Before and After: This Designer Created a Backlit Mountain Range Wall Panel for a Kid’s Room

A couple of weeks before interior designer Jennifer Press, who owns Press Interiors, went into labor, she was hired to redesign a kid’s room in New York City. “I went to my first site meeting five weeks postpartum, and the entire project was completed four months later, from start to finish,” Press shares. 

Some significant changes happened in the bedroom in that relatively short time frame. Press’ client wanted “a nature theme without being too kitschy,” so Press created a backlit upholstered mountain range behind the child’s bed. “I remember taking a leap of faith and presenting it to the client, unsure if they would go for something so unconventional,” Press reminisces. It’s no surprise that the client loved Press’s suggestion, and it’s now one of their favorite elements in the room — the outline brings a little bit of nature into city life. 

Press also selected materials for the room that are easily cleanable, like the wool rug: “The combination of a toddler and a pup often leads to spills and accidents. This meant only considering durable furniture and fibers that are not precious (nothing with jute or viscose was sourced!).”

“I made sure to tell Jen that we wanted different ‘stations’ incorporated into the space, and she took that to heart,” the client says. “The end result allows us to comfortably spend time together in his updated room as a family. We can easily move from the tent to the play table to the open space for imaginative play.”

To achieve this goal, Press used custom millwork that she designed to create a zone for the play table. “I intentionally made the countertop standard-countertop height so he can grow into it, but utilized cubbies beneath to make it more kid-friendly,” Press explains. “I like mixing materials, so the shelves match the wood floors, and the rest is painted to match the walls.”

The custom millwork was one of Press’s favorite parts of the room, which tied the new space together. When Press saw the child’s reaction, the whole project was even more special. 

“I was able to witness the child excitedly run into his room after the install, and it was one of the more rewarding post-installation experiences I’ve had,” Press shares. “I’ll never forget it! He was so thrilled and was absolutely beaming from ear-to-ear.”

• Paint — Benjamin Moore’s 875 Blue Veil
• Ceiling Wallpaper — Scandinavian Wallpaper – Clouds 9413W
• Play Table & Chairs — Tender Leaf Toys – Forest Table and Chairs
• Rug — Ally Bello Rugs – Custom-Colored Pebble Rug
• Duvet Cover — Pottery Barn Kids – Dino Bones Glow-in-the-Dark Duvet Cover
• Bedside Table — Article – Lenia, White Oak
• Bedside Table Lamp — Honey & Ivy – Mooshie Table Lamp, Olive Green
• Bed — Crate & Kids – Finn Twin Bed, Sage
• Dresser — Create & Kids – Finn Wide Dresser, Sage