When I was a child, visiting open houses was our idea of an adventure. My sister and I would each claim the most intriguing room as “ours”—the one with secret nooks, the largest windows, or the odd architectural detail. If we toured Kristin’s home back then, the attic-turned-bedroom she and her husband made for their daughter Ella would have stolen the show. That compact, sky-high space—complete with reclaimed wood, imaginative storage, and a dormer view—feels like a private treetop retreat designed for play, display, and everyday life. Here’s Kristin’s account of the renovation and the little surprises they uncovered along the way.
Hi everyone. Choosing which project to share was tough, but I’m picking our daughter Ella’s room for a few reasons: it involves dead pigeons (what renovation story doesn’t?), it’s not the kitchen (which still needs work), and it’s a child’s room that balances play value with flexibility. Here’s how it came together.
From the moment we first saw the house, the mansard roof and the attic under it captured our imagination. We weren’t deterred by deteriorated brick, water-damaged wood, or the pigeon remains; we saw the potential for a cozy treetop bedroom and committed to the idea.
Demolition began with removing the rotted pine flooring, and we were able to salvage one wall made of tongue-and-groove pine. That reclaimed board became a key feature of the room, adding texture and character to a wall that we now use as an activity and display surface for Ella’s artwork and projects.
To make the space functional, we designed built-in wardrobes, which we had fabricated at a local millwork shop. These cabinets not only provide plentiful storage but also cleverly conceal ductwork that serves this floor and the one below. After installing the cabinets, we covered the exposed rafters and fit beadboard in between to create a finished, cozy ceiling that still reads as playful and scaled to a child’s room.
The reclaimed pine boards on the angled front wall are the room’s star feature. They add warmth and tactile interest and serve as an adaptable backdrop for changing displays—maps, drawings, invitations to play, and more. The angled wall gives the space personality and makes it a perfect area for a child to pin up creations.
There’s a map tucked against those boards on the angled wall—subtle in photos but lovely in person. And the dormer window offers a delightful view: the Gateway Arch in the distance and summer fireworks that make for magical evenings.
As for the mansard roof itself: we rebuilt it (mostly my husband’s work—I was pregnant and then caring for a newborn). The mansard is integral to Ella’s room: it defines the volume, the light, and the dormer view. It was also a costly but necessary part of the renovation—slate and copper aren’t inexpensive, though our own labor made a big difference. I used to joke that Ella had the most expensive nursery on the block!
If you’d like more photos and a deeper look at the process, Kristin documented the full makeover on her blog, including before-and-after shots and the story behind key choices. This attic conversion shows how thoughtful design—salvaged materials, built-in storage, and careful attention to light and views—can transform a neglected space into a playful, adaptable bedroom that a child can grow into. Thanks to Kristin for sharing this lovely project. Now, who wants to argue over who gets dibs on that room?