Room of the Day: 3 Brothers Share 1 Big Bedroom in Hawaii
With a loft, personalized areas and plenty of space for play, this shared boys’ bedroom inspires togetherness and a sense of fun
When an American couple living in Asia decided to build a vacation home on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, they asked architect Tony De Jesus to create a single bedroom for their three boys. Although there was enough space for everyone to have separate rooms in the house, the owners wanted the youngsters, who ranged in age from 3 to 9, to experience an old-fashioned shared bedroom. “They wanted the room to be a great play area for the kids,” recalls De Jesus. “Most of all, they wanted it to be fun.”
The full-size beds accommodate sleepovers and are fitted with drawers underneath for extra storage. The railing above is inset with a decorative panel inspired by the heliconia plant — a common design motif in Hawaii.
The loft was designed to be a refuge for quieter activities, like reading.
The loft was designed to be a refuge for quieter activities, like reading.
Alternating stairs lead to the loft and double as display and storage space. (De Jesus designed a similar system for his own home.) The railings ensure a safe ascent.
The floor is koala wood — a hardwood that resembles Hawaiian koa but is more affordable and sustainable.
The floor is koala wood — a hardwood that resembles Hawaiian koa but is more affordable and sustainable.
The shelf above the beds gives each boy a place to display personal possessions, so he can feel a sense of ownership for his space.
As the boys age, they can move into their own private rooms. But for now they’re building relationships and memories.
More: A Place of His Own: Boy’s First Bedroom
As the boys age, they can move into their own private rooms. But for now they’re building relationships and memories.
More: A Place of His Own: Boy’s First Bedroom
“It’s not a beach house, but they wanted it to feel like it was near water,” says the architect. To give the room a maritime feeling, he covered the walls with board and batten and applied PPG Pittsburgh Paints’ Sheffield Gray. “The whole space is wood paneled, so it’s very durable,” De Jesus says.
A TV hangs above a custom cabinet adorned with colorful drawer fronts chosen by the boys. Valances over the windows conceal shades.