Colorful Kid’s Bedroom Makeover for a Foster-to-Adopt Family
Last fall we featured a redesign Nancy completed for her son Owen. Now she’s returned with another joyful room makeover — this time for a family with a heartfelt story. Nancy entered the Creating with the Stars contest and was paired with Kari from U-Create. The couple she worked with has been trying to grow their family for more than a decade. Accepting that pregnancy might never happen for them, they chose the foster-to-adopt path and are in the process of adopting three siblings. The youngest, KK, will officially become theirs in February. Nancy transformed a guest bedroom into a bright, playful space ready to welcome KK home.
Nancy typically leans toward a crisp black-and-white aesthetic, but for this project she embraced bold color and lively patterns to create a warm, child-friendly room. Her goal was to make a space that feels cheerful and inviting while leaving room for personal touches once KK settles in. That way, the child can add their own personality through toys, artwork, and handmade items from the family.
One of the most striking design elements is a hand-drawn patterned wall. Nancy initially planned to use an Ikea fabric with a black, white, and green bird print. When she discovered the fabric was no longer available, she improvised with a projector and six Sharpies to recreate a similar look on the wall. She projected pieces of the pattern and traced what she liked, rearranging elements rather than copying the original fabric exactly. The process was creative and hands-on — a bit taxing on her wrist and shoulder — but the result is playful, custom “wallpaper” that perfectly fits the room’s scale and color scheme.
Nancy documented her technique and shared a step-by-step tutorial for creating this $5 “wallpaper” treatment. The DIY approach demonstrates how you can achieve a high-impact statement wall without expensive materials or professional installation. Using simple tools like a projector, Sharpies, and a bit of patience, any creative home decorator can add personality and depth to a child’s bedroom.
Beyond the accent wall, the room includes several kid-friendly design choices: bold bedding in purple, a painted ceiling that adds visual interest, and planked walls that bring texture and warmth. Nancy avoided over-personalizing the space so that KK — and the rest of the family — can make the room their own once they move in. Leaving open surfaces and simple shelving means room for handmade crafts, special toys, and personal artwork.
Nancy’s thoughtful design balances color, pattern, and practical details to create a space that is both fun and functional. It’s a great example of how a modest budget and a creative approach can result in a meaningful bedroom makeover for a child. Her story also highlights the emotional importance of preparing a welcoming, stable environment for children entering a new home through foster care and adoption.
For more photos of the finished room and a full materials and source list, visit Nancy’s project post on her blog and see the extensive photo gallery on U-Create’s blog. This makeover is a reminder that thoughtful, DIY-driven design can create a joyful space that welcomes a child and supports a family’s new beginning. Hope you enjoy the transformation as much as Nancy enjoyed creating it — xo, Nancy.