Upcycled Elegance: A Creative Room Makeover for My Little One

When my younger daughter was in elementary school, we decided it was time to upgrade her room from a toddler setup to something more fitting for her growing personality. She had her heart set on a specific color scheme, and we worked together to bring her vision to life.

Our approach was to reuse as much as we could while adding a few upgrades to make the space both functional and fun.

How it all came together:

Reused Items:

• IKEA Storage Benches: These benches had served as her bed in the previous setup. We repurposed them in the new design to maximize storage and maintain familiarity.

• Wall Storage Shelves: These remained a staple in her room, providing ample space to organize books, toys, and treasures.

• Mattress: We reused the comfortable mattress she already had, saving money and reducing waste.

New Additions:

• Twin Bed: We found a simple yet stylish twin bed on Amazon to anchor the room. It was the perfect upgrade from the toddler bed.

• Desk with Storage: A functional workspace was a must, so we added a desk with built-in storage to keep school supplies tidy.

• Comfortable Swirl Chair: To complement the desk, we selected a swirl chair that’s both ergonomic and fun.

• Reading Nook Swivel Chair: Creating a cozy corner for reading was a priority, and the addition of a comfortable swivel chair made this space inviting.

• Personalized Decor: We used some of her paintings and photos she had taken to decorate the walls, adding a personal and artistic touch to the room.

• Custom Window Seat Cushion: To make the window seating area extra cozy, we custom-made a cushion that perfectly fit the space, adding both comfort and style.

The result is a room that’s a blend of old and new—personalized, practical, and perfect for her elementary school years. By reusing what we could and carefully selecting new pieces, we stayed within out theme of sustainability, while creating a space that’s uniquely hers.

Behind the Magic:

Desk - West Elm (Discontinued model)

Desk Chair - West Elm

Swivel Chair: West Elm

Storage & Wall Shelves - Ikea

Pillow Covers - West Elm