Once upon a time, there was an unused walk-in closet that dreamed of being so much more.
I crafted a plan to turn this 8’x11′ footprint into a bunk room by reconfiguring the layout—adding a new entrance and a shared closet with the primary bedroom.
My design plan included built-in bunk beds, a whimsical forest landscape mural, and plenty of natural organic textures for a cozy woodsy treehouse feel.
Nature stepped in and gave us fallen oak trees from Hurricane Milton—the perfect opportunity for Lucas to create a one-of-a-kind, hand carved ladder.
This project has been months in the making, with long hours and careful attention poured into every detail.
Today, our storybook dream has come to life. Welcome to our cozy treehouse hideaway…
The woodsy wall mural was the jumping off point for this room, and I ran with that vision. Inspired by the classic storybooks we often read to our kids, this space was meant to feel like a treehouse where woodland creatures might curl up by candlelight (but with a modern twist).
We intentionally left space underneath the bottom bunk—just enough room to store suitcases. One of the many details we thought through for our guests (not to mention: USB outlets above each bed platform, a compact cage ceiling fan/light, and switch-operated wall sconces).
This vacation rental is designed with families in mind, and I can already hear the kids calling dibs on the bunk room. Although as a grown woman, I’d fight over this room too.
Originally we had planned to add a settee along this wall to seat two people, but I pushed back and eventually Lucas came around to the idea of a chair. It’s such a small space and would have been very cramped with the settee. Plus, the chair is comfy and it swivels! Do you think it was the right call?
I chose a round picture-frame mirror because it reminds me of treehouse windows from classic storybooks. The shape also mimics the real window we added above the top bunk to let some natural light in. I couldn’t find any actual windows I liked (in my price range), so I used a brass porthole and Lucas retro-fitted it to the drywall.
The crown jewel of this room and perhaps the most special piece in the entire house is the ladder. I still can’t believe Lucas spent months hand-carving this from a fallen oak tree. It took countless hours, many setbacks and a lot of trial and error, but it all worked out in the end—and what a showstopper it is.
This room is missing one thing: a TV on the wall next to the ladder. When Lucas went to hang it, he realized that the mount didn’t fit our TV, so that will be installed later (along with a DIY TV frame). I’ll admit I’m not mad that the TV didn’t make it into this shoot—it’s a compromise I’ve made because our guests love TVs in the bedrooms.
To really bring in that cozy, woodsy feel, I leaned into the warmth of natural wood—flooring, beams, a stool, ladder and doors. For the pine closet and entry doors, I used a custom mix of Minwax Espresso and Benjamin Moore’s Woodluxe Mahogany stain.
If I wasn’t designing homes, you’d find me designing sets for Disney movies and parks. There’s nothing more creatively fulfilling than tapping into my inner child and letting my imagination roam free. More of these projects, please.
Sources
- Bunk bed paint: Benjamin Moore Pine Grove
- Trim/ceiling paint: Benjamin Moore Hillsborough Beige
One room down… all the rest to go! Trying to keep the momentum going with the next two bathrooms. Progress is being made, and I’ll keep you posted with updates in my IG stories. Follow me there so you don’t miss anything!
Arli says
The bunk room is so much fun! Great design. The ladder is fantastic. Lucas really outdid himself
Teresa says
Brilliant!!!! Just so, so stunning!! And that ladder — it will be legendary!!!!
Jenna Sue says
Truly his greatest work yet!
Teri says
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again you guys are crazy talented! It looks amazing.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much, Teri!
Michele M. says
Oh my gosh, Jenna Sue and Lucas – you have truly outdone yourselves. Holy moley that is dreamy. I love every single decision you made. LOVE that forest room! Love love love it and yes you should design for Disney! : – ) Well done. I cannot believe you take a simple closet and make it into that.
Just wow. I am sincerely gobsmacked.
Jenna Sue says
So sweet of you to say Michele! We sure do have fun with these bunk rooms.
catherine says
J’adore! cette petite chambre et incroyablement chouette! j’aimerais y dormir, je m’y sentirais comme dans un cocon..
et félicitations à Lucas, il a de l’or dans les doigts! et toi une imagination si féconde, c’est un grand plaisir de voir toutes vos réalisations!
Bravo!
I love it! This little room is incredibly cute! I’d love to sleep there; I’d feel like I was in a cocoon…
And congratulations to Lucas, he’s a genius! And you have such a fertile imagination; it’s a great pleasure to see all your creations!
Bravo!
@catherinecoteterres
Jenna Sue says
Merci beaucoup, Catherine!
sandi says
I can’t imagine a tree house bunk room that could be any more beautifully executed than this one. Congratulations on your beautiful execution and design and to Lucas for the one of a kind beautiful ladder.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you, Sandi! It was worth the wait 😉
Carolyn Kellam says
You and Lucas are just so amazingly creative! This transformation from a walk-in closet to a beautiful, unique, enchanting and cozy space is just incredible! I love it!!❤️
Jenna Sue says
So glad you like how it turned out, Carolyn!
Victoria says
It’s gorgeous! I love everything about the space and would absolutely hang out there. Good job!!
Karen says
Amazing space!
Rue Ann Eyler says
Another beautifully created space that is so unique. Every element is lovely and the ladder is out of a fairy tale! You and Lucas have found your calling for sure! Bravo❤️
Jenna Sue says
I really appreciate it, Rue Ann!
Dana L says
Great job! I’m curious if you might add a rug in front of the beds? When I see the room it looks like a cozy rug would fit right in.
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Dana! I’ve thought about it and I still might–it would have to be quite small to fit. For now I’m enjoying those gorgeous floors and don’t want to hide them!
Jolene says
That ladder is crazy beautiful. The room is stunning. And you look like a Disney Princess sitting up there, so that counts for something!
Jenna Sue says
Haha, thank you! Life goal achieved 👸🏻
Kim Bauer says
This is the most cozy room!!! So gorgeous! Every child who stays there is extremely lucky!
Teddee Grace says
I want it! So wonderful.
Dolores says
You both are so talented! It’s amazing! Disney would be lucky to have you!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Dolores! So glad you like it 🙂
Amy cassara says
This room looks amazing! Could you tell me what color stain was used for the wood beams? 🙂
Jenna Sue says
Thank you! It’s Minwax Coffee + Mahogany gel stains.