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.

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.

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.

Sitting PrettyA 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.

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.

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.

Futuristic FunThe 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.