Awwww! Today is a special day because I’m going to show you Kensington’s new updated bedroom 🙂 !
Let’s back up…
Way back in the spring, Kensington started asking for a room makeover for her birthday (September 15th). We moved into our house when she was in Pre-K, and now that she was going into middle school, she was ready for a “not pink” room. We started making a Pinterest board and coming up with ideas and then…our house flooded. Boo. This was win/lose for K. The winning part is that since the contractors were already living er I mean working in our house, it was even easier to update her room and do more stuff than we originally intended. The lose part was that even though this was her birthday present, due to the mass chaos that was our house, we weren’t actually able to fix it up until December. BUT it’s all ready now and she loves it.
Before we begin, here’s a little “before” pic of her room…
…this pic is from my original post on her bedroom way back in 2014. I didn’t get the chance to do proper “before” pics of her room because in June, the house flooded and overnight, her room also became…
…my closet. Sigh.
She was a really good sport about it too considering we “shared” a room for 5 months.
So, that’s a little recap. My big ‘tween went from…
…this to…
…this 🙂 .
Isn’t it happy?! She really wanted white, grey and “fresh”, so that’s what we tried to do. Kensington herself picked out every little detail. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Moderate White, painted the ceiling Sherwin Williams Colonial Revival Gray, replaced the carpet with hardwood floors and then made some other changes too.
First up, Kensington and I swapped mirrors in our bedrooms which is funny because this is the original mirror I bought for her baby nursery that ended up in my room and then now is back in her room (after living several years in my room…I now am using her old one). And then, my sweet mama painted her original dresser and swapped out the hardware. Before…
…see it back there? And now, after…
Isn’t that fun?! What would we do without Lovie?!
All the little details like this cuckoo clock we bought in Germany…
…shells from a vacation, an old door knob found on a vacation and these old Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock pins that I used to collect when I was her age…
We weren’t originally going to put in hardwood floors but since our entire house got fresh new hardwood floors, we told them to just add some to her room too since they were already there and the house was already a mess. We bought her rug HERE.
Kensington picked out a new bed and bedding (all from RH Teen) as the focal point of the room.
Kensington is clearly our sentimental Shull. Not only does she have my old pins, but she also has her dad’s favorite teddy bear from when he was in elementary school.
Christmas lights year around because…why not?!
This is the same desk that Santa brought her three years ago, but her chair is new and can be found at PB Teen except I think they only have the chairs with arms now. Frenchie sleeps in that dog bed all day long until K comes home from school (when she’s not just sitting by the back door waiting for her.).
Please note K’s feet. Hahaha! She was laying on the floor while I took the pics.
My almost 96 year old grandpa wrote K this letter last year, and it melts my heart that she keeps it there on her desk.
Speaking of sentimental…
…I collected all of these Precious Moments growing up, and Kensington found them in the attic and wanted them in her room. On the bottom of each one, I had written the name of the person who gave it to me and the date (yes, I’ve always been this type-A, ha!). Isn’t that special?!
Some sweet family pics…
She realllllllly wanted a hanging chair in her room too.
She had a pink window cushion before, and my mama just found someone to recover it for us in a new fabric.
Kensington loves the beach, so all of her new art is beach-y. We found all three pieces at PB Teen.
The perfect room for the two of them. It seriously feels JUST LIKE YESTERDAY that I did that original post, but it was almost 7 years ago! That room took her from new construction to middle school and now this room is going to take her into college. Geez it goes by too fast.
So, there’s a little look at Kensington’s room. xo
Caroline says
The room looks fab, so pretty. But I also wanted to say I just listened to the podcast Child Life on Call, and wow. It was just amazing to hear Ashby’s story and how amazing that little girl is. You are clearly doing such a great job as a family in supporting her. As a mom with a kid who has a congenital heart defect some things ran true for me too. Anyways wishing you all the very best from Ireland.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, thank YOU, Caroline. xx
Paula says
I also have a daughter with severe special needs. What caught me was just wanting Aahby to play without questions. While our Carmyn would never understand because hers is both physical and mental, her siblings do. I hate THEY can’t go anywhere without the questions and stares. You just pray for ‘normal’ experiences. I get tgat.
This room is gorgeous. My twins turn 11 this summer and are getting closer to a make over. I love this!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so glad you listened, Paula. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story with me too.
Aimee B says
This is all so beautiful!! That repainted dresser is my favorite! What brand/style of hardwood floors did you get?
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re the five inch wood planks like the rest of the house. I believe the stain is espresso.
Erika Slaughter says
I LOVE it!! It looks so light and bright! And Lovie did a great job on that dresser!
Elspeth says
This room is so pretty! I love the upgrade and that it’s more mature for her! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Lori says
Her room looks so pretty. What brand of paint did your mom use on her bureau? It looks so nice!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh! I need to ask! I think she said it took her 5 coats, but yes, it turned out fabulous!!
Sheaffer Sims says
Beautiful! You and K did such a great job!!! I love every detail.
Alexis Murrell says
Kensington has great taste!! Can you believe you have two white and gray rooms in your house now?!
Mix and Match Mama says
I cannot! Ha!
Amy Heinl says
Her room looks beautiful and it just seems to radiate her spirit. So very happy for her. I am seeing many more cherished memories being made in her new room.
angela ware says
i need kensington to be my interior designer ~ will she travel to PA?! ? absolutely gorgeous!
Kara says
The room is precious..? and I cannot stop laughing at the post-it’s! A girl after my own heart ?
E says
I just love this post because Kensington put so much thought and personal details into her new room. How exciting to be starting ms and get a bedroom makeover! She is just precious and thank you for sharing. My daughter is 8 now and will be needing an update before I know it!
Meredith Shanks says
Time goes by so fast! I remember reading your blog when you moved in and gave tours of the kids’ rooms. Can’t believe she’s old enough to have a room makeover. And I love all the meaningful touches. Great job, K!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Kensington’s room looks so good before and after! But I do love it a bit more now – it’s so grown up and classy! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Debbie K says
I’ve said it before, but I really need you and your precious mom to come redecorate my home. I love when she does IG stories of her house. I’m getting ready to re do my family room/ main level, and all the ideas are just a little overwhelming as they swirl in my head. LOL
carly says
Love her room and she is adorable! Please have your Mom share how she painted the dresser. What type of paint and process.
Tara G. says
My youngest turned 12 last May & her birthday gift was also a room refresh. She picked the same color palette & she, too, has that same bedding. ❤
Skimama says
Your grandpa’s penmanship is beautiful!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think so too 🙂 .
Melissa Tepool says
Where did you find the pouf ottoman?!
Mix and Match Mama says
Home Goods!!
Karen says
I love it! So age appropriate and will take her right through HS (and I know you don’t want to hear this Shay, but when she comes home from college it’ll still look perfect then too!) I just decided I’m putting a wedding photo in my daughter’s room. So sweet and girly! Great job!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Karen!!
Keisha Dawson says
Her new room is so beautiful! I love all of the sweet, sentimental touches!
Tracy says
My daughter did a similar feel in her room a few years ago. I’m a big fan of color and when she wanted white walls I just wasn’t sure. Turns out it’s become one of my favorite rooms!
Kristin Lyngaas says
It is just beautiful ❤️ I love the repurposing you did! So adorable! It’s very serene which is probably something she needs with those teen years ?
Jamie Henry says
She did awesome at picking out all the things! I would love to know about how you all are handling all the pre teen things with K. I always appreciate the wisdom you share on raising your babies. We recently got our 13 year old a GABB phone but are trying to keep her protected and safe from all the worldly things while also giving her freedoms too.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness…I think I’ll be much better at this by the time I get to Madeley. I’m navigating the waters right there with you!!
Ashley says
The room looks beautiful! I love the sitting corner with the bench, the hanging chair, the fur rug! It’s so comfy. My very favorite thing is that she keeps the letter from her grandfather up. Soooooo sweet! ❤️
Alison T. says
Ohh, that hanging chair/reading nook area would have been my dream at that age! It all looks lovely and very middle school chic. 😉 Well done!
Dana says
It’s so pretty! And I think every tween/teen girl right now wants one of those nest chairs. They’re so cozy!! Kensington did a great job!
Sue Jones says
What a transformation this room is. It’s beautiful and so peaceful. Please come decorate my master bedroom. 🙂
That dresser is fabulous!
Shani Wiggins says
So darling!! Love every detail! I have been looking for a “book shelf” for my daughter’s room…. where are her narrow ones from?! Love!
Favorite part of my morning routine still to the day is sipping my coffee while I read your posts! Thank you for continuing to share your life with all of us!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Shani, you just have no idea how much that means to me!! Thank YOU!! We bought those shelves a few years ago at PB Kids!
MelanieL says
Kensington’s room looks perfect, she did a great job picking things out! Thinking about kids going to college puts a lump in my throat as my oldest is a sophomore…:)
Krysti Burger says
I collected Precious Moments when I was a kid, too! Unfortunately, with four boys, no one was going to ask to put them in their room! Lol! I wonder what they’d look like if you got those clear plastic adjustable spice shelves that look like stairs, and put the Precious Moments on them?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh that’s a clever idea!!
Sophia says
Where is the rug from that’s under her hanging chair?
Mix and Match Mama says
Home Goods!
Deena says
I love Kensington’s new room and the best part is that she designed it herself! I remember picking out purple paint for my teen room.
Mix and Match Mama says
I do too! I picked out a raspberry pink color!
Elizabeth says
Your Grandpa has the most amazing handwriting for 96 or any age for that matter. Wish mine was that beautiful. Love this room. It has such a peaceful feel to it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Isn’t it lovely? I think so too. xx
Amy says
Oh my goodness… her room looks fantastic. I think my favorite part is the dresser your mom repainted for her!!? I love that she is so sentimental… I was that way and still am! I was an advid Precious Moments collector and although most are packed away I really wish I had written on the bottom of mine… such a great idea! Her room looks awesome and so much bigger! Great job!
Mallory says
Her room looks so beautiful!! Random question – who is the gray dog on her bed? ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Isn’t that funny?! It’s my most well-behaved pup for sure 😉 .
Mallory says
No, I mean, I’m confused. Poppy and Frenchie are white and Yankee is brown…did you go crazy and get a fourth dog and not tell us? ?
Mallory says
Oh never mind! I just spotted the tag! Hahaha I’m an idiot! ??♀️
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Her room looks so cute! I love the updates! That little chair swing is such a fun touch!! ?
That Inspired Chick
Jennifer Atmore says
Beautiful room for a beautiful young lady! Her baby picture on the shelf looks a little like Mia to me!
Lori R. says
Hi Kensington!
Fellow Virgo & sentimental person here…you did a fantastic job of designing your new room!
What a wonderful birthday treat to get to update your room to reflect your personality and style not to mention the fun you must’ve had selecting and deciding on things with your mom!
It’s a timeless design you’ll enjoy for many years, congratulations!…but I think Frenchie wants a new (non-pink) bed to match yours?
Wendy says
I love it! So pretty!! My favorite part of all this though is that she made it her own and you fully embraced it. I see so many kids rooms across Instagram feeds that while gorgeous, make me almost a little sad because I think, it doesn’t even look like a child lives in this room. Everything looks too perfect, and void of anything reflecting that an actual child or teen lives there. Missing are are all the little trinkets and treasures that most children love to make and collect and showcase in what should be their own little space. And I love that this is clearly a space that reflects Kensington and all her interests from music to shell collecting to loving her mom’s Precious Moments collection. So bravo to you for letting her truly live in her own space and making it her very own, I love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Wendy. This really means a lot to me.
Rachel says
Gorgeous! Tell K the stuffed sheepdog on her bed is great! I have a real one! He’s a 95 pound ball of fluffy love.
Biral says
So cute!! And I have that exact same mint green desk lamp!
Joanne says
What a beautiful room update! One that will last her right through to college too.
Jacquelyn says
I love everything you guys did to Kensington’s new room! I want to love into it, it’s so cozy and perfect!! Great job!!
Alisha Trimble says
Did you originally buy her window seat cushion locally? I’m trying to find a seat cushion for my daughter’s bedroom.
Mix and Match Mama says
Years ago, we had that one custom made along with the one downstairs in the breakfast nook.
Michele says
Tell K that I LOVE her room. I may hire her to redo my bedroom. 🙂 My mom, god love her, was so pushy when I was young that I really didn’t have a chance to make my own decisions. I’m so glad you gave her “free reign”. You’re a great Mom Shay! 🙂
Shari says
The room looks great! It’s nice and cozy and fun for K!
Amy Baker says
Oh I just LOVE IT! It’s beautiful! I love the style of everything she chose and it is just such a great space! Ahhh those middle school years – they fly by! (I swear even faster than elementary – which is just crazy!) Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Carol says
Oh what a lovely room!
Did your Mom use chalk paint on the dresser?
Mix and Match Mama says
I need to ask her for the specifics to share!
Ella says
I absolutely love the way you re-decorated her room! Would you mind sharing a link to her heardboard? I can’t find it on the RH website.
Mix and Match Mama says
https://www.rhteen.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?cellBackground=false&link=CamillaUpholsteredBedroom&categoryId=rhbc_cat617006
Dana says
The room makeover for K looks great!! I can remember doing that for my daughter and how happy and grown up she felt…although it is so bittersweet for the mama!!
Becky Carl says
Kensington! What a great room! It’s so comforting. I bet you sleep so good in there. I love your hanging chair. What a great place to read. Great job with your bedding. You are a blessed sweet girl. Thank you for sharing!
Kristy Moore says
Wow! Hard to believe your little girl is now wanting the grown up room! It looks like she got a new bed? What are you doing with old one?
Mix and Match Mama says
One of our friends took it!
Candice Ibarra Ostermann says
So beautiful!! I remember reading her first room post – that seems like yesterday! Do you remember the name of the yellow paint from her original room – ive been looking for a soft yellow like that.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, I don’t! I’m sorry!
Jaime says
I love her room so much! Did Kensington stop sleeping with Madeley and Ashby? Her new room looks amazing!
Mix and Match Mama says
She hasn’t been sleeping in their room since her room has been finished…and since they started sleeping in a tent. Ha!
Lisa N says
Love her room!! She did such a good job picking everything out. So love Grandpa’s letter! Also enjoyed K’s Q & A on Instagram:)
Rebecca Jo Vincent says
I love she’s sentimental. I feel that to my core too.
All those Precious Moments… so fun – they look perfect in tehre with the light colors they are.
There’s something about moving a child up to a more “grown up” room. A little jab to the heart.
… I would never leave that little sitting area… perfect reading space!
Love that desk chair too – with it being clear, doesnt look like it takes any space – genius
Christie says
Where did you get the fabric for the window seat?
Mix and Match Mama says
A local fabric store. We bought a few yards and then had it made.