TL;DR
A Brooklyn couple’s 9×9-foot bedroom was renovated to improve storage and aesthetics. They used IKEA PAX wardrobes and a custom mural to create a functional, calming space. The project highlights affordable, creative solutions for small bedrooms.
A Brooklyn couple transformed their 9×9-foot bedroom by installing IKEA PAX wardrobes and painting a custom mural, significantly improving storage and aesthetics. This renovation addresses common small-space challenges and offers affordable design solutions for renters and homeowners alike.
The couple, who previously decorated their apartment with a girl-coded aesthetic, needed a more inclusive and functional design after moving in together. The main challenge was the limited space, which initially lacked sufficient storage and made movement around the bed difficult.
They repositioned the bed against a different wall to create more room on either side, then added two IKEA PAX wardrobes with GULLABERG doors on each side of the bed. To create a seamless look, they laid painted pine planks across the wardrobes and used a tension rod with a valance to hide the upper storage, making the wardrobes appear as built-in nooks. This setup doubled storage capacity and provided space for both partners to move comfortably.
The first step in the redesign was updating the room’s paint with a traditional landscape mural in Benjamin Moore’s “White Rain” and “Covington Blue” accents. The mural depicts woodland scenery, adding a calming, serene atmosphere that complements the new layout and storage solutions.
Innovative Small-Space Storage Solutions for Renters
This project demonstrates how affordable, DIY modifications like IKEA wardrobes and painted murals can transform tiny apartments into functional, personalized spaces. It offers practical ideas for renters and small-space dwellers seeking to maximize storage without sacrificing style or comfort.
IKEA PAX wardrobe with GULLABERG doors
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Small Brooklyn Apartment Challenges and Creative Solutions
Living in a compact Brooklyn apartment, the couple faced typical space constraints, including limited closet and storage options. The original bedroom layout was simple but restrictive, especially after the second partner moved in. The redesign reflects a broader trend of small-space optimization, combining budget-friendly furniture with personalized decor to create a more livable environment.
The use of IKEA PAX wardrobes as both storage and nightstands is part of a growing DIY movement that emphasizes affordability and customization in urban living spaces.
“The couple’s innovative use of IKEA PAX wardrobes and a custom mural transformed their tiny bedroom into a functional and calming retreat.”
— Apartment Therapy
DIY bedroom mural wallpaper
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Details Still Unclear About Long-Term Durability
It is not yet clear how the IKEA PAX wardrobes will hold up over time in a high-traffic, small-bedroom environment, or how the mural will age with exposure to light and humidity. Further updates or user feedback may shed light on the longevity of these solutions.
small space storage solutions for bedroom
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Next Steps for the Couple’s Small-Space Living Strategy
The couple may consider additional customizations or storage solutions as their needs evolve. They might also share their experience with the IKEA PAX wardrobes and mural in a detailed review or guide for others facing similar space constraints. Monitoring how the space functions over time will inform future small-space redesigns.
tension rod valance for closet hiding
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Key Questions
How did the couple create more storage in such a small bedroom?
They installed two IKEA PAX wardrobes on either side of the bed, added painted pine planks across the top to mimic built-in cabinetry, and used a tension rod with a valance to hide upper storage, maximizing every available inch.
What style is the mural, and how does it enhance the room?
The mural depicts a traditional woodland landscape in calming shades of blue and white, adding serenity and visual interest to the small space while complementing the overall design.
Is this a permanent solution for a rental apartment?
Yes, as a DIY project, it is renter-friendly. The furniture and mural can be removed without damage, making it a flexible, non-permanent renovation.
What challenges might arise with this setup over time?
Potential issues include the durability of the painted mural and the stability of the wardrobes in daily use. Regular maintenance and care will be necessary to preserve the aesthetic and functionality.
Could this design be adapted for larger bedrooms?
Yes, similar principles of maximizing storage and creating a calming environment can be scaled for larger spaces, though the specific furniture choices might differ.
Source: Apartment Therapy
