For the past year, Olivia has been asking for a “teen / preteen” bedroom makeover. Apparently pink is no longer the look she wants—an inevitable phase, I suppose, since I remember thinking pink was out when I was about her age.
It’s hard to believe we put up that butterfly wallpaper back when she was in kindergarten. Time really moves fast.
We started by tackling her closet organization as a gentle way to ease into the full room refresh. That small project helped us test new storage ideas and set the tone for the bigger changes ahead. To my surprise, Olivia told me she wants the walls painted navy blue. It felt like such a grown-up choice—mature but moody and cozy—and a refreshing change from the bright pastels she once loved.
I expected she might want full control of the design—much like my mom let me pick everything in middle school—but she actually prefers that I lead the project. So we’ve teamed up: she shares ideas and I manage the execution.
Navy blue can feel serious, so we’re balancing it with playful elements. Olivia chose a patterned wallpaper design she loved, and I plan to layer in a geometric, multicolored rug to introduce warmer tones and personality. Mixing rich navy paint or wallpaper with lively textiles will keep the room cozy without becoming too dark.
One of the best parts so far: I found a burl dresser I’d been dreaming about on Marketplace last week. It came with a matching chest of drawers—two pieces in great condition for the price of one. The wood grain is stunning and instantly raises the room’s style and warmth.
I’m debating whether to add peel-and-stick accents to the ceiling for a whimsical touch—either tiny stars or a pattern of little birds. It’s one of those decisions that will be easier to make once the furniture and lighting are in place. The beauty of removable decals is that we can try something and change it if it doesn’t feel right.
A small gallery wall of feminine vintage art will bring character and a personal touch. A few of the pieces are from antique trips we’ve taken together, and I love the idea of mixing those discoveries with new prints. One framed illustration, a frog princess, somehow reminds me of Olivia’s mischievous spirit.
We also found a small black desk recently that will work perfectly for homework and could double as a vanity as she gets older. Functional furniture that adapts over time is key in a teen bedroom makeover—the pieces should look good and serve multiple purposes.
One fun challenge has been choosing curtains. I tried three different colors, and each one gives the room a distinct mood. I’d love your opinion: which color would you pick?
Retro Gold?
Rosehip?
Or Crimson Rust?
No matter which accents we choose, the plan is to create a space that feels youthful, layered, and true to Olivia’s personality. Decorating together has already been such a meaningful experience—helping to design my daughter’s room reminds me of my own childhood decorating memories with my mom. It’s rewarding to see those moments come full circle.
We’re down to hunting for nightstands—most likely at Habitat Restore or similar local spots—so the finishing touches are within reach. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll find the perfect match that blends with the burl dresser and complements the navy backdrop.
So far the design is a bit bolder than my usual style, but it suits Olivia: a lively, adventurous young person with a taste for the unexpected. I can’t wait to share the reveal when the room is complete.
