Like many other families, we noticed that after the pandemic hit, our home was no longer running at its best. Our small Victorian row house was suddenly cluttered and chaotic. Games and toys, typically reserved for weekends, were now a part of our every day and it became difficult to step around the mess. We quickly realized that our girls needed a bigger space and, most importantly, one that was organized and functional. So I took on my toughest clients yet?my five- and eight-year-old daughters?and set out to design a shared kids room that was multipurpose and beautiful.

The girls required a place to sleep, a desk for crafts and virtual school (who knew that would be a thing!), storage for toys, books and little treasures, and a wardrobe system, since our century-old home lacked closets. I?ve had some tricky clients but these two had big requests. ?Pink walls with rainbows, a trampoline and a climbing wall, a giant unicorn and maybe a swing"? Dream on, girls! With careful planning, I was able to translate some of those requests into a playful and creative space.
Here are my top tips for designing a space that’s cozy, calm and functional:
Photo: Mandy Milks
Bed forts give kids their own space
Adding simple drapes to the beds creates whimsy while providing privacy. They also soften the angles of the bed and inspire imaginative play. Custom bed drapes, hemmecustom.com; Jute runner, $40 hm.com
Use linens to liven up the space
Playful bedding is an affordable w...