about the room

Creating a design concept for a shared kids' bedroom was straightforward for Jennifer Hamilton, a summer intern with Richmond, Va.-based design firm Glave & Holmes Associates. She started with twin goals: give the boys more privacy by creating additional space and make the room livelier.

To free up space, Hamilton got rid of the boys' twin beds, replacing them with bunk beds. With a canopy over the top bunk, Hamilton says, Sheck's nephews will enjoy more privacy. Keeping with a youthful theme and the goal of making bedtime seem more fun, she added nighttime-themed lighting, using lamps in the shape of moons and stars, to each bunk.

Since this bedroom is in a vacation home, Hamilton wanted to avoid traditional furniture -- desks and standard chairs. Instead, she recommends pieces such as brightly colored bean bag chairs and a toy chest. Creating a space in which the children could have fun, Hamilton says, was important here.

By adding the chalkboard wall panels, says Hamilton, the kids can personalize their space. Overall, she says, the bedroom now has a contemporary feel -- and will allow for easy transition as the boys get older.

audio from the designer

Jennifer Hamilton explains her creative vision for this room redesign.

Editor: Andrea N. Browne for washingtonpost.com

chat with the designer

Jennifer Hamilton was onlne to discuss her design concept. Read the transcript.

the layout