We believe a fresh coat of paint can dramatically change a room, and this bedroom makeover is a perfect example. The designer behind this transformation, Sunny, has written two books on painting and runs the giveaway featured later today. Here she explains the process and choices that turned a child’s space into a calm, grown-up bedroom for a 13-year-old named Lily.
I was asked to update Lily’s bedroom so it would suit a teenager and carry her through high school and beyond. Lily was away at camp while we completed the makeover, and the plan was to surprise her when she returned.
For the base color, I used Benjamin Moore’s Morning Glory on both the walls and the ceiling. The wall color is a slightly stronger formula and the ceiling a lighter mix, which helps the room feel cohesive without overwhelming it. To add subtle texture and interest, I created a stencil in three different sizes and applied it in white to produce a delicate, wallpaper-like pattern across the walls. That motif was inspired by the blue Serena & Lily bedding we found on sale.
We deliberately picked a soft light blue because it’s calming and creates a restful atmosphere—ideal for a teenager who needs a space to study, unwind, and sleep. The white stencil keeps the walls from being plain while remaining understated. To give the pattern a gentle, dynamic rhythm, I positioned the larger stencils upside down and filled the spaces between them with smaller, right-side-up stencils. This small variation adds depth and a handcrafted feel without making the pattern busy.
Practicality played a big role in the layout. Lily often has friends stay over, so we installed two twin beds. Each headboard is from Pottery Barn and comes with a removable white slipcover. We had those slipcovers monogrammed for a cheerful, personalized touch—Atlantic Embroidery did the work affordably and in a large, fun scale so the initials read like a design element rather than something formal. The result feels playful and age-appropriate while still sophisticated enough for a teenager.
To visually expand the room, we installed roman shades high on the wall, close to the ceiling. Mounting the shades this way makes the windows appear taller and the ceiling feel higher, which instantly gives the room an airy, open quality. Small decisions like raising the shade hardware can have a big impact on perceived space without expensive construction.
The overall makeover was straightforward: paint, a subtle stencil pattern, smart window treatment placement, and personalized slipcovers. Yet these simple updates transformed the room into a mature, serene space that still feels fun and welcoming for a teenager. We’re excited for Lily to come home and see her “new” room.
We love how the room turned out and admire Sunny’s thoughtful approach to color, pattern, and function. If you’re looking for ways to update a child’s room as they grow, this redesign shows that modest changes—well chosen—can create a lasting impact. Later today we’ll share more of Sunny’s paint tips and details for the giveaway inspired by this project. In the meantime, you can view more of her work in her photo gallery and find further inspiration for easy, high-impact paint makeovers.