Growing up, I shared a bedroom with a sister for a couple of years. Despite her many complaints about how I interfered with ‘her things’, we both look back on it with warm memories. With that goal in mind, here are some pointers for shared spaces and making a bedroom peaceful – and maybe even fun.

Storage Please. This is priority one when children share a bedroom. Well-organized closets are a must, but beyond that, be creative. Trunks that double as a play table or bench seats that open for storage are great ideas. Shelves and more shelves should be your motto. Think vertical with a small footprint. High shelves may not be easily reached by children, but are great for display items or seldom used toys.

Skip the Theme. While themes in a child’s bedroom are common, in a shared bedroom, it’s tough to find common ground. Not only that, a theme dates a room quickly. Why not choose appealing colours and classic décor that stand the test of time and will look great as your children get older?

Study Time. No matter how small the room, give each child private study space and a desk. Matching desks look especially nice; the child can ‘customize’ with their own lamp and accessories. Many desks come with their own hutch.

Inspirations by Wendy Bellissimo Desk and Hutch

Two Styles, One Look. Each child will undoubtedly want their own trademark on the room, but you can unify it with shared colour or pattern. Find ways to compromise. Perhaps the same bed covering in two different colours, for example.

Bunk Beds. Bunk beds are the ultimate space saver. There are numerous configurations to suit your taste, space and budget and many include additional drawers and shelves. Remember, you can never have too much storage space!

Dawson’s Ridge Bunk Beds

Painted Pieces. I like complementing the main furniture in a room with painted accent pieces – and nowhere does this work better than in children’s rooms. Give bookcases or dressers a second life in a fun colour. You can even let the children participate – perhaps painting flowers, stars or a sunshine.

Go Bold. A bright, bold accent wall unifies a room and adds pop. Choose the wall behind the headboards as the eye is naturally drawn to that wall. Find a colour they both love.

Hang Out Space. To encourage interaction between your children, create a hangout area they can share. It can be as simple as two ottomans and a small side table.

Roll out the Rugs. Rugs are a great way to add warm and comfort, especially in a child’s room where playtime is often on the floor. Don’t overlook the ability of a rug to define or ‘claim’ a space for each child. Give each child a cozy rug of their very own.

Divide and Conquer. Despite your best integration efforts, some kids really want a separate space. There are numerous ways you can give the illusion of two rooms. Adding a half wall with sliding pocket doors will work, but it is a fairly major renovation. You can also buy accordion style dividers which look quite stylish. Tall bookcases are a great divider. Place two or more in a row and even stack them back to back, giving each ‘room’ bookshelves. Just make sure they are bolted in securely.