Photograph by Jeff Herr
With four school-age children, the Lott family needs room to play. Designer Kathryn McAdams turned the terrace level of their West Cobb home into a space for poolside entertaining, including a bunk room for the kids. “There’s a lot of rambunctiousness going on, and they’re always having sleepovers.”
Spot on
“Tanzania” wallpaper by Thibault is playful but not childish, so adult guests also feel welcome. Wainscoting keeps the busy pattern from overwhelming the room and reduced the cost of the pricey wallcovering.
Window treatment
Ribbon-trimmed valances are fixed, with honeycomb shades mounted behind for privacy and light control. Functional valances quickly lose their shape, says McAdams, while fixed treatments require less fabric and are more affordable.
Book smart
A narrow shelf tucked between the beds and the windows holds books and charging stations, and wall sconces provide bedside lighting. A hanging chair (not shown) is an inviting spot to snuggle up with a book. “I always encourage reading in children’s rooms,” says McAdams.
Hide-a-bed
McAdams designed a platform for two twin beds that fit end-to-end, with a trundle that pulls out in the middle. Shallow nightstands won’t get in the way of the extra mattress.
Creative space
McAdams prefers to encourage children’s imaginations and avoids juvenile themes in kids rooms. Wall-mounted clipboards (not shown) make it easy for the kids to hang their artwork.
This article originally appeared in our October 2017 issue.
