A Designer Removed Parts of a Closet and an Attic to Create a Whimsical Shared Bedroom for 3 Under 3

When interior designer Christina Cruz was tasked with redesigning a nursery for her client’s growing family, she had a big job ahead of her: The room needed to accommodate three children all under age 3 — a newborn baby boy and two toddler sisters. 

“The family had outgrown the existing setup and needed the room to support multiple stages of childhood development simultaneously,” Christina explains. “The space needed to function for a newborn while also nurturing creativity, play, independence, and rest for two toddlers. It was important that the nursery feel cohesive and calm while still allowing each child to feel connected to the room in their own way.” 

To kick off the design process, Christina worked with the homeowners to understand what they were hoping for in the space. It was important that the room felt “whimsical and magical without leaning overly thematic or juvenile,” she explains. So, they decided on a storybook-like feel for the room that could be mature and imaginative all at once. 

And they achieved that vibe, in large part, by installing forest-inspired wallpaper from Anthropologie and earthy yet bold colors on the walls (Sherwin-Williams’ Svelte Sage) and trim and ceiling (Sherwin-Williams’ Olympic Range). Shiplap on the walls adds coziness and depth, Christina explains. 

At its core, though, so much of the redesign was about functionality. Because the children are different ages, with different needs, interests, and routines, Christina wanted to create areas for activities. “[W]e strategically reworked the layout by taking space from the existing closet and a portion of the attic to create a custom reading nook and nursing area,” Christina says. “This helped establish intentional ‘zones’ within the room without making the space feel crowded.” 

For example, you enter the woodland wallpaper–draped reading nook through a rounded arch set off by two curtains — encouraging a sense of wonder and making it feel like “its own little world within the room,” Christina explains. Built-in storage houses the kids’ books, clothing, and toys. It also helps the room feel peaceful and organized (even if the cupboards’ interiors might tell a different story). It took several months to complete the room, and Christina says that “every square foot” is designed with utility in mind.

Christina says that the parents were very emotional as they watched the room come together, envisioning the space as a memory-making area that would be full of family firsts. It’s also a nod to the past, incorporating family heirlooms including vintage children’s books and a chair from their great-grandmother. Once it was complete, the kids immediately gravitated toward that cozy reading nook and the play areas, which thrilled Christina.

“What I love most is how layered and intentional the room feels,” Christina shares. “Even though it serves so many practical purposes, it still feels magical, calm, and emotionally connected. The room balances beauty and functionality in a way that feels effortless, and I love that it was designed to evolve alongside the children as they grow.”