It’s likely that your childhood bedroom is a core memory you look back on with nostalgia, reminiscing about simpler times. A childhood bedroom should be whimsical, comforting, full of personality, and something a child will look back on fondly in the years to come.

Charlotte Holman, DIY enthusiast and influencer, decided to completely transform her 8-year-old son’s bedroom using tongue and groove panelling. Her vision was to create a brighter, more practical room for her son Harry to read, draw, and, most importantly, display his toys and Legos.

How to Build an Alcove Bed 

The starting point of the project was to create a DIY alcove bed using MDF tongue and groove panels.

Once the frame was built, Charlotte attached 1522 x 516 mm tongue and groove panels using adhesive and nails.

Joins were disguised and filled using wood filler and caulk.

She then added D trim and corner trim on all the bed alcove joins to give a seamless finish.

To maximise functionality, the drawers were kept fully operational for storage.

Bringing Colour and Creativity to a Child’s Room

The room was brought together with additional tongue and groove panels installed on the other walls, including a fun hidden cupboard for Harry to stash his favourite items.

Harry’s favourite colours - green, blue, and orange - are featured throughout the space, from the checkerboard rug and lampshade to the playful horizontal blue and red stripes on the walls, enhancing the room’s fun atmosphere. And, of course, there is ample storage and shelving, because a childhood bedroom wouldn’t be complete without space to display.

A desk provides Harry with a dedicated space to draw, write, and play, encouraging creativity and imagination. Thoughtful details like the pegboard to display artwork and dinosaur prints add even more personality to the room, making it possible for Harry to be surrounded by his hobbies and interests.

This lovingly crafted bedroom by Charlotte has become a fun and unique childhood space where Harry will love spending time. From the custom alcove bed made with tongue and groove panelling to the carefully chosen decorative touches, the room has been beautifully transformed.

Feeling inspired? Discover our range of tongue and groove panelling for your next renovation.