Last fall we featured a redesign Nancy completed for her son Owen. Now she has returned with another delightful room makeover, this time created for a family with an inspiring story. Below is Nancy’s message about the project and the thoughtful approach she took.
Hi John and Sherry! Some time ago I entered a design contest called Creating with the Stars hosted by East Coast Creative, where I teamed up with Kari from U-Create. Through that collaboration I had the privilege of transforming a spare bedroom for a family who has spent more than ten years hoping to become parents. When they accepted that biological parenthood might not happen for them, they entered a foster-to-adopt program and are in the process of adopting three siblings. The youngest child, nicknamed KK, will be officially adopted in February. For the contest I redesigned a guest bedroom into a bright, playful room for KK. Although I was eliminated in Round 3 of the contest, I continued on and completed Round 4, and I’m so glad I did.
I tend to favor a black-and-white palette in home decor, but for this project I wanted to embrace color and print to create a lively, welcoming space for a child. The room became a cheerful mix of patterns and hues, designed to feel comforting and fun for KK the moment she arrives.
Initially I envisioned using fabric as a large-scale wall treatment—specifically a black, white and green bird print that I loved. Unfortunately, that particular fabric was no longer available in stores. Rather than abandon the idea, I improvised: I used a projector and six Sharpie markers to recreate the look directly on the wall. I traced elements of the pattern, but I didn’t copy the fabric exactly; instead I rearranged and adjusted motifs so they worked with the wall’s proportions and the room’s focal points. The tracing process was relatively straightforward, though it was physically demanding on my wrist and shoulder. Still, seeing the final result made the effort worthwhile.
For a step-by-step breakdown of the inexpensive wall treatment I created, I documented the process on my blog as a $5 “wallpaper” tutorial. The method is budget-friendly, customizable, and ideal for renters or anyone who wants the look of wallpaper without the commitment. It’s a simple way to achieve a bold, pattern-rich accent wall using minimal materials.
Although the room is not yet filled with many handmade, personalized items—I’m someone who loves sewing and crafting—leaving space for the family and for KK to add her own personal touches felt important. The idea is for KK to come home to a room that already feels warm and welcoming, yet still allows room for her personality and belongings to be incorporated over time.
This makeover includes several features I’m especially proud of: a painted ceiling that anchors the design, shiplap or planked walls that add texture and a cozy, cottage-like feel, a purple bed that brings a pop of color, and the homemade wallpaper treatment that ties everything together. Each element was chosen to balance playful color with long-term functionality so the room will grow with the child.
There are many photographs documenting this colorful and playful space on U-Create’s blog, and I’ve posted a full source list and additional behind-the-scenes details on my own blog for anyone who wants to recreate aspects of the design. I’m grateful to have been part of a project that supports a loving family, and I hope the room helps make KK’s transition into their home feel even more joyful.
Thanks for taking a look at the makeover. It was a labor of love and a reminder of how thoughtful design can create a welcoming environment for children and families going through big life changes.