When I was a kid and my parents took us to open houses for fun, my sister and I always claimed the most interesting room as “ours”: the one with a secret compartment, the room with the biggest windows, and so on. If we toured Kristin’s house, the attic turned into her daughter Ella’s bedroom would win hands-down. It’s the kind of space that would spark an instant argument about who has “dibs.” Here’s Kristin’s letter about the project:
Hi everyone! I had trouble choosing which project to share, but I’m going with my daughter Ella’s room for a few reasons: a) the story involves dead pigeons — and what renovation tale doesn’t have a little grossness? b) it isn’t a kitchen — ours still needs work — and c) you seem to like kid rooms that are playful and flexible. So here’s the story.
When we first toured the house, the mansard roof and the attic captured our imagination. Despite deteriorated brick, water-damaged wood, and the remains of pigeons, we could see potential: a treetop bedroom with character. We were sold.
Demolition started and we removed rotted pine flooring, saving a single wall of tongue-and-groove pine. That wall became a key feature.
We designed custom wardrobes and had them built at a local millwork shop; these provide storage and cleverly conceal the ductwork that serves this floor and the one below. Then we covered the exposed rafters and installed beadboard between them to create a finished, cozy ceiling.
The saved pine boards were installed on the front wall, adding rich texture. That wall now functions as a constantly changing activity and display area for Ella’s drawings and projects.
Do you notice the map propped against those angled boards? It’s subtle in photos but charming in person. From the dormer window you can see the Gateway Arch and summer fireworks — a delightful bonus to the room.
I’ll include a before-and-after of the mansard we rebuilt — mostly my husband’s work since I was pregnant and then caring for a newborn. The mansard is integral to Ella’s room, but it was an expensive necessity: slate and copper aren’t cheap. I always joked that Ella had the most expensive nursery on the block — our own labor helped a lot. Enjoy! — Kristin
If you want more details and photos from Kristin’s makeover, check her blog for the full story about how lucky Ella’s room became. Thanks for sharing, Kristin! Now, who’s ready to fight me for that attic room?