The Cottage Remodel – A Sweet Cottage Bunk Room

Blindsgalore and Loloi provided products for this space.

While planning and designing our cottage remodel we made sure we were creating spaces that would cater to various needs and preferences as we share this cottage with Nick’s grandparents, parents and sister. While the kitchen, dining room and living room are fairly inclusive spaces, we wanted to be sure the bedrooms felt welcoming to everyone as well.

The design of the primary bedroom was pretty straightforward. It is a neutral space filled with classic design elements, like gingham bedding, a vintage-inspired rug and coastal art. The bunk room was a little more challenging, I wanted to ensure it appealed to our girls as well as any other overnight guests that may use it. My goal was to create a space that felt both youthful and sophisticated.

Colour plays a significant role in interior design, and it was the first design aspect I considered for the bunk room. I knew choosing the right colour palette was the key to creating a space that appealed to both young and old.

While the rest of the cottage consists of mostly neutral colours like white and cream, I felt blue would be the perfect colour for the bunk room. It is often associated with serenity, tranquillity, and the vastness of the sea and sky, perfect for a cottage on the water. It’s also a colour that can easily grow with our girls over the years. By incorporating different shades of blue in the bunk room we set the stage for a soothing space that appeals to everyone.

The Closet

Let’s start with the biggest change. If you remember what this room looked like before the renovation, you’ll know the closet was on the south side of this room. We knew this was going to cause a problem with the layout, as the bunk beds obviously had to go against the wall on the far side of the room. If we kept the closet in its existing spot it would have created a impractical layout. By moving the closet to the south side of the room, at the end of the bunk beds, we opened this space up and created a better floor plan.

While rebuilding the closet, Nick also made it larger. It is the only storage space we have in the cottage so it was important we make the most of it. It has given us ample space for storing puzzles, games, towels and cleaning supplies.

The Bunk Beds

Originally, we planned to build custom bunk beds in this space. Not only are they a great solution for optimizing space, but they also look so cozy and sweet. We loved the idea of tailor-made bunks that suited our space perfectly while giving us the ability to add unique and intentional design details.

However, as the renovation progressed and Nick’s list of projects was still quite long we started considering premade bunk beds instead. We knew this would cut back Nick’s project list significantly, but we couldn’t find any we loved. We were just about to admit defeat and start drawing up plans for the custom bunk we had originally planned for when I came across this bunk bed. The colour was perfect, the design was simple enough to fit the space and it was a great price. We felt like it was meant to be!

Although not custom-made, we infused these bunks with several elements to enhance their charm and functionality. To provide ambience at night, we integrated sweet brass sconces with white pleated shades in each bunk. These sconces come with pull chains, allowing the girls to effortlessly turn the lights on and off before bedtime.

In order to optimize storage space, I incorporated large woven baskets under the bunk beds, which are the ideal spot for storing the girls’ art supplies and toys. It’s these little touches that help the space feel well-thought-out and practical.

The Bedding

Striped bedding is a timeless choice for any space, and I loved the idea of using stripes in the bunk room to add a touch of playfulness and whimsy. To achieve a truly playful look, I carefully curated a mix of different striped textiles with youthful details, like a sweet and snuggly teddy bear.

While I love patterned sheets, I opted for crisp white sheet sets on the bunks for a neutral base. Then I added my favourite striped duvet to each bed (it’s the same duvet we used in Ella’s room at home), along with ruffled striped pillows to add a little bit of charm and character. As a final touch, I layered multi-striped throws at the end of each bed, ensuring that the girls could snuggle up comfortably during cooler nights.

The Details

Coastal Art

To infuse the bunk room with a sense of coastal charm I added a simple vintage-inspired canvas print.

Throughout the cottage, I’ve incorporated coastal art, from the charming duck print in the dining room to the handpainted art concealing the TV in our living room. These pieces of art are a simple reminder of the seaside, fostering a serene ambiance that appeals to all ages.

Vintage Stool

Another Facebook Marketplace find is this sweet little vintage stool. It is the perfect bedside table for the lower bunk and adds a touch of charm and warmth to the space. I believe it’s had quite a past life, as I uncovered at least 10 layers of different colours of paint while stripping it. It took a lot of work to bring it back to its natural beauty, but it was worth it.

I topped the stool with an adorable vintage lamp with a DIY pleated fabric shade, a bud vase with wildflowers and a small bowl where the girls keep their collected sea glass.

Wood Peg Rail

This simple peg rail we found at a local flea market doubles as a practical storage solution and charming decor. It’s the perfect spot to hang wet towels after a dip in the bay, and I especially adore its simplicity with this sweet wall hanging.

At the cottage, I envision our girls feeling wild and free, and this sign serves as a playful reminder for all of us.

Antique-Inspired Runner

I think every bedroom can benefit from a beautiful rug, and while the bunk room isn’t large enough for a traditional area rug, a runner was the perfect alternative. We added this beautiful Amber Lewis x Loloi runner in shades of blue, cream and grey. With its old-world pattern and soft colour palette it complements the playfulness of the bunk room perfectly while adding texture and comfort underfoot.

The Window Treatments

In keeping with the consistent design approach throughout the cottage, we extended the use of woven wood shades to the bunk room. This thoughtful repetition of window treatments in the kitchen, primary bedroom, bathroom, and now the bunk room, effortlessly creates a cohesive flow from room to room.

The woven wood shades we chose for the cottage are made from natural grass material in a rich shade of brown, adding an organic warmth to each room. Beyond their practical benefits of privacy and light control, these shades create a sense of warmth throughout the space. Their timeless allure also contributes to the age and gender-neutral character of the room, making it universally appealing to all.

We are all so in love with our sweet cottage bunk room and know it will be the perfect space for our girls and guests to enjoy for many years to come.