Our clients came to us to help design a bedroom and dressing room for their teenage son, Luke. A room he could enjoy now at 13 years old, but would also grow with him as he matured. The teen is accomplished in judo, a football fan, as well as being a keen golfer and PlayStation gamer. The bedroom should show his personality and have space for him to entertain his friends. Have smart technology integrated where possible.
Initially, this design was a bit out of our comfort zone, not having worked with any kids up until this point. Luke had his own ideas and let us know what colours he preferred. Being a Celtic fan, he started off with Green; however, after having a think, he decided on a Navy accent paired with sophisticated warm grey tones.
The space originally was two bedrooms and would be combined into one large bedroom with a dressing room and an en-suite.
The bed is the focal point as you enter the room; it appears to be floating with LED lighting underneath and cleverly sits on clear acrylic feet. The headboard is padded in suede with built-in box storage with a built-in phone charger, surrounded by built-in LED lighting. Additional floating box shelves to display awards and football memorabilia are fitted. Pendant lighting on either side of the king-size bed can be controlled with all other lighting by Luke’s mobile phone. The door to the bedroom door can also be locked at the bedside drawer.
Opposite the bed, staggered storage with a TV support panel and drop-down desk for homework, provides a multi-purpose zone for work and play. Awards, trophies and sports memorabilia are on display here, too.
Wanted to create an interesting ceiling, by dropping the perimeter allowed for discreet LED lighting to highlight charcoal fluted timber. A space was left at the main window wall for recessing the curtains.
A corner of the space was dedicated to the new en-suite. By using this corner to work in the wardrobes, it returns around into a dedicated dressing area. Flooring in the main bedroom area is carpeted, and then changing to large format tiles in the WC and dressing room. Cosy with underfloor heating all round and no need for radiators. The corner element is open shelved with integrated lighting to break up the run and to showcase books and artefacts.
The dressing area can be closed off by a curtain, providing privacy when changing and closing off light from the small window to the bedroom at sleep time. Within the dressing area, a recess space is now covered by an electronically operated ghost door clad in mirror. We now have a secret storage space that you would think is a full-height mirror alone. Some glass-fronted units also help to lighten the dressing area; again, integrated lighting can be on permanently or turn on when the doors are opened.
A very sophisticated space for a young man, but maintaining a sense of youth.