Search

SHARED SPACES : a room for up to 3 girls R E V E A L

Back in the month of May, we had the privilege of working with a precious family of 5 looking to create a space that could grow with their girls.

Loving their current home but being faced with the fact that their girls were growing (while their 1400 sq ft home was not), they approached us to see if we could help them make their small home more functional.

Being that we believe that

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE SPACE THAT YOU DON'T HAVE, BUT WHAT YOU DO WITH THE SPACE THAT YOU DO,

this project was right up our alley and we couldn't wait to hear a list of their needs.

B E F O R E

In their current set up, the girls shared 156 sq ft of space which consisted of a bunkbed, various tables, 2 dressers and dad's drum set. For two girls, the parents felt that the space lacked storage as well as play space so we asked them to give us a "dream list" of all they'd love their room to be and this is what they came up with:

1. Functionality- First on the list was functionality. They longed for a place to be functional for not only the girls' current stage in life, but growing stages as well. A room that felt peaceful, orderly, and organized was important as the girls grow into their teenager years.

2. Storage- In their current space, an open closet held toys, clothes and a dresser. Individual place for toys, books and a closet rack for each girl to hang their clothes would be ideal.

3. Privacy- since both girls share a room, they really wanted us to create a space where each girl felt like she had her own space.

4. Work area/ Art Station- Books and homework were a big part of the family's day and their current homework station was set up in the kitchen. A place where the girls could get their work done that was designated just for them would not only free up kitchen space but decrease the amount of daily set up/clean up in common areas which was huge to them. Then as far as an art station, both mom and dad are very creative so a space that the girls could have fun creating was important as well.

5. Reading Nook- both girls love to read. A space where the girls could relax in and read would be a bonus.

6. Play- For play they just wanted us to make it fun! They wanted a space the girls could play in and enjoy their young years and create tons of happy, meaningful memories.

Not on their list, but a suggestion from us, was a third bed. A third bed could not only serve as a place for sleepovers but also as a place for a third little girl since they mentioned their family was still growing. They loved the idea so we went for it!

L A Y O U T

Upon designing small spaces, first thing we always look at is layout. If we can rework furniture placement to maximize floor space, that is our first go-to

so for this space, existing closet actually served as a great bunkbed nook-

Building bunkbeds inside exisiting closet would actually free up all 10x13 feet of space, allowing us to incorporate more items from that "dream list" into current space.

Now, if bunkbeds were to take place of existing closet, we would need to rework closet into somewhere else. Wall next to existing closet gave a great solution to our problem, so we decided to open it up and make that area the new closet space.

B E F O R E

A F T E R

Where existing closet used to be, custom bunkbeds were built by Ray.

DIY blackout curtains within each bunk were installed to give each girl the feel of their own individual space. A simple pull and each bed can go from light to completely dark allowing each girl to sleep in while the other one plays.

For sleepovers (or a possible third baby girl,) Ray added a trundle bed at

the very bottom of the bunkbeds. A simple open and close and bed is hidden, depending on family's current needs.

To add a little bit of storage and a way to allow each girl to make each bed "their own", we installed integrated shelving at the foot of each bed. Books, special toys or even a tablet to watch movies can be placed on each shelf.

C L O S E T S P A C E

Where wall used to be, Ray opened it up and added a new closet.

Designed to appear as part of the bunkbed, this integrated closet was created to give each girl a clothing rack of their own, as well as extra storage on the wall.

Shelf above clothing rack allows for baskets to place small items and a hidden ladder to the top bunk allows for a fun, non intrusive alternative to getting to the top bunk.

Then as a bonus and to add functionality, self closing hinges were placed instead of traditional ones. This allows the door to close by itself at all times, saving space in the room from having an open door be in the way.

R E A D I N G N O O K

On the perimeter of where original bunkbeds used to be, we created a reading nook.

Custom pillows and a seat cushion were created using repurposed stuffing from

the family's old pillows

and leather straps on the wall were installed to keep cozy reading blankets handy

Since storage was a huge priority, wall- to-wall storage benches were installed along longest wall.

This allowed reading nook area to be multi-functional and gave the girls 13 feet of space of new storage and drawers.

H O M E W O R K + A R T S T A T I O N

Where dad's drum set used to be, a custom work area using two cabinets and a waterfall top was created.

Cabinets were strategically placed in between the chairs to create a sense of separation between work spaces and to allow each girl to have her own space

Inner shelving within each cabinets were installed as well to create a space for art supplies, books and more storage

Mom's art brushes, a giant roll of art paper, art figurines and lots of art pencils were placed on table top to inspire creativity

and shelving above work station was installed to display special pieces made for the girls by family and friends

F U N

The F U N element of a child's rooms has to be our very favorite one. If we can incorporate pieces that allows for a child to create special memories within the home, that is everything.

For this project, the whole layout of the room revolved around the idea of fun. Designing around the perimeter of the room and building the bunkbeds inside an existing closet-

allowed the middle to remain open for all things fun.

A vintage Beni Ouarin rug was placed in the middle of the room to create softness within the play space and a swing installed from the ceiling gave the girls a fun place to sit, swing and play-