Originally built as a cozy hideaway for the kids, the loft served as both a sleeping nook and a quiet perch to eavesdrop on the adults' stories and guitar playing below. It doubled as a makeshift rec room—a perfect spot for rainy-day pillow fights and childhood memories in the making.
Cabin Chic Country Vibes
— The Loft—
Professional “After” Photos: Lisa Novak Photography, Kamloops, BC
Before/During Photos: Kelly Grimes
Humble Beginnings for This Loft Bedroom
For years, the walls displayed only pink insulation behind clear plastic sheeting, a raw and humble touch. But as the cabin evolved, so did the loft.
In the early '90s, after power was finally brought in, the space was finished with beautiful pine tongue-and-groove boards, concealing the insulation and bringing warmth and texture to the room.
With the new addition, the roofline was extended 12 feet off the back of the original structure, mirroring the existing slope. This created a second loft space, nearly identical in size to the original. It made sense to relocate the loft bedroom into this new area, offering a bit more privacy and quiet away from the main living space below
Loft Bedroom Design and Decor
Wallpaper Installation—Starry Night— in Muddy Brown
The room is anchored by a whimsical yet sophisticated wallpaper: Australian artist Kate Swinson’s hand-drawn Starry Night in a rich, muddy brown.
Interpreted as a nod to the brilliant night skies visible far from city lights, it’s a fitting tribute to the northern setting.
A vintage oil lamp wall sconce is classic, while the hand-drawn starry-night wallpaper introduces a fresh, modern layer.
The design strikes a perfect balance—playful enough for kids, yet elegant enough to be appreciated by adults alike.
Gingham Check &
Daisy Bedding
Because wild daisies grow throughout the property in the summer, they made a natural motif for the bedsheets. Their relaxed, playful feel adds a cheerful calm to the loft bedroom.
What better way to create a true cottage-style bedtime experience than with crisp cotton sheets?
Here, mix-and-match bedding gives the look a modern twist—gingham pillowcases in a modern soft pink, reminiscent of Farrow and Ball’s muted, warm-toned brown “Dead Salmon”. Paired with creamy daisy-patterned sheets and a solid mauve-grey duvet cover, it becomes a scheme of neutrals.
The mix of old and new—set against warm pine—creates an eclectic yet peaceful loft retreat.
Bedroom Lighting:
A Mix of Modern and Traditional
Modern Light, Vintage Soul
By pairing vintage-inspired lantern sconces with a sleek LED strip light, the lighting design strikes a refined balance between tradition and modern—a hallmark of Kelly’s aesthetic.
Though the ceiling peaks at a modest 7 feet, a soft, ambient glow is achieved through the upward-facing LED strip. The light bounces gently off the pine ceiling, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere—especially on stormy Cariboo days.
Quiet Materials:
Above & Below
The Impact of Shape and Materials
The pine-clad, A-frame–like ceiling paired with the carpeted floors gives the room an almost acoustic quality—softening sound and enhancing the sense of retreat.
The round rug was chosen for its subtle triangular motif, which echoes the peaked ceiling and also evokes forest branches. It was sourced through an industry trade partner and customized in shape, size, and colour to suit the space perfectly.
Vintage Pennants offer genuine relaxed colors from another time
Incorporating Color in a
Neutral Scheme
There’s a certain charm in the faded felt and crackled iron-on logos of vintage pennants—each one worn by time and rich with history.
I knew I wanted to incorporate a few local ones into the decor, blending the modern wallpaper with nostalgic touches from the past. But with limited wall space, the oversized pennants I first envisioned wouldn’t work.
Instead, I sourced particular vintage pennants — retro colored ones from places I’d never been (so I wouldn’t feel guilty about cutting them up!) and then transformed them into a bunting-style banner.
It was a sustainable choice, too; repurposing existing textiles felt more authentic than buying new fabric. Beyond their eco appeal, the original faded hues and irregular sizes gave each flag its own character.
The finished banner now welcomes guests into the loft bedroom— a one-of-a-kind accent that infuses the room with relaxed color, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia, bridging new design with aged decor.
DIY Bunting Banner
This DIY project involved sourcing particular vintage pennants of various colors. All worn and faded felt was the goal.
It allowed for creating each bunting flag with a unique size and color on both the flag, border and tails.
The sustainable DIY bunting banner flag project allowed the room to have some personalized decor which helps to make a space feel special for guests to enjoy.