Magazine Feature, May 2007

A north London couple wants a good quality bedroom for their young daughter that will have the potential to change as she does. Budget £20,000.

Simon selected a poplar cluster veneer for the front row of low cabinets that would run in an L-shape from the bed to a large desk on the opposite wall. The knotty design on the veneer would inspire a child’s fertile imagination to turn the shapes into objects or faces and the overall golden tone would add warmth to the room, even on the coldest of mornings.

The bed is tucked snugly into the corner of the room, with the corner transformed by dark blue panels interspersed with fibre optic star lights into a stunning night feature. The sliver headboard design is shaped like a rocket, with a pothole like picture frame that could contain the child’s favourite photo of the time.

A row of open shelves edged in American black walnut take up the wall space between the night feature’s edge and the door frame. These could be used for stuffed toys now as well as books, CDs, DVDs and photo frames later. There is plenty of space and storage for toys which could then be used for a TV or school work as the client’s daughter grows up.

“We like Simon’s idea of tucking the bed into a cosy corner, complete with its own solar system and keeping the floor area clear. The run of low cabinets would be ideal for quickly clearing away Rosie’s things from the floor, even if it is only to the top of the cabinets. With such a large floor area, we would be able to put a roll-up bed down when she had a friend staying for a sleepover. And the desktop would be large enough to double up as a dressing table, even when there was homework still waiting to be done.”

To view the full feature, read the May 2007 issue of Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms.