Stickybeak of the Week: Clutter-Free Space for Brotherly Bonding
Curated belongings and built-in storage create a calm, inviting space for two young brothers
Tucked into this Vancouver bedroom are sweet nighttime nests for two young brothers, as well as ample hidden storage. For this redo, the parents asked designer Melissa Barling to tidy up the boys’ room and give it an uncluttered, calm feel with a place for their growing collection of toys, books and clothes.
AFTER: The new layout, which accommodates both kids, includes a single bed on one side of the room and a crib on the opposite.
The biggest goal was to maximise floor space to ensure the boys had a play area. The parents also wanted the space to feel calm, tidy and uncluttered, giving the boys a peaceful place to sleep.
The biggest goal was to maximise floor space to ensure the boys had a play area. The parents also wanted the space to feel calm, tidy and uncluttered, giving the boys a peaceful place to sleep.
The crib was the only existing piece of furniture the family wanted to keep for the room. Barling used it as inspiration and paired it with the vertical shelving.
The designer likes the wall unit because it adds clean, modern design while providing storage and display space. The open display also makes it easier for Rafael to reach toys and books himself.
The boys’ mum and dad love to go to local markets on the weekends, and many of the kids’ accessories and toys were handmade by Vancouver-area companies.
Natural elements, such as the rug and oversized baskets, soften the space and add texture. The soft rug is a much-loved item, and Rafael laid down on it right away when he first saw the new room, Barling says. The star decals on the wall give the appearance of wallpaper but are easy to remove.
The designer likes the wall unit because it adds clean, modern design while providing storage and display space. The open display also makes it easier for Rafael to reach toys and books himself.
The boys’ mum and dad love to go to local markets on the weekends, and many of the kids’ accessories and toys were handmade by Vancouver-area companies.
Natural elements, such as the rug and oversized baskets, soften the space and add texture. The soft rug is a much-loved item, and Rafael laid down on it right away when he first saw the new room, Barling says. The star decals on the wall give the appearance of wallpaper but are easy to remove.
Rafael is growing up in a musical family and already loves playing different instruments, Barling says, especially his little guitar. Other instruments are kept in one of the baskets on top of the shelves. They can easily be brought down when baby brother Leo is awake, then put away for nap time.
“It’s amazing how hiding toys can provide visual clarity and allow everyone to feel more calm when they spend time in there,” Barling says.
Before everything could neatly fit on the shelves, the family went through the kids’ belongings and got rid of anything that wasn’t needed.
“When living in a small space, keeping toys and clothes streamlined is key,” Barling says.
Everyone was surprised to see how much could fit in the room without it feeling cluttered, she says. Her pro tip? Declutter before you plan the space.
“It’s amazing how hiding toys can provide visual clarity and allow everyone to feel more calm when they spend time in there,” Barling says.
Before everything could neatly fit on the shelves, the family went through the kids’ belongings and got rid of anything that wasn’t needed.
“When living in a small space, keeping toys and clothes streamlined is key,” Barling says.
Everyone was surprised to see how much could fit in the room without it feeling cluttered, she says. Her pro tip? Declutter before you plan the space.
The family’s favourite feature is all the storage, Barling says. The clear shelves above the bed showcase books and will easily hold new ones.
The closet across from the bed provides storage and a play surface because the doors are painted with chalkboard paint. The large baskets hold toys, stuffed animals and books.
Nursery at a Glance
Who uses it: Two young boys, Rafael and Leonardo
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Size: 10.4 square metres
Designer: Melissa Barling of Winter Daisy Interiors
BEFORE: The room was set up as a nursery for Rafael, 2, but his parents needed to make it work for two children because a baby was on the way.