A Kid's Castle

Kids' bedrooms have undergone a makeover. No longer a box for sleeping, homework and dressing, they've transformed into whimsical, fantasy-driven or bigger-than-life retreats for your littlest custom clients. We've included six ideas you might want to consider the next time you're building for a client with children.

1. A Castle Built for a Kid
   
   • The castle was constructed of lightweight concrete, carved and faux-painted on site. The main bed is built in, and kids can transform it into a fortress by closing the drapes. The castle also houses a bunk bed, toy storage and closets. The two turrets, an upper walkway and a wooden drawbridge lead to the slide, which ends at the knight's armor. The desk was created between two protruding walls.
   • A mural depicting castle walls encircles the room, completing the fantasy. Adjoining panels made of faux-finished plaster that mimics stone were created, along with under-counter storage and file drawers.
2. Pint-Size Construction Site
   
   • Bunk beds offer a compact way to house brothers — or to accommodate sleepovers. A desk and bulletin board is tucked underneath the top bunk. This sturdy structure should be properly secured to the wall.
   • A mural draws interest to an otherwise quiet corner of the room. Leave a large space on the wall to be prepped and painted by an interior designer or muralist.
3. Sitting Pretty
   
   • A window seat with plenty of storage makes a nice resting place for fuzzy friends. Canned lighting illuminates the bench for reading or chatting. Crown molding incorporates the entire structure, tying it into the rest of the house.
   • Flanking bookcases make good use of an angled ceiling/eave.
4. Storybook Room Comes Alive
   
   • A fanciful hand-painted mural wraps the room in scenes from the series "The Chronicles of Narnia."
   • A handmade bed frame and desk nestle in a lifelike sculpture of trees based on those in the Narnian forest.
5. Under the Big Tent
   
   • In this children's common entertainment area, a wide, multistriped canvas, which matches the faux finish on the walls, creates the tent. The designers chose paint instead of fabric because it is more child-resistant and can give the appearance of a billowing tent.
   • Built-in toy storage and a large entertainment system for games and videos keep the floor clear for active play.
6. Futuristic Fun
   
   • The boy's room's design — a departure from the rest of the house — reflects his high-tech interests. Ultramodern furnishings; a curving desk and dresser; lime-green Venetian plaster walls; and multiple flat-screen TVs mounted on metal trusses complete the look.
   • Various ceiling levels plus cove and spot lighting add to the innovative feel of the room.