Avery’s Custom Bunk Beds and Bedroom Makeover

Welcome back to the blog, design enthusiasts! Today, I am absolutely thrilled to finally unveil one of our most rewarding and imaginative projects yet: Avery’s completely transformed bedroom! This space is now a vibrant reflection of her growing personality, featuring custom-built bunk beds, a breathtaking wall mural, and an array of thoughtful DIY touches that truly make it her dream room. If you love designing creative and functional spaces for kids, you’re in for a treat. I’ve previously shared a comprehensive post with over 28 inspiring bedroom ideas for girls of all ages, and this project certainly adds another fantastic example to that collection.

Working with Avery on her bedroom makeover was a joy from start to finish. Her evolving tastes and mature input guided every decision, making the process incredibly personal and special. While the journey was immensely satisfying, I must admit, it was also quite a marathon! We kicked off this transformation even before Christmas, and like many DIY endeavors, it had its own pace. The timeline was extended due to a number of factors beyond our control, including the installation of new carpeting in both Avery’s and Attley’s rooms, which had its own schedule. Coupled with family vacations and other commitments, this room makeover felt like an eternity for us, typically quick DIYers. But as you’ll soon see, every ounce of effort and every moment of waiting was unequivocally worth it. This room is a testament to patience and perseverance in DIY. As is tradition with my reveal posts, you’ll find links to sources integrated throughout the article, and for your convenience, a full source list is available at the very end.

You might recall the reveal of Attley’s room a while back, where we strategically swapped some furniture between the girls’ spaces. The charming dresser you see in Avery’s “before” photos once resided here, and Attley’s IKEA Billy Bookcase hacks previously occupied her sister’s room. For years, Avery’s room was a truly adorable and much-loved space, brimming with youthful charm. It served her wonderfully during her younger years, providing a cozy and bright sanctuary tailored to her then-current preferences. The previous setup fostered a playful atmosphere, which was perfect at the time. However, as children grow, so do their needs and aesthetics, and Avery was ready for a more sophisticated, functional, and personal space that reflected her journey into tweenhood.

The catalyst for this entire renovation was Avery’s incredibly thoughtful and mature request: rather than receiving Christmas presents, she wished for a room transformation. How could I possibly refuse such a heartfelt and forward-thinking plea? It truly highlighted how much she has grown and developed her own distinct preferences. As she’s gotten older, Avery has developed a strong inclination towards darker, more sophisticated colors and a style that is undoubtedly more refined. Beyond aesthetics, there was a practical desire: she was absolutely begging for bunk beds. The idea was to create a fun, inviting space for sleepovers with her sister and other friends, fostering connection and creating lasting memories.

The bunk bed vision began to take shape from a previously established feature in her room. We had already transformed her secondary closet into a cozy bed nook, which perfectly housed her twin bed. It was a natural progression, then, to evolve this bed nook into custom built-in bunk beds. The most remarkable aspect of this project is its incredibly budget-friendly nature. We constructed these bunk beds almost entirely from scrap wood we had accumulated in our garage, turning what might have been discarded materials into a functional and beautiful feature. The ladder, too, was ingeniously crafted from old materials we removed from her walk-in closet during the renovation. This innovative approach meant that the built-in bunk bed project was an astonishing 95% FREE! It’s a true testament to creative repurposing and demonstrates how much you can achieve with a little ingenuity and a lot of elbow grease. This transformation not only gave Avery the bunk beds she desired but also showcased our commitment to sustainable and resourceful DIY.

Enough with the preamble! Are you ready to dive into the heart of Avery’s room and witness the star attraction? Let’s reveal her incredible built-in bunk beds!

The Built-in Bunk Beds: A Dream Come True

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These bunk beds are more than just sleeping arrangements; they are a cozy, inviting haven for Avery. The transformation of the old closet space into this custom-built feature allowed us to maximize functionality without sacrificing style. The snug design creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for reading, relaxing, or hosting overnight guests. To enhance the functionality and comfort, we strategically added these adorable accordion lamps. Paired with our clever “magic light trick,” they provide ample, adjustable reading light, ensuring Avery can comfortably dive into her favorite books late into the night. It’s the perfect solution for independent lighting without the hassle of permanent wiring.

Beyond the practical elements, we infused the space with meaningful decor that speaks to Avery’s personality and our family’s values. Above the top bunk, a DIY photo canvas captures a cherished moment of the girls with Joe, serving as a constant reminder of love and connection. Adjacent to it, a beautiful metal sign proudly declares, “You are strong,” offering a daily dose of encouragement and empowerment. These carefully chosen pieces turn the bunk bed area into more than just a place to sleep; they make it a sanctuary filled with warmth, personal history, and positive affirmations, truly reflecting Avery’s individuality and strength.

The lower bunk continues the theme of simplicity and welcome. We adorned it with a charming “stay awhile” sign, a subtle yet inviting message for anyone who might rest there. It’s a hopeful nod to future sleepovers and shared moments, once our current quarantine situation eventually comes to an end. While her sister currently enjoys this bottom bunk for their impromptu sleepovers, we envision it becoming a comfortable spot for friends to gather, laugh, and create cherished memories. The understated elegance of the lower bunk perfectly complements the overall sophisticated yet cozy aesthetic of Avery’s new room, ensuring that both spaces within the bunk bed unit are equally appealing and functional. This design choice highlights the versatility of built-in bunk beds, making them an ideal solution for siblings sharing a room or for anyone who frequently hosts guests.

The Wall Mural: A Statement of Style and Personality

Beyond the incredible built-in bunk beds, the other undeniable showstopper in Avery’s transformed room is this truly gorgeous wall mural. Just like the captivating mural in Attley’s room, this exquisite piece is designed by the talented Bari J for Murals Your Way. What makes this mural so perfectly Avery is its unique blend of artistry and personal preference. Not only does she absolutely adore owls, which are beautifully depicted in the design, but she also loves the dramatic depth of the background color. It’s so dark and rich, it borders on black, providing a stunning contrast to the vibrant details of the mural. This bold choice reflects her maturing taste and sophisticated style, creating an accent wall that is both artistic and deeply personal. The mural anchors the room, drawing the eye and setting a sophisticated, yet whimsical tone that ties together all the other design elements. It’s a true reflection of how much a single piece of art can define a space, turning a simple wall into a captivating narrative.

The Rest of the Details: Thoughtful Touches and DIY Charm

Every element in Avery’s room has been carefully considered, from major features to subtle accents, all contributing to a cohesive and personalized space. One of the most satisfying aspects was giving new life to old favorites. We took several inexpensive IKEA pieces that we’ve owned for nearly a decade and gave them a complete makeover. Yes, for those wondering, you absolutely can paint IKEA laminate furniture! Avery herself selected the new dark purple color, a stunning hue that perfectly aligns with her updated preference for deeper, more sophisticated tones. The fact that she made such a decisive and mature choice fills me with a mix of pride and a touch of wistful realization of how quickly she is growing up. (No, I’m not crying, you’re crying!) This DIY painting project not only refreshed the furniture but also allowed Avery to truly own her space and express her burgeoning style.

Further enhancing the room’s elegant yet cozy feel, I also reupholstered her existing bench with this exquisite rich purple fabric. The chenille adds a luxurious texture and deep color that complements the newly painted IKEA furniture beautifully. Hanging gracefully in the window, her DIY felt ball letter, a charming initial “A,” serves as a perfect, handcrafted centerpiece for this wall, adding a personal and playful touch amidst the more grown-up elements. These details, though seemingly small, collectively contribute to a room that feels carefully curated and deeply cherished, showcasing how personalized touches can transform a generic space into a truly unique sanctuary for a young woman.

Another significant improvement in Avery’s room involved enhancing the functionality of her DIY floating desk area. This space was already a great foundation, but we wanted to make it even more practical for her evolving needs, whether for homework, creative projects, or simply organizing her treasures. To achieve this, we installed an inexpensive pegboard system, which offers versatile vertical storage for pens, notes, and various supplies. Alongside this, we integrated smart paper storage solutions from IKEA, ensuring her desk remains clutter-free and conducive to productivity. We cleverly reused this vibrant art piece that she already loved, simply updating its presentation by adding this inexpensive hanger frame. This simple change transformed its look and integrated it seamlessly into the refreshed aesthetic. These additions not only boosted the desk’s utility but also maintained the room’s cohesive and stylish design, proving that functional spaces can also be beautiful.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention a truly special detail that I’m incredibly proud of, and one that Avery repeatedly tells me is among her favorite elements in her new room: her unique light fixture! This was another fantastic DIY project that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to create something impactful and stylish. I transformed a simple macrame basket into a stunning overhead light by merely adding a pendant light kit and hanging it up. The result is absolutely perfect – it provides a beautiful soft glow, adds a wonderful textural element to the room, and fits seamlessly with the whimsical yet sophisticated vibe. Best of all, it was incredibly inexpensive to create! This DIY light fixture is a shining example of how personal creativity can lead to standout features that are both functional and deeply loved, truly illuminating Avery’s personality in her redesigned space.

So, what do you think of Avery’s completed room makeover? While I always appreciate your feedback, the most important thing, and what truly warms my heart, is that Avery absolutely loves her new space. Her joy and satisfaction are the ultimate measure of success for this project. However, I must confess, I’m also incredibly happy with how it turned out, especially since I’m the one paying the mortgage! It’s a wonderful feeling when a challenging, yet rewarding, DIY project comes to fruition, creating a space that brings so much happiness and functionality to everyone who uses it. This room now stands as a beautiful testament to growth, personal style, and the power of thoughtful design, fulfilling Avery’s dream while adding significant value and charm to our home.

Source List for Avery’s Dream Bedroom

Here is a comprehensive list of sources for items featured in Avery’s stunning bedroom transformation. Whether you’re looking to recreate a specific look or simply gather inspiration, you’ll find all the details you need below for achieving a similar aesthetic in your own home:

• Wall Color: Falling Snow by Behr – a perfect crisp white that brightens the space while providing a neutral backdrop for bolder elements.
• Owl Wall Mural: This captivating piece is the Nocturnal Mural by Bari J for Murals Your Way – an artistic focal point that truly defines the room’s personality.
• Purple Velvet Fabric for Upholstered Bench: The luxurious HHF Amazement Plum Chenille Upholstery Fabric adds a touch of elegance and comfort.
• DIY Felt Ball Letter: Learn how to create your own personalized wall art with our DIY felt ball letter tutorial.
• Painted IKEA Furniture Pieces: Discover how we refreshed old pieces and hack them with our guide on painting IKEA laminate furniture.

The remaining items in the room, including those we creatively DIYed or sourced second-hand, have similar options available. Simply scroll through the images below and click on any for complete product details and to shop the look:

Curious about my systematic approach to transforming rooms and spaces throughout our home? You can dive deeper into my design philosophy and practical strategies by checking out Designer in a Binder®. It’s my ultimate guide to helping you decorate your home with confidence and clarity, making the design process simple and enjoyable, even for the most ambitious DIY projects like Avery’s room.

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