Daughter starting middle school and just moved. Girl needs a cute room

10 years ago

My daughter is starting middle school and we just moved. Want to give her a cute room. She used to share with her two younger sisters so she picked out these colors. Thinking of painting her furniture. Need to paint walls and give her some artwork. She loves photography, dance and singing.

Featured Answer

Angela Lee

10 years ago

What you shouldn't do is turn the bed into the room; its small enough as it is. I suggest just shifting the location of the bed more in the center or the wall its on (the one without the windows). And set it up kind of like daybed style. I also notice that there is a trundle bed underneath.. that will/should still leave space for that. Then either switch the night stand and the dresser so the smaller/less utilized piece is behind the door and the dresser which I'm assuming shes getting clothes out of every morning to the other side where she wont be blocked by either the bed or the open door. I agree with everyone on a desk under the window. (don't worry about it blocking it or anything, you'd be surprised how little of an effect that really has on the bigger picture). Wall color? i would stick with something neutral not like a sandy taupe color, but definitely not something she'll regret or want to change once shes older. Maybe something like a light grey with blue undertones to compliment the teals and greens. Add solid or vertically striped panels on the windows all the up to the ceiling. You could even mimic that behind the "daybed" and bring them up to the ceiling again justifying the bed on the wall the way a headboard would. Accessories should be unique pieces that she can grow with and wont be kitschy in a few years. Mirrors and lots of light also brighten up small spaces! :) good luck!

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Comments (109)

imk1
10 years ago
IMK Color Consulting:
What about lofting the bed? The ceiling over the bed could get art work of a nigttime sky. Under the bed could be her desk or a built in dresser. It would open up the rest of the room for a desk or play area.
User
10 years ago
I agree with whomever said involve the girls!

Just a brief idea and that is usually young people that age want posters, school banners and pictures. Go to Etsy.com and type in bulletin boards and a lot of nice ones pop up or you could just buy a nice frame at Michaels and do it yourself. You can also go to a teacher supply store and get some of that sticky putty like stuff that won't leave marks on the wall.
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Hi snan - to address your questions: 1 - yes, the lamps work very well. With regard to the height of the larger lamps: do you know how high they would be? If the bottom of the lampshade is even with the top of the pillows that should work. If they are taller than that I think you will be okay with the smaller lamps. Look back again at some of the pictures above to see what I mean. The thing that will look odd would be if the top of the lamps were taller than your headboard. The idea is that when you are in bed reading a book that you want the light to be able to reflect down. As far as the lampshade size goes on the smaller lamps I'm thinking the shorter ones since they don't seem to drop down as far as the larger ones. 2 & 3-Definitely chair by the mirrored bedside locker with one white locker on the other side. Without question. The chair to the left of the bed gave the room life. Use the extra white one in a closet or another room. You don't want to overcrowd your room when you are going for a tranquil setting. 4-Absolutely okay to have bedside tables that don't match and look good in the room. Whether or not you like that is a personal preference though. I would only put the mirrored one next to the bed though if you have the chair next to it. It's how they play off each other that makes it work. If you don't keep the chair next to the bed then I would use both white tables beside the bed. It is also fine that the pictures are off-centre to the wall as long as they are centered to the bed. :)
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Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
So I just tried moving the bed and here is a picture. The room is so small it really takes up the whole room.
Nancy Travisinteriors
10 years ago
Much better. Add panels to windows. Do not like paper light over bed should hang over dresser. Then dresser lamp next to bed on nite stand. Some art over bed does sunburst in color were fun.
Jennifer de Mahy thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
Travisinteriors it really leaves no room in the bedroom. I will take other pics to show.
PRO
Hanza Turgul - Graphic Designer
10 years ago
I have a question to the little lady:) Does she love cats?
http://hanza-turgul.artistwebsites.com/featured/1-jungle-cat-hanza-turgul.html
Please check out my whole portfolio,maybe you can find some
artwork,she may like!
http://hanza-turgul.artistwebsites.com/art/all/all/all
leelee
10 years ago
Try turning the headboard so that it forms a triangle with the corner of the room...is that better as far as leaving the room more open? Now pull the headboard out about 8 or 10 inches away from the corner so you'll have more space for the bedside table. How's that?

Can you give us a look, please?
sellaginella
10 years ago
Decorating a girl’s bedroom, opens up problems, especially if the girl in question is a teenager. If you’re the parent of a teen girl, then the first thing you should do is discuss her ideas. Although it’s your house, it is her bedroom after all, and she still needs to feel comfortable in what is essentially her haven. A teen girl’s bedroom is a very personal sanctuary where her dreams and ambitions take shape. It’s where a girl can express herself, explore her feelings, and develop her own personal style. For those of you who are looking for a teen bedroom here are some ideas for small spaces.(text and pictures taken off 2 different websites)Stress is on space saving ideas;.colors can be changed according to wishes. Last one if friend wants to come over to study and stay overnight too......
User
10 years ago
Have you thought of getting a day bed with a pop up. They can be placed along the wall . With large cushions (floor style) it almost becomes a couch look. with the pop up underneath she can use it for sleep overs. My son liked the one he had growing up so much, he made one just like it for his son. He. Builds furniture as needed ( also bridges though )
Jennifer de Mahy thanked User
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
So I have been traveling for work and my daughter had been in Louisiana with her grandma for ten days! Way too long for this mom. Me and her two younger sisters got some paint samples yesterday. I want to go get one more from a post off a pic but they didn't have it at my osh. I decided to put the bed against the other wall that most of you suggested. I didn't like it floating in the room. It cut the room in half. I am going to take the rails off and build a daubed of sorts in the corner. Someone posted a pic that was really cute. I will show pics soon.
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
Here is the bed moved in the other corner
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
More pics
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
Travisinteriors I love your comments. I know you really thought the bed should be in middle but what about now? I am struggling with paint swatches, carpet placement and curtains. Suggestions???
hollywaterfall
10 years ago
That's a good start. I would find a very like minty green or a grayish blue if you are into the blues and greens. Otherwise I would go to a whole other color like a purple/yellow or pink. I would also turn the rug so it is just under the bed and extends into the room towards the closet. Do you have a desk? Move it under the window and then take another pic for us please.
Geneviève
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Great choices ,goods ideas the room looks great

http://www.pbteen.com/products/wire-word-shelf/?pkey=cwall-decor&

these chairs are fun and a conversation piece

http://www.pbteen.com/products/exercise-ball-chair/?cm_src=AutoRel
hollywaterfall
10 years ago
Cute things Genevieve!
Jim Courtney
10 years ago
Looks like the best choices would be a loft bed that maximizes the height of the room without using to much floor space. Here a few idea's from Ashley Hawaii
https://www.box.com/shared/static/yt08x58azla25itidlju.pdf
Jim Courtney
10 years ago
more choices
Jennifer de Mahy thanked Jim Courtney
fuzinav
10 years ago
I like the bed in the corner where you've tried it. Flip it around tho so the taller end is at the head , the lower end at the foot will open your remaining space a bit. The color of her large solid pillow would be nice on the walls. A tall bookcase, instead of the smaller one could fit in the same space. Will the desk you have fit under the window? If not, a slim parsons table/desk might work; look at Ikea and West Elm. If keeping the small bookcase try the turquoise framed mirror over it. Where did you put the dresser?
Jennifer de Mahy thanked fuzinav
fuzinav
10 years ago
Is there room for a cubby filled bench at the foot of her bed? If you decide a desk just won't fit, a bench under the window to act as storage as well as a window seat would be shallower than a desk.
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
@fuzinav I put the dresser in the closet
fuzinav
10 years ago
Good idea! She'll still have the storage, will gain floor space.
Angela Lee
10 years ago
Any more updates on this space!? I've been following the feed and am anxious to see how its turning out!
PeggySue 2U2
10 years ago
Take one or more of her photographs and have it blown up to go on one or more of her walls. You can do them in black & whites then add splashes of color. If you find it hard finding a place to blow them up, go to a car graphics company. They can do graphics for anything.
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hurst visual solutions
10 years ago
I was reading through and these may have already been suggested but if you could paint the ceiling a light blue that matches some of the room, that gives it a nice soft look as opposed to white ceiling paint. Nothing too dark, but a sky blue... Also, as far as photos go. I did a wall grouping using black and white photos from a fashion magazine, used a pink highlighter to highlight some spots in the photo, spray adhesive and dollar store frames can make some nice pieces. Mix up with photos of her friends or favorite things. Make the grouping on the floor first before you start to nail them up. Paint the frames some fun color that picks up something in the bedding.
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
Wanted to share pics of where I am to date with her room
Angela Lee
10 years ago
its looking so cute so far! i still think you should center the bed on the wall and then turn that bookcase on the same wall as the bed. but bravo! on the color and the wall design! are those two different blues in the stripes and the solid? :-/
bygeorgi
10 years ago
Love that chevron wall... It's a nice transition from little girls cute to big girl style... hope your daughter likes it.
Jean M
10 years ago
I really like your chevron wall. I am in the process of decorating one of my daughter's bedrooms, and it is fun but a lot of work. We used light tiffany blue for the walls, and I made orange chevron roman shades.
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Art Geo
10 years ago
Paintings?
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImpastoOilPaintings?ref=si_shop
RosemaryR
10 years ago
It's adorable, she must be psyched!
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hurst visual solutions
10 years ago
Dollar store frames - different sized frames. Add whatever her favorite things are and make a wall grouping. Paint the frames.. have fun doing it with each other, or if she is making new friends, invite some over for a group project. Sorry my only photos are from the bathroom! I just picture this as an easy project, and she can change the images in the frames or colors of frames as she get's older.
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hurst visual solutions
10 years ago
I'm sure she must be excited. I had a small bedroom as a teenager and took the furniture my parents gave me and used black light paint and added daisy stickers.. hung beads at my door... They were NOT happy.
hollywaterfall
10 years ago
Love the chevron stripes. Keep going and continue to keep us up to date. You're doing great!
Charmaine Miles
10 years ago
Hi there...always wise to ask what she likes and then go shopping WITH HER. It is a good bonding activity tied into one as well as learning that some of her ideas may SURPRISE you. I have two daughters and both have totally differeent decor ideas, but if they dont't like something it is not good to force your choice on them. They have to live with it after all. I learnt the same about clothes choices...it took a direct "SAY YES OR NO BECAUSE IF I BUY IT AND IT SITS IN THE CUPBORAD, I WILL GET UPSET", from Mum. It now works like a dream, We love shopping together and I give advice as we look at the different aspects related to things she chooses to examine. She has slowly over time recognised that Mum often knows best as Mum has told her how to shop and what things to look for to minimise mistakes. She has her own tastes though and I can see this emerging and encourage when things are going in the right direction. Hope this helps, but can see you're a mum who wants her to be happy! God bless you. Let us know what the outcome is in the end.
Charmaine Miles
10 years ago
The photo at the top is not colours I would choose. I believe teenagers are a bit more into deeper colours - things that liven up and are vibrant, but culture can dictate too as to what a young girl may choose compared to what is deemed acceptable. I love white as a backdrop colour as anything goes with it and especially the darker deeper colours of orange/purple/red/dark pink/dark teal/vibrant blues. A third colour is always necessary to bring balance though. Hope this helps.
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Beth Chesak, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices FNR
10 years ago
An upholstered headboard would look great. You can get one online from Target or many other places, fairly reasonably. Some are slip-covered and easily changeable or you can get one that has something specific to her colors. I made one with a piece of wood that Home Depot cut to size, then padded it with baffle and picked a fabric which I staple gunned to the frame.
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I have four small kids and work full time so this project is taking forever! I just want to do finish it so bad but between money and time it's hard. I'll keep you posted!!! Thanks again
Nancy Travisinteriors
10 years ago
Very cute. What did you do on window?
Nancy Travisinteriors
10 years ago
Ck target for accessories and panels for window they have her colors, great price.
abbyjean
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
That wall is amazing! I cannot image all the time and effort put in to THAT! And I am guessing the other kids want rooms that are just as special. Ain't being a mom the best!!!
Jennifer de Mahy
Original Author
10 years ago
Travisinteriors I found some cute fabric that my mom is going to make cute panels. I hate her shade and want to get something else. Her bed is killing me too I do t like it so that is next. Stay tuned!
Charmaine Miles
10 years ago
Hi jdemahy and ..... just a thought but have you got secondhand shops close by. Over here we have what we call op shops (opportunity shops) like Charity shops - Salvation Army and others etc. They often have good stuff at lower prices. You just have to know your prices so you can see if you're getting a bargain or not. A large wall hanging would be lovely. I had some rolls of wallpaper left and joined them with cellotape etc to determine what size the picture the room needed. It gave me measurements that I could work with when I went to look for a picture/wall hanging. If you find a picture but you don't like the frame colour you could always see if the frame can be painted to suit your decor. Craft ideas on utube are helpful when you are looking for the HOW TO DIY projects. Great to see your enthusiasm and progress.
PRO
hurst visual solutions
10 years ago
I made a fabric covered valance to go over a window using cardboard and just plain fabric or a sheet that goes with the bedding Then put a rod with white sheers under that. Very inexpensive and can be found at Lowe's for $8 a panel. Check and see if you need 72" or more, there are standard sizes. Will let in lots of light and be so much less expensive than drapes. The valance.. . It was cardboard and all I used was tape and upholstery tacks. I also made my own padded headboard. ) It's not hard. A piece of wood cut to the size of the bed width and then as high as you want it to be once attached to the wall. It doesn't have to go to the floor or have legs, but can be attached to the wall with a bracket. You buy the wood 1/2" MDF at Home Depot and they'll cut it. Look up DIY headboards. You can change the fabric when you get sick of it. All it takes is batting, a little foam and a staple gun. Nice to have that to lean against. I tend to spend time on my bed with my laptop and it makes all the difference.
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Art Geo
10 years ago
If I understand correctly, you have empty wall above the bed.
I have four pictures of the same size, they look good for two.
I sell them with a painted sides, but they also look good on a large white frames (in the color of your wood furniture). Perhaps they could be used for two in orange or green-and-blue version.
Details of the review here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/101294441/fog-away-free-shipping-original-impasto?ref=shop_home_active
https://www.etsy.com/listing/105446902/foggy-morning-free-shipping-original-oil?ref=shop_home_active
https://www.etsy.com/listing/105447052/rivers-birth-free-shipping-original-oil?ref=shop_home_active
https://www.etsy.com/listing/105447596/sunrise-free-shipping-original-oil?ref=shop_home_active
Charmaine Miles
10 years ago
Many years ago when my daughters were teenagers I installed a double curtain/drapes rail - the back one was a cross over one with a drawer string to the one side and the front was a straight one with no cord but. I made a valance in the same way as the drapes, with a drop of about 40cm and hung this across the front track. I used wide curtain tape at the top that had about three rows of attachment options for the individual hooks that were used tohang both sets of drapes (the front ones as well as the ones on the track at the back. I had floor length drapes for the ones at the back and it looked really good with tie-backs I also made and attacjed with brass style cup hooks especially purchased from drape shop. I will see if I can find a photo and post it for you to see. Surprisingly it was in the same colours of pink, turquoise and white that you have chosen. The valance made in this way is really easy and can be removed for cleaning from time to time. Both my drapes as well as my valance was lined with normal polycotton fabric.
Charmaine Miles
10 years ago
Love the two paintings above the bed. You could play around with these to see if you require a deeper colour frame rather than the white ones or even just the positioning of them on the wall could be changed. You may want to place them exactly side by side with each one at the same height from the floor and perhaps just a gap between the two to bring a good visual effect when you stand back to observe. This is something both you and your daughter can do together and see which layout she loves. Giving her options is always something that can bring her own individuality to her room as time goes on and she will develop an eye for what pleases her and makes her feel she has accomplished a room she loves. A wonderful mother/daughter relationship in the blossoming, I can see it! ENJOY.
Charmaine Miles
10 years ago
The colour in these have faded a bit. Our carpet was turquoise/teal in colour. The photo that has a brown chest of drawers was our own main bedroom and it shows the type of tie backs that are the same shape and style I made for the girls bedroom drapes. Hope this helps.
chey03anne
9 years ago
where did you get the bed and carpet