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A Stunning Shared Bedroom Makeover By Pottery Barn Kids
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Photography by Director of Photography: Hunter Cates; Producer & Director: BJ McBride
Oct 7, 2021
We dare you to scroll through today’s profile and not break into an ear-to-ear smile. Such is the joy, sunshine, and love bursting from this Oakland-based foursome—mama Kalkidan Gebreyohannes and kiddos Iyasu, 12, Mekonnen, 9, and Soliana, 7. Serial entrepreneur Kalkidan (co-founder of plant emporium Blk Girls Greenhouse and co-owner of the Alyce on Grand boutique) was the perfect person to tap to revamp her kids’ room with eco-friendly goods from Pottery Barn Kids.
Taking care of Mother Earth is one of the anchors of the family ethos, made evident by their thoughtful selections of brand-new GOTS-certified organic bedding and GREENGUARD Gold-certified furnishings by Pottery Barn Kids (including an epic bunk bed), all mingling with abundant plant life in their vibrant shared space.
Click through our slideshow to meet this inspiring, sustainability-minded family, while getting a tour of their sweet room! (Plus, check out the family in action in our latest YouTube video!)
This post is brought to you by MOTHER + Pottery Barn Kids.
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"My home is a 3-level townhome located in Oakland, with amazing windows and light and tons of plants and art."
Kendall Full Bed, $799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sherpa Anywhere Bean Bag, $195, Pottery Barn Kids.
Giraffe Shaped Wicker Basket, $119.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Black Metal Framed Mirror, $174, Pottery Barn Kids.
Colca Plush Rug, Pottery Barn Kids.
Super Soft Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $99, Pottery Barn Kids.
Naturepedic® Organic Mattress, $1099, Pottery Barn Kids.
Recycled Microfiber Casual Essential Quilt & Shams, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"The benefits have been the way they giggle and bond and protect each other during bad nightmares or strange sounds."
"There aren’t many challenges, but when one or all of them have a friend over and want some privacy in their room, it gets tricky. My eldest is also 12, so he’s wanting a little more separation from his younger siblings these days."
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Naturepedic® Organic Mattresses, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
Organic Brushstroke Dot Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Scandi Starburst Reversible Comforter, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"The vibe for their room was actually inspired by a 'feeling.' I wanted them to feel pride, comfort, and peace EVERYTIME they stepped into their room. I would describe their space as Afro-Whimsical Chic!"
"The accent wall with the Nelson Mandela quote was hand-painted by Zoe Boston. It's one of our favorite features in the room and serves as a gentle reminder from an incredible leader."
Kendall Full Bed, $799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"This dresser is one of my favorite things in the kids' space and fits right inside of their closet. It is so chic and if we ever move homes, it can go in any room in the house because it fits right in with our aesthetic.”
"We also absolutely love the rug from Pottery Barn Kids and the texture and pattern it adds to the room."
Gemma Campaign Extra Wide Dresser, $1199, Pottery Barn Kids.
Colca Plush Rug, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"We love how well-made our new Fillmore Bunk Bed is! Our former metal-frame bunk bed had a creaky ladder, so this sturdy built-in staircase is a major upgrade. Plus, we love the drawers for storage along the bottom."
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Naturepedic® Organic Mattresses, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
Organic Brushstroke Dot Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Scandi Starburst Reversible Comforter, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"My favorite pieces in the kids' room is their plush rug, dresser, and neon sign."
"And the kids absolutely love their new neon sign, bunk beds, bean bag, and soft star pillows."
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"It’s very important, especially with how toxic our world has become. Keeping my kids in a healthy and non-toxic environment in our home is a huge priority. It gives me comfort knowing they can rest in a space that feels safe for their developing bodies and minds."
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Naturepedic® Organic Mattresses, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
Organic Brushstroke Dot Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Scandi Starburst Reversible Comforter, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"My eldest, Iyasu, is 12 and he is into storm chasing, sports, his brown belt in karate, learning how to play the trumpet, video games, and loving his history class at school."
"Mekonnen is 10 and he is obsessed with basketball and making people laugh. He also loves video games, learning how to play the violin, and loves music and dancing."
"My youngest, Soliana, is 8 and loves gymnastics, video games, basketball, makeup and nail polish, reading, and helping me cook."
"They all love watching shows I grew up on, like Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Moesha, and help me water all of our plants."
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Naturepedic® Organic Mattresses, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
Organic Brushstroke Dot Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Scandi Starburst Reversible Comforter, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"This Hug Life neon sign jumped out at me immediately when picking out pieces for their room because we love to hug! The kids love it, too!"
"Hug Life" LED Sentiment Wall Light, $79.99, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I was never someone who thought about having kids from a young age. In fact, it was just like one day I was ready and said, 'Yeah, I wanna have a child now.' Having 3 wasn’t in the plan, but is such a blessing."
Organic Brushstroke Dot Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Scandi Starburst Reversible Comforter, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I love our new nightstand and table lamp for this sweet corner of the kids' room. It goes great with the bold, but minimalist vibe of the entire space."
Catalina Nightstand, $249, Pottery Barn Kids.
Director Table Lamp, $199, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"For Iyasu's section of the room, we stuck with a bold and regal gold-and-black color theme, and we all love his new full-sized Kendall bed. He loves feeling like he’s finally graduated to big boy bed status.”
Black Metal Framed Mirror, $174, Pottery Barn Kids.
Kendall Full Bed, $799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Super Soft Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $99, Pottery Barn Kids.
Recycled Microfiber Casual Essential Quilt & Shams, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I know nothing except for what I am learning as I grow and learn with my eldest. I am trying my best to parent him as he needs and not how I wished I was parented. I’m trying to understand the times and culture of the world he is living in. It's definitely not easy, but I can tell it makes him feel valued and understood."
Kendall Full Bed, $799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Super Soft Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $99, Pottery Barn Kids.
Recycled Microfiber Casual Essential Quilt & Shams, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Sustainability and being respectful of our impact on the Earth is very important to us as a family. There has been so much damage caused to our planet, so now we have to make decisions that honor the planet and add to it. From the type of cleaning products we use, to doing our part to preserve water, down to how and where we shop are all informed by our desire to do better by Mother Earth."
All plants in the kids' room are from Kalkidan's own business, Blk Girls Greenhouse.
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"All 3 of my children have Ethiopian names. The boys are named after Ethiopian emperors and all of them are also characters from a book their father wrote years ago. Soliana’s name means 'mother of the sun,' and her middle name is her paternal grandmother's name who passed away before Soliana could meet her."
Black Metal Framed Mirror, $174, Pottery Barn Kids.
Kendall Full Bed, $799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Super Soft Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $99, Pottery Barn Kids.
Recycled Microfiber Casual Essential Quilt & Shams, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Right now, I would say it's seeing how independent my children have become in certain ways and seeing how their personalities are growing and developing. Just getting a glimpse of who they are becoming excites me!"
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Naturepedic® Organic Mattresses, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Keeping them safe and healthy. Between the madness on the internet, racial injustices, and discrimination and COVID, it’s a lot. But I also know that nerves and fear can be paralyzing, so I try not to live there too long. We pray, breathe, and believe. The rest is destiny."
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Naturepedic® Organic Mattresses, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"The highs have been more quality time at home as a family, discovering new trails by our home, getting creative with activities, and moving at our own pace and schedule."
"The lows have been feeling a sense of burnout with distance learning and having to adjust to so much screen time, needing a change in our routine (it all started to feel real Groundhog Day’ish), missing the in-person connection with family and friends, and of course missing travel."
Fillmore Twin-Over-Twin Stair Bunk, $2,799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Naturepedic® Organic Mattresses, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"These furry star pillows might be the tiniest additions to our space, but they are very adored! Soliana loves to snuggle up with them every night."
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"With everything I juggle in my life, I needed reinforcement setting up the kids' room and this is where moms have to lean into their support system. So, I asked my friend Starr Howard to come over and help me get everything set up so my kids could have their new room completed and enjoy the big reveal!"
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I was always pretty aware of gender issues and so called 'norms.' My mother did everything from driving a huge moving truck across country to changing a tire and changing oil, so I never subscribed to gender roles."
"I want my kids to be who they are authentically and always strive for peace, joy, and kindness. I’ve seen Iyasu and Mekonnen dress-up and entertain Soliana with dolls. I’ve seen Soliana play basketball with no shirt on because her brothers weren’t wearing one, the list goes on. I love giving them the space to feel free and just be children."
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Casual Ruffle Recycled Quilt & Shams, $128.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I was born in Ethiopia and grew up in Toronto, Canada. I am one of six siblings—3 girls and 3 boys. I grew up sharing a room til I was 14 and share that story with my kids too often, I’m sure. Why are parents this way? LOL."
Kendall Full Bed, $799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Black Metal Framed Mirror, $174, Pottery Barn Kids.
Colca Plush Rug, Pottery Barn Kids.
Recycled Microfiber Casual Essential Quilt & Shams, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Both my parents were entrepreneurs, so I spent a lot of time with them at their restaurant. When I wasn’t there, I was in ballet or spending time with my family. Family was a big deal and since I come from a huge family (my mom was one of 13 and my father was one of 4), there was always a function or event to attend."
Kendall Full Bed, $799, Pottery Barn Kids.
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Organic Brushstroke Dot Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
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Pillow-fight time!
Fur Star Pillow, $24.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
Organic Brushstroke Dot Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I want to make sure my children are connected to their culture and traditions and native tongue. I speak to them in Amharic, they eat Ethiopian food and Jamaican food. Their father is half Irish and half Jamaican, so we share childhood memories with them and teach them the history of all of the places they’re from."
"We also incorporate a lot more affection and open dialogue— it’s more than our parents were able to give to us, but I believe that when you know better, it’s your responsibility to do better. Parenting has definitely evolved!"
Organic Brushstroke Dot Sheet Set & Pillowcases, $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sunshine Organic Sheet Set & Pillowcases, Pottery Barn Kids.
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Welcome to Blk Girls Greenhouse, the plant store, lifestyle boutique, and event space Kalkidan opened with her business partner, J'Maica Roxanne, in August 2020.
The muralist, Zoe Boston, is the same artist who painted the Nelson Mandela quote in the children's room.
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- "Blk Girls Green House is a joyful and safe space that celebrates life both in human and plant form. It honors and represents women makers and artists. It’s a place that feels like peace and an absolute vibe! Our mission is ‘It's a Beautiful Time to Grow.'"
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- The tiniest #plantlife enthusiasts at the shop.
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- "I went to school for Psychology and worked in that field for a few years as a counselor. When my father passed away, I did a major career shift and worked for MAC Cosmetics for 6 years, then moved to L.A. and opened up my own agency that represented makeup artists and stylists. A few years later, I decided to start my own handbag brand, By KALU, inspired by my new journey as a mom. I poured my heart into that new venture, which eventually lead to adding accessories and silk head wraps. During this period of time, I also partnered with my business partner, Alyce, at Alyce on Grand—a woman’s clothing boutique in Oakland. It’s also during this time that I got into community-based events and work. Fast forward to August of 2020, and Blk Girls Green House was established."
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- In addition to plants, Blk Girls Greenhouse offers apparel, apothecary goods, cards, crystals, magazines, books, and even has an in-house pop-up coffee shop, Blythe Coffee.
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- Mekonnen and Soliana—name a better power duo!
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- "My children witnessing me work in areas that bring value to our community, planet, and family means the world to me. It hopefully offers them the courage to chase what it is they love and seek purpose in."
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- Unending brother-sister love.
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- "To be honest, it hasn’t. My career may have not happened on my ideal time frame, but it always came together on time and beautifully."
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- "I continue to surround myself with people and things that inspire me and push me to create and be better. Prayer, meditation, family, music, and exercise are all things that support my creativity because they allow me to pour into myself and hold space for my mind and heart to align."
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- "It's a beautiful time to grow" is Blk Girls Greenhouse's tagline. It's also a great ethos for raising kids (while raising oneself).
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- "Do what you can well but never at the expense of your own joy or health. I had to learn that lesson the hard way. Also, women are so bad ass. There are probably five women in your circle who you can call on to help bring your vision to life. If there aren’t, you may be in the wrong circle. Success and happiness are contagious, make it a point to be around it as often as you can."
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For more on Kalkidan, her business, and her wonderful family, be sure to follow @by_kalu and @blkgirls_greenhouse on Instagram.
To revamp your own child's room with eco-friendly items from Pottery Barn Kids, start browsing PotteryBarnKids.com and follow @potterybarnkids on Instagram for loads of inspiration!
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