We believe a fresh coat of paint can dramatically change a room, and this bedroom makeover proves it. The designer behind this transformation has written two books on painting and shares her tips throughout this piece. Here’s Sunny’s account of the project:
I’m thrilled to reveal this bedroom makeover. I was asked to update the room for a 13-year-old girl named Lily.
The brief was to transition the space from a child’s room to a stylish, comfortable retreat that would suit Lily through her teen years and beyond. She was away at camp while we completed the makeover and will come home to the surprise soon.
For color, I used Benjamin Moore’s Morning Glory on both the walls and ceiling—the wall color mixed at half-strength and the ceiling at a quarter-strength. To add subtle pattern without overwhelming the room, I created three sizes of a stencil to mimic a soft wallpaper effect. The pattern was inspired by a Serena & Lily bedding set we found on sale.
We selected light blue because it’s calming—perfect for a teenager’s bedroom that should feel like a restful escape. The white stencil contrasts gently with the blue so the walls have visual interest without being busy. To introduce dimension and variety, I positioned the larger stencil upside down and filled the spaces between with the smaller, right-side-up stencil.
Because Lily often has sleepovers, we included two beds with Pottery Barn headboards dressed in white slipcovers. We had the slipcovers monogrammed affordably to add a playful, large-scale initial that feels cheerful without being formal. The roman shades were mounted at ceiling height to visually enlarge the windows and make the room feel more airy and spacious.
The project was straightforward but impactful. We can’t wait for Lily to see her updated room! – Sunny
We love the result too. The updated palette, delicate stencil pattern, and thoughtful layout create a mature yet youthful space that will grow with Lily. Keep an eye out for more of Sunny’s painting ideas and giveaways this week—her photo gallery showcases many more of her transformations. A well-executed paint makeover really does go a long way.