We are frequently asked about bunkbeds and bunkrooms. Specifically, how to create a bunkroom that is cozy, uses every nook and cranny but doesn’t feel crammed and sophomoric. A nine-year-old might love the top bunk but 43-year-old Uncle Arthur doesn’t want to spend his vacation feeling like a tween. Savvy and stylish solutions abound. Homeowners of even the most spacious homes often need more space for houseguests. After all, who wouldn’t want to visit the Vail Valley?
Design associate Tessa Hyatt just completed a bunk space that doubles as an office, and had to be kid and adult friendly. “The bedroom used to be a two-twin bedroom. We decided to transform this into a bunkroom that both their kids and adult friends could utilize,” Tessa explains. “But it the client also wanted to be able to do work at the desk.”
Since it’s doubling as an office space for the husband, the room has a distinctive masculine air about it. Tessa used dark woods, neutral bedding with a luxurious faux-fur throw along with plaid window treatments.
To ensure the room feels like a retreat, beds were custom made with a queen-sized bottom and an extra-long twin on top. Further maximizing the space, Tessa chose beds with undermount drawers. Wall sconce lighting keeps the room well-lit and cozy.
The desk is a hybrid desk/dresser; longer than it is wide, providing tons of work space without taking up valuable floor space – providing function and fashion.
Senior designer Kellye O’Kelly also made the most of a bedroom, creating a room with maximum sleeping space that would work for young children one weekend and as a guy’s retreat the next. The room started off large and and a bit awkward, Kellye explains, but with creative design, she made it welcoming, warm and suitable for a range of ages.
“We used full-sized loft beds then worked with a carpenter to build the bottom bunk,” Kellye says. The carpenter built the stairs that cleverly double as storage – no reason the kids can’t put their Legos away! The bottom bunks also have drawers for additional storage.
The bunkbeds feel – and look – like built-ins but by thinking outside the box, Kellye was able to save the homeowner thousands of dollars. Each bed has a reading light, shelves and a duplexed outlet for all the electronic toys.
This home is nestled into a mountainside and receives some light but the client wanted to ensure this room was bright. Kellye made the most of the natural light by using light grays and slate blues paired with whites, so it can be feminine feeling for the girls and masculine for the guys.
In Telluride, senior designer Andrea Georgopolis crafted a bunk room out of ‘leftover’ wood. The room is cozy and feels like a child’s dream retreat. The woods are light gray and feel smooth and almost soft to the touch, creating a neutral and warm. Perfect for boys, girls or adults.
Frances Karsh, a designer for a decade with Slifer Designs, created a loft-feel for a homeowner in Bachelor Gulch. The room is done in neutrals but the client embraced bold pops of gold. The upper bunk is a twin with the lower bunk a queen, making the room feel spacious. The upper bunk has the feel of a hidden retreat, complete with reading lamp and complimenting colors. She added a faux fur throw for a touch of luxury.
Last but certainly not least, while sleek lines, undermount storage and neutrals are sought after by some clients today, many still embrace the natural wood, keeping with the mountain ambiance. Using blues, bold reds and plaids, this room is a family favorite.
There are so many ways to make the most of your space, whether a large room or a bedroom that multitasks as an office and guest room – we have many opportunities to create a unique, welcoming space.