Bunk rooms are back: from sleepaway camps to chic escapes
Remember the thrill of claiming the top bunk, the whispered secrets after lights out, the playful jostling for the prime sleeping spot? Bunk rooms, once relegated to sleepaway camps and family lake houses, are experiencing a sophisticated resurgence. But these aren’t your childhood bunks—designers are elevating the concept into a stylish, space-saving staple for even the most discerning homeowners.
Redefining space, embracing nostalgia
The modern bunk room transcends its novelty status, evolving into a deliberate design choice. Whether nestled in a beach house, a mountain retreat, or a chic urban residence, these spaces offer a clever solution for accommodating guests while injecting a dose of playful nostalgia. Designers are moving beyond mere functionality, crafting enclosed capsules, lofted sanctuaries, and integrated spaces that seamlessly blend practicality with luxury.
Michael DeTemple emphasizes the importance of treating bunk rooms as destinations in their own right, not just overflow sleeping quarters. Nell Diamond, founder of Hill House Home, illustrates this perfectly with her Windham, New York, home, where Lauren Carlucci layered floral wallpaper, printed bedding, and rich textures to create a distinct and inviting atmosphere for Diamond’s sons. “Maximizing sleeping capacity is often the starting point,” Carlucci notes, “but the ultimate goal is to make the room feel cozy and a little magical.”
For those short on floor space, looking upwards is the key. Constanza Collarte of Collarte Interiors ingeniously integrated a built-in sleeping loft into an Aspen home, transforming the vertical space into a cozy perch for guests. This approach not only expands sleeping capacity but also preserves the integrity of the main living areas, echoing the charm of classic cabins and lodges.
Americana, color, and coastal charm
The design possibilities are vast. Caitlin Creer's Connecticut home showcases the timeless appeal of Americana style, anchored by Sister Parish’s Serendipity wallpaper and accented with soft blues and crisp whites. The result? A playful yet polished space that appeals to guests of all ages.
But don't limit yourself to neutrals. Annie Downing’s Lake Austin, Texas, home proves that bold color can be just as enduring, showcasing a saturated yellow palette amplified by matching patterned curtains and wallcoverings. Downing observes, “children’s rooms and bunk spaces are often where clients are most willing to take risks, and those risks usually end up creating the most memorable rooms in a home.”
Coastal-inspired designs don't need to rely on tired nautical clichés. Mark Cunningham’s Martha’s Vineyard home demonstrates this beautifully, utilizing warm wood paneling and built-in millwork to evoke the feeling of a classic sailboat’s sleeping quarters. A central built-in booth encourages gathering and conversation, transforming the space into more than just a collection of beds—it's a social hub.
Maximalism and vintage resort style
Even maximalism can find a home within the bunk room concept. Ghislaine Viñas' Montauk vacation home exemplifies this, pairing a graphic Flavor Paper wallcovering with vivid orange built-ins to create a captivating focal point. She rethinks the traditional bunk bed approach, opting for integrated steps that are “more intuitive and comfortable for guests of all ages and sizes,” while cleverly incorporating storage to maintain a sense of order.
Finally, Lindsay Rhodes' Florida design taps into the allure of vintage resort style, transforming a small vestibule into a charming sleeping nook with layered cabana-like stripes, floral drapery, and brass accents. The result is a space that transports guests to a bygone era of seaside elegance.
The bunk room’s evolution is a testament to design’s ability to reimagine familiar concepts. It's a space that skillfully marries nostalgia, practicality, and style, proving that even the most humble sleeping arrangement can be elevated into a memorable and inviting experience. And with imaginative design, the magic of the bunk room isn’t just for summer anymore.