From Kid to Tween: Girl’s Bedroom Makeover Reveal
/DIY Tween Girl’s Bedroom Reveal - Bold Colors & Vintage Touches
I love a reveal, and this one is especially sweet because I designed this room with my daughter’s help - because it’s hers!
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
My daughter’s room was actually the first one I renovated in this house when we moved in. But that was 5 years ago. And, as we know, kids grow up fast. In this case, my daughter is entering her tween years and wanted something a little more mature. My response? “Say less.”
Before we dive into the new design, let’s travel back in time (because I love this part!).
The Before
The previous resident of my daughter’s room was a teenage boy. No girly colors or frills in sight. Her room was an unfortunate light-sucking shade of blue/gray that wasn’t doing this space any favors.
I loved the result the first time I made over this room. It fit my little girl to a T. But it was time for a change, and now I might love it even more!
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The After
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
Out with the pink, teal, and unicorns and in with green, mustard yellow, and checkers. This room is now a perfect haven for my slightly hormonal pre-teen.
Here’s what it took to make over this space:
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
Tone-on-Tone Paint
Ah yes, the catalyst for this entire makeover: green walls. While my daughter initially requested a fresh coat of paint (specifically an earthy green color - to my pleasant surprise!), of course, I couldn’t stop there.
This was the perfect opportunity to experiment with tone-on-tone paint, so we introduced a darker shade of the wall color on the doors and trim, which turned out fantastic.
I love the added dimension and unexpected surprise the tone-on-tone paint adds to this room. And while green can be a tricky color to pull off, the shades we chose (Sherwin-Williams Recycled Glass on the walls & Cucuzza Verde on the trim) are perfectly balanced between earthy, but not too gray and fun, but not too bright.
Statement Headboard
While the bold wall and trim color combo already make a striking impression, the headboard steals the show.
Its yellow ochre fabric pops brilliantly against the soft green walls, instantly drawing your eye. Then comes the playful, wavy silhouette—unexpected and full of character. Finally, the sheer scale of it sinks in, making it clear this isn’t just a headboard—it’s a statement, a centerpiece, a conversation starter. Simply put, it’s a showstopper. And the best part? It’s a DIY!
Checkered Area Rug
I remember when I was younger and there seemed to be a new-age 70’s fashion resurgence - I’m talking bell bottoms, peace signs, smiley faces, bucket hats (anyone remember Delia’s catalog!?). And, I kid you not, it seems to be making a comeback AGAIN! So it was a no-brainer that my daughter was WAY into the idea of a checkered rug. And I couldn’t be happier with the one we chose for her room.
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
Not only is the pattern on point, but the rust color in the rug is perfect with the 70s-esque color palette. I also love the addition of the border in this particular rug, and I’m blown away by how soft it is. On top of that, I feel like the rigid geometric pattern against the soft green walls, smooth curves of the headboard, and overall feminine touches in this room strike a perfect balance.
Refreshed Nightstands and Dresser
While we replaced many items in my daughter’s room, it wasn’t necessary to replace everything. Her nightstands and dresser, for instance, are still in great shape (thank you, vintage pieces with ROCK SOLID construction) - they just needed a little refreshing.
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
A fresh coat of white paint and switching out the hardware did WONDERS to update these pieces and help them coordinate with the rest of the room.
It’s All In The Details
And, of course, what really makes any design shine is the details, like these adorable green lamps with wavy woven shades. Since there’s already plenty to catch your eye in this room, we kept the comforter neutral, but chose one with a cute tassel detail on the border!
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
Above the bed, my daughter chose this artwork herself. I had them printed and hung them in natural-toned wood frames to match the legs of the sleek acrylic chair my daughter also picked out - a girl after my own heart!
And every girl needs a mirror in their room - especially a tween who is starting to lean into fashion and find her own style. This gold mirror ties in perfectly with the other gold accents (hello, nightstand knobs), while the curved top softens the bold geometric rug and echoes the waves of the headboard.
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
Finally, to help keep the floor somewhat tidy (an ongoing battle), I added a stuffed animal net and some cute hooks —fingers crossed they actually get used!
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
Final Thoughts
This makeover was more than just a room update—it was about giving my daughter a space that reflects who she is now, while still being functional for the years to come. But let’s be real, we all know she’s going to ask for another makeover before too long. And when she does, I’ll be ready with my paintbrush.
Photography by: Hannah Thorneycroft
