Clara may be another year older, but she’s still a long way from the tween years. That’s why it was delightful to see Courtney’s recent makeover of her 11-year-old niece Emily’s room—this project captures a perfect tween balance: grown-up enough to feel special, playful enough to still be fun.
After we admired Courtney’s own home makeover last May, we knew any room she redesigned would offer smart, stylish ideas. Many readers have asked to see tween rooms, so this transformation is a great example of how to create a functional, beautiful space for a pre-teen.
In Courtney’s words: “Hi guys! I wanted to share the room we made for my 11-year-old niece. She would be so excited to have her room featured! This project was the result of four intense months of work. We converted an old laundry room into a little girl’s paradise.
We tackled walls and structure—patching holes, rewiring lighting, installing ceiling speakers, and reworking the ductwork. We laid FLOR tiles for a soft, modular floor that’s practical and pretty, and repainted all of the trim and walls to give the space a fresh, cohesive look.”
Beyond the technical updates, Courtney focused on thoughtful, whimsical details that make the room feel personal. “We added fun touches like upgraded lighting and new furnishings,” she said. Those choices help the room function well for an 11-year-old’s needs while still feeling stylish.
One standout piece is a roomy armoire that Courtney painted a bold magenta, which adds a strong splash of personality and provides extra storage for clothing and accessories. That bright focal point, paired with oversized artwork and a sculptural chandelier, creates a layered design that reads more mature than typical children’s decor but still clearly belongs to someone young and creative.
All told, this makeover was a real labor of love. Emily was thrilled with the result, and it’s easy to see why. The room strikes a lovely middle ground: it’s playful without being juvenile, modern without being overly grown-up. It’s a reminder that tween bedrooms can be both functional and aspirational, giving kids a space they can grow into.
Many of the ideas here translate well beyond a tween room. Painting a piece of furniture a vivid color, investing in a few oversized pieces of art, or choosing one sculptural light fixture can completely transform a bedroom—whether it’s for a child, a teen, or an adult looking for a bold refresh.
We asked our team to pick favorites from the reveal. Sherry loved everything in the “second after” photo—those layered, cohesive vignettes that feel curated. I’m especially taken by the geometric sculpture in the final image; it adds a subtle, artful edge that elevates the entire space.
If you’re planning your own tween bedroom update, consider these takeaways: start with the essentials (lighting, flooring, storage), pick one or two bold accents (a painted armoire or a bright rug), and add personality through artwork and a distinctive light fixture. Practical elements—good lighting, adequate storage, and comfortable flooring—paired with a few standout pieces will create a room that’s both usable and inspiring.
Thanks to Courtney for sharing her thoughtful makeover and for showing how much can be achieved with careful planning and a clear design vision. Emily’s new room is proof that a converted space can feel purposeful, polished, and playful all at once.