
1/6
A Popular Closet System Is the Key to Happiness in This Shared Tween Bedroom
Designer Anita Yokota shares insights into creating a functional and harmonious shared bedroom for her two daughters, Natalie (12) and Emily (7), who share a bunk bed. Having grown up sharing a room herself, Yokota understands the dynamics of siblings cohabiting a space, acknowledging both the squabbles and the cherished memories formed. Her immediate goal is to enhance their living area, particularly focusing on organization, as a tiny, old closet with problematic sliding doors has been a persistent challenge for the girls. Yokota, also a trained marriage and family therapist, emphasizes that constant struggles over space can negatively impact sibling relationships.
To address the closet issue, Yokota devised a clever DIY solution. She removed the original, nearly 30-year-old mirror sliding doors, which offered limited access, and replaced them with extra-tall curtain panels made from durable Sunbrella Fusion fabric. These panels were mounted on a ceiling track, allowing both girls simultaneous access to their belongings and significantly reducing conflict over space. She highlights that this simple yet effective modification has eased the stress of sharing.
Beyond the curtain solution, Yokota advocates for investing in personalized, structural storage systems within the closet. She specifically praises the Container Store's Elfa products, which she customized to include a mix of open shelves, hanging rods at varying heights for different types of clothing, and drawers. While acknowledging the initial higher cost, she argues that such systems save money in the long run by eliminating the need for numerous basic bins and baskets. She stresses the importance of customizing storage to fit odd spaces, advising against a one-size-fits-all approach.
Furthermore, Yokota offers practical advice for other aspects of a tween bedroom. For flooring, she recommends luxury vinyl tiles that mimic hardwood or, as a more budget-friendly option, washable rugs over existing carpet, recognizing that shared bedrooms often become snacking zones. To promote better sleep, she replaced old shutters with light-blocking roller shades and airy drapery, and swapped a non-bunk-bed-friendly ceiling fan for a woven pendant light, creating a more cocoon-like environment. A kid-sized mid-century inspired vanity by the window adds a functional and stylish touch.
Finally, Yokota discusses the strategic placement of a rattan swing, which, after being monopolized by the girls in the living room, found a new home in their bedroom. This whimsical, space-friendly piece, safely secured in a ceiling stud, not only adds a playful element but also provides a soothing activity beneficial for child development. The swing also implicitly encourages the girls to practice sharing and taking turns, reinforcing the positive aspects of their shared space.
#SharedBedroom #TweenRoom #ClosetOrganization #DIYStorage #HomeDesign #KidsBedroom #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving #ParentingTips #SharedBedroom #TweenRoom #ClosetOrganization #DIYStorage #HomeDesign #KidsBedroom #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving #ParentingTips
0 comment in total
No comments yetYou may also like

































































