The Block 2024: The seven things you need to do when designing a bunk bedroom

This week on The Block, contestants are tackling their first bedroom. And it’s up to them to decide who it’s for and how they’ll decorate. Do they play it safe with a generic guest room? Or opt to deliver a dedicated kids’ bedroom?

The Block has undoubtedly elevated the concept and fitout of children’s bedrooms. Watching the emphasis put on these rooms might imply that there are parents out there willing to buckle to pester power when it comes to buying a house just because the kids are nagging them (soaring house prices ensure that will never be possible!).

The smart money, in fact, goes to the teams that find the sweet spot – a room that appeals to parents and children alike. This is most likely a mix of nostalgia pitched to the parents and a notion of autonomy for the offspring, allowing them to feel it is their very own HQ.

Kids’ bedrooms are often where the most fun happens: the stories and jokes thrown around when you’re supposed to be sleeping, the jumping at shadows, the lollies and torches stashed away for a midnight feast. All of that magic and memory-making is compounded at a holiday house. Long scorching days at the beach, top and tailing with cousins and friends, sand in the bed, impromptu slumber parties. It’s gold. 

And so, I’m calling it: a holiday house is not complete with a bunk room. They deliver so much – namely, the ability to sleep lots of tuckered-out, tired bodies with the bonus of seriously dialling up how many people the house can accommodate if you rent out the property.

I’ll keep a keen eye peeled this season to see if the contestants leverage this.

Thankfully, bunks have grown up. Gone are the days of wobbly steel frames made for five-year-olds. Nowadays, even custom bunks are relatively affordable, and the latest offerings are smart, stylish and sturdy.

Whatever bed option you choose, these bedrooms must be practical and functional. If you’re decking out a bunk room, ensure you:

• Go with bunks that are robust
• Select a king-single size if possible so the bed can double as an overflow space for adults if needed
• Have tall bunks that allow enough space for an adult to sit on the bottom bunk without hitting their head (I learnt the hard way of injuries that can be sustained when reading bedtime stories) 
• Include a small lamp or reading light for each bed
• Add a nook or shelf to store bits and bobs like books and glasses
• Ensure beds can be easily accessed to change sheets. Holiday houses can end up like hotels – you’ll be stripping those beds regularly (better yet, teach the kids to do it).
• Consider a trundle bed, too. They can be a worthwhile bonus

Also, this space needs great storage. For parents, nothing will create bedroom stress more than bedroom mess!

Even though the inside of the cupboard will not be seen, set it up for functionality. Accessible shelving that allows children to manage it themselves will be a gift that keeps on giving to parents. Open wire baskets so kids can ‘throw’ their things into easily. Hooks for them to hang things on. Anything that encourages clothing not to be left on the ground. 

And remember, although your children might be the apple of your eye, not everyone will feel that way (sorry), so ensure these rooms are not so kid-focused that they put adults off. 

All you need is a great bed, double-lined curtains to encourage sleep, and carpet to absorb noise. Nothing fussy, nothing special and nothing with a cartoon character. Let the kids bring the fun – it’s how the best memories are made.

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