Projects like Shannon’s almost make you wish for a house full of daughters. I say “almost” — but after seeing what they accomplished, it’s easy to understand the appeal. Growing up with three sisters myself, I can appreciate the creative energy that comes with a busy, shared bedroom.
Hey guys! It’s so funny reading your blog. We were and are where you guys are – but we started almost ten years ago when we bought our first house. Since then we’ve brought our total baby count to five (yup, five!) and we’re still in the same house – trying to make it work. Anyway, with the birth of our fifth baby/fourth girl last May we couldn’t figure out how to break up the kiddos among the three bedrooms we have for them.
Initial plans were 2 girls/2 girls/1 boy… but then we found the double bunk room inspiration and it was love at first sight. The mister took the week between Christmas and New Year’s off, and we dove into a major renovation.
In just ten days we removed a wall, combined two rooms into one, built a double bunk bed unit, and pushed the room close to finished — all on a very tight budget. We focused on smart, affordable choices and rapid execution so the kids could enjoy their new space quickly.
One of the smartest decisions was adding secret storage. Pull-out drawers on casters are hidden beneath the beds and provide generous, easy-to-access space for clothes, toys, and linens. These drawers maximize floor space while keeping the room tidy and organized.
To personalize each sleeping space, I made silhouette pillows for the girls. Little touches like customized pillows make a big difference, giving each child a sense of ownership and identity within a shared room.
We painted the ceiling with playful stripes, inspired by other favorite reveals. The striped ceiling adds a dynamic, whimsical element that draws the eye upward and infuses the room with bold personality without overwhelming the space.
Affordable dressers—three IKEA Malm units—paired with turquoise-painted walls created a cheerful, functional environment. These pieces provide ample dresser space and a consistent look across the room, while the bright wall color brings energy and cohesion.
The kids absolutely love their new space, and so do the parents. The combination of clever storage, personal touches, and a playful palette makes the room practical and joyful—exactly what you want in a children’s bedroom.
Thanks for checking it out! – xoxo, Shannon
Hats off to Shannon and her partner for sharing this inspiring, budget-conscious renovation. Their approach highlights a few practical takeaways: plan carefully, prioritize storage solutions, choose a few bold design elements to create personality, and tackle the work in focused, manageable time blocks when possible. Whether you’re rearranging bedrooms, updating furniture, or dreaming up a full makeover, this project shows how effective planning and a few affordable choices can produce an impressive, family-friendly result.
What stands out most to us? The built-in drawer storage is brilliant for keeping clutter under control, and the striped ceiling adds a fun, unexpected flourish. If you’re planning a shared kids’ room, consider these elements: maximize under-bed storage, personalize each child’s area, use durable, budget-friendly furniture, and don’t be afraid to add one bold design feature to tie the room together.