Today we have a room makeover reveal, for three kids, in one sweet attic space who are part of the most lovely and grateful family in Seattle. We did this in partnership with Velux Skylights, one of my favorite partners who continues to put so much thought into their makeovers and truly change the lives of families. If you need a boost of happiness, want to understand the power of a skylight, or simply want to see some excellent space planning and styling then this is a post for you. I enjoyed every single second of this makeover (besides Covid pushing it off constantly for almost three years) and can’t wait to show you how my team, led by Julie Rose, nailed this design.
If you have a second check out this beautiful video the Velux team made, with quite possibly the best kid’s reaction ever (and that is usually so hard because there are cameras in their face and they are typically in shock). I will forever watch it and feel so grateful for this job 🙂
The Family:
You might not remember but right before Covid/lockdown, we did a call out for another Brighten Up Any Room surprise makeover for a deserving family. We received a lot of submissions and while I tried to stay local in L.A., Dina’s family in Seattle felt like the right fit in every way and I really connected to her story. After a very traumatic third birth of her lovely daughter, she was left with little time, energy, and resources to figure out how to turn the kids shared room, to now house three kids – 4, 2, and, a newborn. It was such a good challenge for us to solve and this room was perfectly in need of some Velux skylights. As you can see it was very dark and like most busy moms, overwhelmed with how to design spaces, Dina needed advice on how to even start to tackle this room. Listen, my kids both slept on mattresses on the floor for over a year because I didn’t know how to lay out their shared bedroom and I’m literally a professional with a team of help, so I had a lot of empathy for Dina. It is hard!!!
At the time Julie was full-time on my team and had already begun the design. Then life moved us to Portland (she is in LA) so now she works for Velinda Hellen Design (also former EHD! so fun) and we blog about their projects. I begged her to stay on this project as a freelancer. She of course agreed and did such an incredible job, as you’ll see. 🙂
The Design And Functional Needs And Wants
Dina and her kids were lovely and realistic in their needs and wants:
- Beds for three kids – 1 twin, 1 toddler, 1 crib. Over the three years that this got pushed it changed to three twin beds :). And remember the ceilings were too low for bunk beds.
- Additional bed for when mom crashes up there or guests – So yes, FOUR BEDS 🙂 Good luck, Julie!
- Storage – Again three kids in one room, so we really had to maximize storage for clothes, books, toys, etc.
- Room to play, read, do art, and live – While that seemed impossible, we really didn’t want it to just be a room of beds…thus the challenge.
Stylistically they wanted:
- To brighten it a lot – The Velux Skylights obviously did this immediately. More on that below.
- Playful and colorful – The words “treehouse” and “room of clouds” were thrown around.
- Gender-neutral – With two girls and a boy, we wanted to make sure it felt flexible.
First up – The Velux Skylights!
During Covid, we arranged to have the skylights put in since it only involved 1-2 people over 1 day (whereas our crew was large, would be there for a week, and necessitated traveling). I was happy that at least Dina and her kids had a brighter room while they waited for the world to be safe enough for us to come up. As you can see it totally changed the space already.
It was such a sweet space, with so much potential. The angled ceilings now with two windows and two skylights made it ripe for decorating. We just had to figure out how to make it work for the changing needs and wants of three growing kids.
Julie created a few mood boards, I narrowed it down to the one I loved the most, and we showed Dina some peeks just to make sure that she loved the furniture layout and wallpaper. As a mom, I wanted her to be able to see any red flags for how her specific kids lived. She was a complete and utter JOY to work with – just so grateful, trusted us so much, making it a really really fun creative process. And those kids…their reaction literally couldn’t have made us feel any better.
THE REVEAL!!!!!
Storage Bed | Corner Unit | Twin Bed with Trundle | Cloud Comforter | Wallpaper
It’s quite possibly the cutest and best-shared bedroom for three young kids that I’ve ever seen. I can say that because Julie Rose and my team are responsible for nailing it so well. Between the wallpaper, the Velux skylights, the rug, the incredible layout, and the styling – these kids got a dream bedroom and the EHD family feels so proud to be a part of it. Julie Rose was the lead designer, Emily Bowser styled it, and it was shot by Sara Tramp – it was a real reunion of the best kind and they did such a good job I could cry (and have).
The Velux Skylights – Room Darkening Shades In The Bedroom
The Ballow Ball Pillow | Gauze Blanket | Geometric Pillow Sham | Silk Mono Stripe Pillow Cover | Woven Dash Indoor/Outdoor Pillow | Lumbar Modern Stripe Decorative Throw Pillow | Silk Mini Stripe Pillow Cover | Square Textured Stripe Tassel Decorative Throw Pillow
This whole makeover was in partnership with Velux, as I’m a massive believer in how much natural light can change/improve a room – and the more the better in the Pacific Northwest. Now, let’s break down how these Skylights work:
- Ideally, your ceiling would be vaulted, and if not then more construction is required to install them (but doable). So second-floor bedrooms are great, or first-floor if there isn’t a second story.
- These skylights are solar-powered (you don’t need to change any batteries). I’ve never had one issue with them and we use ours at the mountain house A LOT.
- They can open and close like a window – which is incredible for airflow in a second-floor bedroom.
- They have room darkening shades that block 99% of the light. I’m very sensitive to “light leak” and have zero problems with these in our bedroom. As you can see below it really blocks the light.
- They can be controlled via a remote or an app. So easy, I promise.
Below you can see the different functions of the Velux skylights. We shot them fully open to allow airflow, closed with the shades 1/2 down, and fully closed with the shades all the way down. Again, I have used Velux skylights in 4 projects now, have zero complaints, and will use them forever. They absolutely change the room for the better and are such a good product. Obviously, they come with the Velux No Leak warranty and while they can get dusty, the specialized glass is super slick, so rain washes most of it away. You honestly don’t really notice it. It’s not something that bothers us at all.
Sleeping 4 In A Room Without Bunk Beds – The Layout And Creating “Zones”
So as you can see there are two twin beds as an “L” in the corner for the girls, then a twin bed with a trundle on the right for their son and if/when any parents crash up there. The design totally maximized the space, opened up the middle floor area, and created areas of play space.
I also want to point out that beautiful roman shade from Everhem. It’s the perfect complement to the space, where it helps to frame the window, adding coziness, but doesn’t overwhelm the room at all. I love their quality. Then I, of course, also love how Bowser added the flower light garland to make this room even more whimsical.
Storage Bed | Corner Unit | Sconces (similar) | Mattress | Cloud Comforter | Unicorn Pillow | Flower String Lights
That corner piece is made for this configuration – it gives the book storage and surface area for a “nightstand”. Julie even added those cute sconces so they can control their own light. These two beds had drawers for storage – utilizing every square inch of storage space for these three kids.
The Sweetest, Most Perfect Mural Wallpaper
Butterfly Pillow | Yellow Pillow Cover | Pillow Insert | Face Pillow | Sorry! Vintage Book Edition | Candy Land Vintage Bookshelf Edition | Rainbow Basket | Ballerina Doll
This wallpaper from Rebel Walls is so incredible in a million ways – the color palette, the movement, how it climbs up the wall and engages the vault so it looks like it’s growing organically. It truly felt like a treehouse and brought the room so much magic. Not just any wallpaper would work in here. It’s a small space so we couldn’t choose anything too busy or anything too “linear” or graphic. This wallpaper has a lot of power (obviously) but it has organic movement and actually doesn’t have a lot of contrast.
Rainbow Sheet Set | Woven Blocked Stripe Throw Blanket | Desert Pillow Cover | Face Pillow | Stripe Pillow Cover | Monkey Doll | Magee Monkey Doll | Beehive Toy | Hammerhead Pillow | Octopus Pillow
Emily Bowser really thought through all the styling details (the heart mirror, the necklace hooks) and those pillows add so much playfulness and coziness.
Sloan Shelves | Rug | Canopy | Floor Cushion | Dot Pillow | Cloud Pillow | Wall Bookshelves
We created this cute little reading zone under the canopy and added vertical bookshelves (that my kids loved when they were little) so they could see the books easily and again maximize the wall space.
That Incredible Rug
Basket | Whale Pillow | Daybed And Trundle
I’ve wanted this rug from Lulu and Georgia since the second it came out last year. It’s incredible. That pattern, those colors, and it’s super soft and cozy. This side of the room houses the dresser and an art space in the corner. We ordered a beautiful hutch from Anthropologie that didn’t get there till the day after the shoot to go where the dresser is. The dresser that’s there was supposed to go under the AC until so Emily B., Sara and Lauren improvised and put hooks and shoe storage for the shoot 🙂
Stacking Bins | Painted Wood Hooks | Quilted Backpack | Umbrella
I love that mirror so much – all the details were nailed and every corner was addressed for function and style.
Marker Caddy | Wave Mirror | Dresser | Dresser Knobs | Lamp | Sheepskin Rug | Floor Cushion
Serving Tray | Linen Plain Towel
While this is a perfect and adorably styled shot, the floor pillows and my all-time favorite sheepskin rug from Article, add the perfect amount of coziness for the kids to play on.
Ottoman | Table Lamp | Tufted Floor Cushion
I also love that there are plenty of pieces that don’t look “little kid” and will age with them – like that awesome boucle ottoman from Article. Trend-forward but in a quiet way that just adds more texture to the room.
The Family’s Reaction!!
Just ridiculously cute and happy. And Sara did such an incredible job capturing the space and their energy.
Dina and her husband now have this incredibly bright room that really meets the needs and wants of her kids. As a mom, I know how life-changing that can be.
The transformation was so good that we added a ton of before and after side by sides:)
Thanks to Velux for giving the EHD team an opportunity to design such a fun space for such a lovely family. Truly a dream partnership.
1. Velux Skylight | 2. Canopy | 3. Wallpaper | 4. Roman Shade | 5. Rainbow Sheet | 6. Cloud Comforter | 7. Storage Bed | 8. Face Pillow | 9. Yellow Pillow Cover | 10. Stripe Pillow Cover | 11. Flower Lights | 12. Butterfly Pillow | 13. Magee Monkey Doll | 14. Monkey Doll | 15. Floor Cushion | 16. Dot Pillow | 17. Cloud Pillow 18. Sloan Shelves | 19. Rug | 20. Rainbow Basket | 21. Octopus Pillow | 22. Dresser Knobs | 23. Marker Caddy | 24. Wave mirror | 25. Dresser | 26. Sheepskin Rug | 27. Mattress | 28. Daybed And Trundle | 29. Woven Dash Indoor/Outdoor Pillow | 30. Silk Mono Stripe Pillow Cover | 31. Geometric Pillow Sham | 32. Lumbar Modern Stripe Decorative Throw Pillow | 33. Silk Mini Stripe Pillow Cover | 34. Square Textured Stripe Tassel Decorative Throw Pillow | 35. Woven Blocked Stripe Throw Blanket | 36. Linen Plain Towel | 37. Serving Tray | 38. Basket | 39. Ottoman | 40. Floor Cushion | 41. Whale Pillow | 42. Painted Wood Hooks | 43. Stacking Bins | 44. Quilted Backpack | 45. Umbrella | 46. Table Lamp
*This post was in partnership with Velux Skylights, but all designs and words are our own. Lead design by Julie Rose | Styled by Emily Bowser and Assisted by Lauren Day | Photography and Production by Sara Ligorria-Tramp.
Pow! This is GLORIOUS! What an amazing space for the kids. Truly made me smile : )
This is actually magical. One of the best rooms I have ever seen. The photos alone were enough to bring me to tears. I don’t think I can watch the video – I might end up sobbing uncontrollably!
I agree! Although I couldn’t find the video.
should be working now 🙂
This room!!!! Bravo Julie! The color, the pattern, the rug, the wallpaper, THAT CANOPY…I love all of it!
thank you!!!
Phenomenal!! My heart is bursting with joy for this family! The EHD team really hit it out of the park!! Hilariously – I had a spark of recognition when I saw the new room layout, then realized that it’s identical to my 3-person dorm room layout in a 1950s building where the rooms were big rectangles. Worked really well for three college students who are now still best friends 20 years later 🙂 I can perfectly see how it will grow with these kiddos.
This is so, so good!
this is SO INSANELY good, I can’t stop looking at it! WELL DONE!
Julie! always an inspiring design. The color combination is unique and captivating, fresh!
thank you! Emily B. did an amazing job pulling all the colors from the wallpaper together through the styling.
You all work so well together!
One of my favorite room reveals yet– it’s really lovely and sweet and joyful, all things these kiddos need!
This might be one of my favorite rooms ever! it’s so bright and happy without being overwhelming – I LOVE that wallpaper and the skylights.
Wow! One of the best makeovers you guys have done. Seriously gorgeous!
This is incredible! Easily one of my favorite transformations that you guys have ever done. The amount of function that you’ve packed into the space without making it feel cluttered is truly impressive. I love the color palette and the balance of colors and textures and the fun details of everyday accessories, like the mirrors– everything works together so well! And it may be a kids’ room, but this 42 year old would move in in a second!
thank you & same!
Amazing!!! Amazing!!! That wallpaper! The rug!!! The happy little faces!!
Does anyone have any tips/tricks on making a bed like these? I find making a bed that is ‘enclosed’ like this very strenuous. I mean, wrestling the mattress, getting the bedclothes to lay right, etc. Am I missing something? Or am I just lazy?
I agree–that’s the only detail in this gorgeous functional room that stuck out for me. I love the look, but it’s impossible to maintain on a daily basis, especially if you want the kids to help make their beds. This seems a perfect spot to use that all-in-one zipper bedding: https://beddys.com/collections/beddys/products/evan-beddys?variant=39792777134170
I haven’t tried them but there is a brand called Beddy’s that is basically like a sleeping bag for your bed! It just zips up. May be worth checking out. I think they have a back to school sale going right now. Good luck.
I read every day, but I don’t usually comment, but I had to this time. Like other commentators, I think this is one of my favorite rooms you have done! I think part of it is because it is so approachable, like it looks amazing, but not completely unattainable. Also so practical, with three kids sharing it! I have had three kids sharing rooms before, and it is hard to get the number of beds plus dresser space to work all together. The velux skylights add a lot to the room, and really make it a brighter place. I would love it though if we were given an idea of what that would cost to add to our own homes. Like, how much is putting in a skylight or two? Also, any idea on what adding that amount of wallpaper would be? I know that costs vary a lot for installation, but how many rolls were used? I know there are calculators for these kind of things, but it can be nice to look at a room and have an idea of what it would cost to replicate a mural type wallpaper in my own house. Once again, though, such… Read more »
I’d love to know the cost on the skylights too. I have two old ones in my kitchen with no functionality and I’d love to eventually have them replaced.
We had all 6 of our existing skylights/flashings replaced in 2019 for $5500 (when we replaced our roof). They are all Velux Fixed Curb Mounts with no window coverings and varied in price based on size. Two are 46”x46” ($1,080 each with flashing kits), three are 34”x34” ($948 each with flashing kits) and one is 22”x22” ($539 with flashing kit). Velux skylight measurements refer to the Inside Curb of the skylight (the curb is the box frame built for the skylight to be mounted on). The cost for operable skylights or new skylights where none exist would be higher.
Oh, and if you have a choice Deck Mounted skylights are better in most cases (lower profile, better energy efficiency….). Ours were already Curb Mounted so we didn’t change it.
Thank you for sharing this pricing info! I never thought about replacing the existing skylights in our bedroom but when I saw in this post that these can open and have the built in shades and are solar powered, I realized that ours now seem really outdated. Those would be such nice features to have and honestly for a window install that seems really reasonable.
asked velux and got a response for you! they wrote, “The total cost, including the skylights shades and installation, was roughly $7,500. To find out more about typical costs to install new skylights or to replace existing skylights, check out VELUX’s costs page: https://whyskylights.com/skylight-costs“
Oooooh mmmmmy goooooooodness!!!
I got teary reading this one.
The love-energy of this family is so obvious.
Melt my heart!!! ❤
The Velux skylights are the perfect solution .
I have a central hallway with zero natural light and … no actual light fitting!
I haven’t tackled it, because it’s such a conundrum.
I can’t afford a skylight or that’d be the dream solution.
Gah!
The wallpaper immediately remindedc me of “Where the Wild Things Are”, withoutany scary undertones.
Truly stunning and so creative for young minds to create adventures in.
Julie, you create such beautiful, meaningful bedroom spaces!
Such a knack for functional beauty, brimming with comfort.
Absolutely an A-team on this project, for sure.
EHD….you’ve done it again.💞💞💞
thank you, Rusty! Those skylights are always such a game changer for natural light in any space.
Yes!!! I was wondering why the wallpaper looked vaguely familiar. Loved the book and this room makeover.
This room is amazing! And I say that as a parent of four kids. We actually have that storage bed corner unit combo and it’s held up great and I’ve really loved it. All of this is so thoughtful and practical. Really, really impressed. Best project I’ve seen on this blog in years and super inspiring!
love to hear that about the corner unit & thank you so much!
What an amazing transformation!!
The room is beautiful but the picture of the older kids standing on the bed looking out of the open skylight gave me jitters – is there a guard or anything in place to keep them from climbing out?
I agree that this room is beautiful but also had the same safety concern. With the way he’s standing it looks like a climbing child could easily pull up on that skylight.
I imagine the skylights are screened, right? I’ve had skylights before and they always came with screens.
reached out to velux for more clarity – “Good question! The skylights have bug screens just like on the vertical windows, so no one can climb out.” hope this helps 🙂
This is probably the best children’s bedroom I have ever seen. It’s so full of life, movement, colour, texture, and fun without being overwhelming. It also still feels like a kids room but not baby. It is also different than every other professionally styled kid’s room I have seen lately. Bravo!
Thanks so much & Emily B. did such a beautiful job with all the final touches!
This is the best makeover I’ve ever seen on this site. Magical, livable, and so well designed for the specific family needs. Congratulations to all involved, and wishing many happy years ahead for this wonderful family.
Thank you & they are truly the best / most deserving family to enjoy this space for years to come!
Wow wow wow! This room packs a delicious punch! Form meets function meets beauty meets tranquility meets fun. One thought I had was where is the closet?
Thanks so much! The closet is behind the wall where the white dresser is (or to the left of the corner beds), you can see part of the door in some of the photos. Hope that helps!
I’m obsessed. I’ve been reflecting on my kids shared bedroom a lot since your post about designing with your daughter, Emily, and how they just love and need color, and wow, this is SUCH a great follow up to that. I want Julie to design my kids’ bedroom!! Also absolutely yes to all the natural light.
Thanks so much Kara, I love designing kid’s bedrooms! We are always looking for new projects and can work with you remotely as well through VHD E-design.
Love this. And it’s amazing how the wallpaper unifies everything without being overwhelming.
I’d love to watch the reveal video, but I can’t find it anywhere!
it’s right above the “family” section – it may be missing if you have an ad blocker turned on 🙂
AMAZING!!! What a transformation and a top 10 for me with the use of the space, the colors, the family friendliness of it all!! Well done to everyone!!
Well done Julie! The color pallete and layout are so great!
Super! Emily proves yet again she is a talented designer!
Reading this made my day!!! Smiling, happy crying, in awe at each and every thoughtful, stunning detail — I have read every single post on this blog every single day for 10+ years (and have commented maybe twice?), but posts like this always strike me at what incredible ARTISTS you all are (and I love the EHD alum reunion!!!!). This is such a gorgeous work of art of a space – Julie, you outdid yourself and I love every single thing you’ve ever designed! What a beautiful, happy, wonderful project. Thank you for sharing!!! xx
thank you so much, it always means a lot when an avid reader / rare commenter leaves a special note for us!
So happy! So bright! Love it!
A+. Excellent post, totally amazing design, wonderful list of beautiful and useful products.
Is there a reading lamp under the canopy? So cozy!!
I tracked down the video link on Velux’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qktw0LEd2fo. It’s so cute! Well worth the watch.
I’m curious, on the Anthropologie dresser that didn’t arrive in time for the shoot, do you still get it for free or do you save it for a different shoot? Or do you have to pay for it now?
Thank you!! So many of us have ad blockers these days that the YouTube link is super helpful.
This is fabulous, and adorable. Such a transformation. Love the wallpaper! Love the canopy, and all sorts of little details here. Really amazing – great job, Julie & team!
This is one of my favorite room re-dos of all time!
An amazing transformation, love it. Such great use of space.
What a wonderful, delightful and magical room – you did a fantastic job Julie!
You’ve made the room look at least two times bigger with all the design elements! That wall paper climbing up the sides gives such a cozy, magical outdoorsy feeling, especially with the sky above peeking through the skylights! The wall paper camouflages the angles of the walls which I think really helps make the space look larger, great choice!
I love that you used the corner beds, that configuration always seems extra fun (easy for a whispered late night chats!) and it allows for so much more floor space for playing! The canopy seating area is so fun and the bed with trundle is also such a great choice! Too bad the Anthropologie cabinet didn’t arrive on time, it looks to be a perfect piece too and you made sure that there is lots of storage for clothes and toys.
I love this room so much, great work Julie and EHD Team!!
Thank you so much, you touched on all the goals we aimed to achieved with this design. So happy that it conveys it through the reveal photos!
Perfection! Can we see a link to the missing hutch so we can mentally plug it in place? Darling, just as it is. I’d be happy to be one of those kids in that terrific space.
Thanks so much Patricia! The hutch was actually linked in the post above under “That Incredible Rug” section but it’s the Fern Storage Cabinet in Grey from Anthropologie. The idea was to invest in the larger furniture pieces & rug so they had more longevity as the kids grow up!
OMG I was loving this reveal until you got to the rug! Now I am entirely consumed by jealousy and regret. I fell in love with that rug last year and seriously debated getting it for our living room and went with something less busy from Nordic Knots instead. But to see it actually in a space – it’s incredible.
I may or may not be purchasing it for my space soon as well!
My goodness, this room is such a work of art. So lovely, and happy, and perfect for the kiddos. Definitely one of my favorite makeovers of all time. Bravo!
BEST ROOM MAKEOVER EVER!!!!!!!!!!! wish my 3 kids were little so I could recreate EVERYTHING at my place!!
thank you!
Beautiful room!
Barf to outdoor shoes indoors.
Many, many thanks for the Newsletter I like the proper utilization of spaces every room was thoughtfully designed and decor which look excellent. Best Regards Khurram
oh my gosh, I would have never figured out a good layout for three kids without bunk or lofts beds, but Julie and team did it without making it look too crowded and thought of everything! The storage, the mirrors, the cozy reading spots – it’s absolutely beautiful! Also, I wouldn’t have thought to put that rug in a child’s room, but now I’m obsessed with the idea. I agree with others – probably one of my fave EHD reveals yet!
*or loft beds
Thank you Heather! It was definitely a challenge but it all came together and just so happy those kids feel at home in their new space.
This is gorgeous! I noticed that in the before photos there was a bookshelf with a ton of books but it doesn’t look like they all made it in the after photos. Are they in that closed storage that replaced the bookshelves? My kids love to read and have a LOT of books that we want contained, beautifully if possible. Looking for ideas!
Also, will all 3 kids clothes fit in the hutch, the dresser and the under bed drawers?
All great questions! Yes, some of the books are now enclosed in the cabinet in the same area and the other are in the vertical shelves next to the canopy. The original plan was to have the white dresser plus this Fern Storage Cabinet to store additional books/toys up top and then more clothes in the enclosed drawers below. They also have a closet area that isn’t pictured but you can see the partial door in some of the shots that is left of the corner bed area and behind the wall of the white dresser. Hope that answers everything!
I love that wallpaper so MUCH! I had a cousin in Ohio who had an attic bedroom, and I was so jealous. As she was the only daughter until her early teens, she didn’t even need to share (of course, it was much smaller than this room).
This is just so joyful. Love it! That wallpaper is perfectly gorgeous in the space.
As a fellow Velux lover I wanted to mention one of the best parts of the openable windows is that they have rain sensors! If they feel rain, they close automatically. SUCH peace of mind.