Is it strange that I’m tempted to move into our daughter’s room? It’s just so absolutely adorable — the kind of pastel, cozy space that makes you want to curl up with a book and a blanket. I won’t actually move in, but I can’t promise there won’t be an occasional mommy-and-me blanket fort in here. I’m not the outdoorsy, backyard-camping-with-bugs mom, so an indoor hideaway works perfectly.
A week ago, the room still looked untouched since we moved in last April. We’ve been busy with every other corner of the house — the living room, breakfast nook, foyer, playroom, dining room, master bedroom, hallway bathroom and powder room — so this room had been on the back burner. With a new little one on the way, I felt a strong urge to make Olivia feel special and ready for her big-sister role. Creating her own pretty space was a priority before we start the nursery.
Olivia was out of state visiting family for spring break, so I took advantage of the time and painted like crazy for three days. My mom joined over the weekend to help hang wallpaper while we sang along to oldies. Seeing her reaction when she returned was priceless — all the happy squeals and delighted smiles. It felt like the perfect reveal for a girls bedroom makeover designed to transition with her as she grows.
I painted the walls Behr My Sweetheart — a soft, blush pink that’s perfect for a kid’s room without feeling overpowering. The trim and ceiling are Benjamin Moore Simply White, and the door was painted Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron to continue the subtle black-door trend we have throughout the house. We plan to add picture frame molding below the chair rail eventually to give the room a finished, classic look.
For now, the mattress and box spring are on the floor until Olivia’s new bed arrives. The thrifted bed I painted three years ago finally gave up the ghost, so a new bed is on the way. On the feature wall above the chair rail we hung a butterfly patterned wallpaper I found at Anthropologie. It felt like the right choice for a child who asked for “butterflies and pink” and will work well as she approaches pre-teen years — a slightly grown-up, retro vibe that still reads youthful and sweet.
We kept things simple and practical: my husband and dad pulled up the old rug to reveal the hardwood floors, which came out looking great. We’ll add a soft textured rug near the bed so Olivia doesn’t have to step onto cold floors each morning. I replaced the dated blinds with warm bamboo shades to soften the light and add texture. The rest of the room is much tidier now that we cleared out miscellaneous items — I’m guessing a yard sale is in our near future.
The dresser I found on Craigslist will get a fresh coat of paint soon, and I’ll likely swap the doorknobs for bronze or glass options. Next up: the new bed, nightstands, curtains, updated light fixture, wall decor and bedding that ties everything together. I may also add a small ballet barre and mirror for a touch of whimsy that Olivia would love.
Current to-do list:
Paint walls Behr My Sweetheart (eggshell)Paint trim/below chair rail Benjamin Moore Simply White (semi-gloss)Paint ceiling Benjamin Moore Simply White (flat)Paint doors Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (semi-gloss)Hang wallpaperInstall bamboo shadesRemove old rug- Move in new bed
- Move in nightstands
- Choose and place a textured area rug
- Hang curtains
- Replace light fixture
- Paint dresser
- Install ballet barre and mirror (optional)
- Source wall art
- Select new bedding
At this pace, I’m confident we’ll finish the remaining details quickly. The room already feels warm, cheerful and just old enough for a growing girl — a cozy, stylish retreat where Olivia can play, read and feel proud of her space as she steps into big-sister life.
