesthetic with modern sensibility.
    Beth Callaghan
    Dec 19, 2019
    Axel’s Clean & Cozy Nursery
    Name: Axel (6 months)Location: Denton, TX (about 30 miles north of Dallas)Room Size: 13′ x 13′ Anna and Luis took every opportunity to be bold and playful in their choices for decorating their son’s nursery. From the wonky chevron wall to the handmade wall decor, everything they did works to create a masculine space that can grow with Axel.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 6, 2019
    Before & After: Console TV to Puppet Theater
    We totally had one of these old console TVs when I was growing up. Ours wasn’t quite as ornate as this one, but it sat like a monstrosity in our family room and we thought it was like an IMAX theater. The ladies over at Sugar Tot Designs didn’t save this TV from their childhood. They got it from the free section on Craigslist, and then they turned it into an amazing all-purpose play space for kids.Sarah, the upcycler of the duo, took apart the TV and left the shell.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: Bookshelf Into Dollhouse
    Handmade holiday gifts are almost always more meaningful, and the best part is that you can tailor your gifts perfectly to the recipient. Rebecca from Simple as That created a special Christmas gift for her two girls by turning this plain bookcase into a dollhouse.Rebecca notes: We took an ordinary bookshelf and converted it into a dollhouse which can just as easily be used as a bookshelf for an older child.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 5, 2019
    Tyler & Lucas’ Scandinavian MCM Room
    Name: Tyler (2 years) & Lucas (8 months)Location: Los Angeles, CARoom Size: About 10×12 ft Joy Dolan was just starting her interior design business when she and her husband Mike decided to add adoptive children to their family of 4 biological children. When they fell in love with a sibling pair from the Los Angeles foster care system, they fostered them and completed their adoption in about one year.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 5, 2019
    Cooper’s Blue & Pink Palace
    Name: Cooper, 4 1/2 years Location: Pacific Palisades, CA Room Size: 350 sq ft When Morgan Simonds and her husband needed to decorate their kids’ rooms, they turned to fantastic L.A. interior design firm Jackson Paige. Kristine Paige Kamenstein, one of the co-founders of the company, took on the project and helped the Simonds turn their kids’ rooms into livable, beautiful spaces.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 5, 2019
    Before and After: Color Block Dresser
    There are so many ways to bring color into a child’s room, we hardly need more. But this before and after dresser uses color so uniquely I couldn’t help myself. See what happened to this thrift store find… Mike of Making of a Parent made a hobby out of turning thrift shop finds into modern, color blocked beauties. He shows how he gets it done on his blog, where you can also see some other finds that he’s turned into colorful gems.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 4, 2019
    10 Book Series Boys Will Especially Love
    I’m a voracious reader, and have been since I was a child, so I naturally wanted to pass this love on to my children. With two boys, though, I soon discovered that there aren’t as many obvious book choices for boys, especially in the early and middle elementary school years. We’ve spent a lot of time trial and erroring books for my sons, so I thought I’d round up their favorites.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 4, 2019
    Emerson’s Colorful, DIY-Crafted Nursery
    Name: Emerson Location: Renton, WA Room Size: About 8′ x 10′ My first introduction to this beautiful nursery was the colorful chevron pouf. Once I saw that, I knew there had to be more fabulousness to come. And I wasn’t wrong! Megan Kane designed this nursery for her little girl, Emerson, and the hand crafted details make every inch of this room special. Megan is a DIY kind of gal, and it shows in the decor of this room.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 4, 2019
    Eden’s Teal Treasure
    Name: Eden, 6 months Location: Denton, TX Room Size: 12′ x 12′ We first saw Anna Tovar’s design skills when she shared her son Axel’s nursery with us. Now, we’re delighted to see what she’s put together for her new daughter, Eden. The design made the very most of a tight budget with thrifted and repurposed pieces and a keen eye for detail.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 4, 2019
    Before & After: Entertainment Center to Dress Up Station
    We’ve certainly seen our share of entertainment centers turned into play kitchens. But what if your child doesn’t want to play domestic goddess? What if she just wants to be a goddess? Then you might want to follow Mandi’s lead and turn an old entertainment center into a dress up station. I love all the amazing details, like the jelly jar lights, that Mandi installed to make this the ultimate vanity.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 4, 2019
    5 DIY Ideas for Lego Minifigure Storage
    With the introduction in recent years of the LEGO Mystery Minifigures series, the number of minifigs in our house has exploded. If you aren’t familiar with the concept, LEGO releases a series of unusual minifigures, like Bunny Suit Guy, Yeti, Welder, Diner Waitress, or Bagpiper.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 4, 2019
    What’s the Right Age to Let Kids Have a Cell Phone?
    As my oldest child starts to navigate the waters of middle school, the perennial question resurfaces: when do we get him a cell phone? Many of his peers have had phones for years now, but our family really wants to hold out until it’s absolutely necessary. So when does it become absolutely necessary? Among my mom friends with older children, I hear stories of the “need” for cell phones beginning pretty much in middle school.
    Beth Callaghan
    Sep 19, 2014
    Marcus & Cooper’s Vintage Military Room
    Name: Marcus and Cooper Location: Los Angeles, CA Room Size: approx 10′ x 10′ With seven children, you could imagine that Joy Dolan doesn’t even have time to breathe, let alone decorate this fantastic vintage military room for two of her boys. In fact, she had started priming the walls when the family got a call that their new baby was ready for adoption, and that put an eighteen month delay on the project.
    Beth Callaghan
    Aug 19, 2014
    Dog Bedding for Kids
    No, I’m not suggesting that you make your kids sleep in a dog bed. But if you do have a canine companion, your kids are likely as obsessed with the pooch as mine are. They might go gaga over having bed sheets that represent their best friend. I’ve rounded up some fun pup-printed bedding that kids will love. 1. Dachshund Dogs Flannel Sheets, $40 for twin flat and fitted sheets at Simons Maison. 2. Twin “Well Trained” Sheet Set, $69 at Land of Nod. 3.
    Beth Callaghan
    Aug 11, 2014
    Accessorize This: Simple DIY Stuffed Animal Accessories
    Have you ever been to Build a Bear Workshop? Have you SEEN the accessories each bear can sport? From bedding and boots to sashes and socks, there are a ton of options to choose from. But if you don’t want to drop a small fortune on accessorizing your child’s toy, you can easily make some fun pieces at home. Check out a few tutorials we’ve rounded up. 1. Sleeping Bags, at Flossie Teacakes.
    Beth Callaghan
    Jul 11, 2014
    Make It: 5 DIY Lawn Games
    There are few things more wholesome for the summer than traditional games played outdoors on the lawn. Whether you are planning a birthday party, a 4th of July celebration, or just want to have summer fun all season long, these tutorials can help you build one or more traditional games to play in the yard. 1. Outdoor Word Game at Better Homes and Gardens. Essentially a giant version of Bananagrams, the lawn word game is a cross between scrabble and a do-it-yourself crossword puzzle. 2.
    Beth Callaghan
    Jul 3, 2014
    Need to Know: 3 Tips for Summer Water Safety
    For all intents and purposes, it’s summer around here, since the kids are out of school and we’re ready to play. With summer comes water sports, and whether your kids are master swimmers or beginners, water safety is the number one priority. In recent years, awareness surrounding several swimming dangers has risen, and we’ve collected the information here as a quick guide to making sure your kids are safe in the water this season.
    Beth Callaghan
    Jun 12, 2014
    You Dig? Sand Toys for Kids
    It suddenly got very hot this week in my neck of the woods, so my thoughts naturally turned towards the beach (a short drive away, but alas, not on school days). I find it’s usually a good idea to have some backup sand toys with us for when frolicking in the waves has lost its charm. With this round of fun sand toys, you might even find that the sand play takes front and center. 1. Quut Triplet, $9.95, at Fat Brain Toys.
    Beth Callaghan
    May 1, 2014
    Before & After: Crib to Lofted Toddler Bed
    While not everyone is a fan of the toddler bed, they can be good solutions if you have a small amount of space. Even better is this clever hack from Adriel Booker that turns a crib into a toddler bed with room for storage. Adriel kept the frame of the crib basically intact, but raised the bed up so that it’s a small version of a lofted bed. The crib rails provide security for the sleeping toddler. And with all the extra space underneath, she can store ride-on toys and buckets of toys.
    Beth Callaghan
    Apr 28, 2014
    Try Something New: 10 Unique Decorating Ideas for Easter Eggs
    If you like to decorate your Easter eggs close to the holiday like we do, then you probably haven’t gotten around to it yet. And while the PAAS kits are ubiquitous and remind me of my childhood, there are lots of great ideas out there for unique egg designs. Check these out to see if you want to attempt a new style with your kids this year. 1. Spray Watercolor Eggs at For the Love of…. 2. LEGO Eggs at It’s Always Autumn. 3. Temporary Tattoo Eggs at Uncommon Designs. 4.
    Beth Callaghan
    Apr 17, 2014
    DIY Project Ideas: 10 Bird Feeders for Kids to Make
    My birds are back! Last year, I got all up in nature’s business and bought a bunch of bird feeders. I have a Nyjer feeder for my goldfinch flock, several standard mixed feeders and, of course, a hummingbird feeder. It’s incredibly relaxing to sit in the yard and watch the birds go about their daily routines. If you’re interested in bringing the kids in on the action, here are 10 great DIY bird feeders that kids can help make.
    Beth Callaghan
    Apr 14, 2014
    Book Subscription Services for Kids
    If you have a child who loves reading, it can take a good deal of time and energy researching new books for her to devour. Even if your child isn’t a natural reader, finding something to engage and interest her can be the difference between nurturing a life-long bibliophile and a begrudging reader. If you’re not quite sure where to turn to find great books for your children, there’s now a significant group of book subscription services to help you along.
    Beth Callaghan
    Mar 28, 2014
    Decorate by Numbers: Numerical Kids Decor
    Math, they say, is the universal language. And it’s a lot prettier than Esperanto, so why not choose some number-based decor to get your child started early? I’ve rounded up some of my favorite pieces for kids’ rooms featuring a plethora of digits as well as some inspirational spaces using numbers as decor. Bold Number Cards are displayed on a shelf in SwissMiss creator Tina Roth Eisenberg’s daughter’s room on Design*Sponge.
    Beth Callaghan
    Mar 19, 2014
    Shot in the Dark: Arrow Decor for Kids
    I know I’m behind the 8 ball on the Katniss Everdeen trend, but arrows can be so much more than a symbol of the heroine of the Hunger Games. I love these arrow decor ideas, some DIY and some to buy, to incorporate into a child’s room or a nursery. Whether it’s art or 3 dimensional objects, arrows have taken on so many symbolic meanings that you’re bound to find something that speaks to you. 1. Vintage-Inspired Arrow Decor D.I.Y.
    Beth Callaghan
    Mar 18, 2014
    Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting
    Bubble wrap really is uncannily fascinating, isn’t it? I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t like popping all those little bubbles. Now Vicky at Mess for Less has come up with a brilliant activity for kids that involves painting, stomping, and bubble wrap. It’s a kidtastic trifecta. The concept is simple: attach some bubble wrap to your child’s feet, dip them in paint, and let them stomp all over some big paper.
    Beth Callaghan
    Feb 27, 2014
    10 Unique Night Lights for Kids
    It kind of cracked me up that, as I searched for some cool night lights around the web, I kept getting thwarted by Tami Taylor. I did learn a new motto—”Clear eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t lose!”—but thankfully I also found some fun lights that will softly illuminate a child’s bedroom at night. Even on a Friday night. 1. Lumio Book Lamp, by Max Gunawan, $160.00 at Lumio. 2. Moon Night Light, $5.00 at Walker Art Center Shop. 3. Vintage Illuminated Exit Sign, $89.
    Beth Callaghan
    Feb 24, 2014
    10 Pendant Lights for Kids Spaces
    I’m a sucker for cool lighting in a kid’s room, so I’m always on the lookout for fun ideas. Check out my recent finds and see if you think they are as amazing as I do. 1. Land of Nod Licorice Rope Rainbow Pendant, $159 2. David Trubridge Coral Pendant Lamp, $690. 3. Pottery Barn Capiz Pendant, $199. 4. John Moncrieff Memory Balloon Ceiling Light, $250. 5. Mathieu Challières Birdcage Volière, $515. 6. Imm Living Flashlight Pendants at Digs, $36/each 7.
    Beth Callaghan
    Feb 6, 2014
    Buy or DIY: Arts & Crafts Supply Storage
    Whether or not you are a crafty person, chances are your kids are little creators and you’ve built up a stash of arts and crafts supplies. Crayons, paints, markers, scissors, and myriad papers can get out of control quickly, though. Here are a few simple ideas that could help you keep all those materials in check. 1. Paint Can Pyramid, seen on Better Homes & Gardens.
    Beth Callaghan
    Jan 28, 2014