Project Thornton: A Grown-Up Bedroom Makeover

North Haledon, NJ 

THE STARTING POINT

This project was extra special because it was for friends I adore. Heather, a good friend from church, reached out asking if I could help redesign her daughter Allie’s bedroom. Allie, a middle schooler, was ready to move past her bold turquoise walls and into a space that felt more grown up—something she could enjoy for years to come.

She also needed organization. The constant mess came down to a lack of storage and structure. Heather simply said: “Katie, work your magic!” And with that, we dove right in.

Messy bedroom with pile of clothes on a circular chair, unmade bed with dark blue bedding, books, notepad, and remote control on the floor, and a window with white curtains decorated with colorful string clips.
Disorganized bedroom with a spilled blanket on the floor, a large bird pecking at a damp spot on the carpet, a bed with rumpled bedding, and various clutter including clothes, papers, and electronic devices scattered around.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Would you believe this entire project came together in just one month? It’s true! By the first week of December, I had a space plan and design boards ready. Heather and Allie gave quick, thoughtful feedback, which made decision-making a breeze. Allie’s Pinterest boards helped me hone in on the colors and styles she loved, while budget and function conversations with Heather ensured we stayed practical.

The room needed a refresh from top to bottom:

  • Floors: We had the hardwoods sanded and refinished after years of “artistic mishaps” and scratches.

  • Walls: A fresh coat of Benjamin Moore Silver Satin transformed the room into a soft, serene space. This neutral leans cool with hints of blue-gray—perfect for a growing teen.

  • Closet: A local handyman installed a new closet system to maximize storage and keep clutter at bay.

  • Furniture: The upholstered bed we chose included built-in drawers, replacing her old dresser and creating extra floor space. With that space freed up, we added a makeup vanity area and a cozy reading corner—two must-haves for Allie!

Every design decision balanced style, function, and longevity, ensuring her new bedroom could grow with her.

A cozy corner in a room featuring a beige rounded armchair, a small gold and white side table with a potted plant, white double closet doors, two floating wooden shelves with framed pictures, vases, and dried plants, and a portion of a bed with a bla
A cozy bedroom with white walls, hardwood floors, a large bed with white and gray bedding, a chandelier, and a window with curtains. There are decorative items like plants, framed pictures, a macramé wall hanging, and a nightstand with a lamp.
Bedroom corner with beige armchair, wooden shelves with framed art and plants, a large mirror, and a bed with a blanket.
A tall, arched mirror reflecting a cozy corner of a room with beige armchair, small side table with a plant, two floating shelves with decorative items, and a wooden floor with a rug.
A bedroom with a white bed, beige blanket, and multiple pillows on it. There is a tall mirror, a beige armchair, a small side table, and wall shelves with decorative items and photos. A chandelier and a macrame wall hanging are also present.
A cozy bedroom with a white upholstered bed, blue and patterned pillows, a beige fur throw, a decorative wall hanging, and a full-length mirror on a wall. There is an ottoman and a small bedside table with a plant, all on a hardwood floor with a patt
A bedroom with white walls and wooden floors. It features a white bed with a beige blanket and decorative pillows, a white nightstand with a lamp and plant, a mirror, a beige armchair, and shelves with framed pictures and decor. There's a macramé wal
A cozy bedroom with a white bed, gray and blue pillows, a nightstand with a lamp, a white rug, wooden flooring, and decorative shelves on the wall. There is a chair and a mirror in the corner.

THE REVEAL

The reveal was pure joy. Allie and Heather were both thrilled—not only with how beautiful the room turned out, but also that we stuck to both the budget and the one-month timeline.

Allie couldn’t wait to invite friends over to see her new space, and Heather was so thankful for a process that was efficient, thoughtful, and fun.

For me, the best part was giving this family a space filled with love, care, and intention. This project was born from friendship, and seeing Allie light up in her brand-new room was the best gift of all.

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