Last fall we featured a redesign Nancy completed for her son Owen. Now she’s back with another vibrant room makeover—this time for a family with a touching story. Below is the letter she sent describing the project and her approach.

Hi John and Sherry! A while back I entered the Creating with the Stars contest hosted by East Coast Creative and was partnered with Kari from U-Create. I had the extraordinary opportunity to makeover a room for a couple who have been trying to expand their family for more than ten years. Accepting that biological children may never become a reality for them, they entered a foster-to-adopt program and are in the process of adopting three siblings. KK is the youngest of the three, and the family expects to finalize the adoption in February. For the contest I transformed one of the couple’s guest bedrooms into a cheerful, welcoming space for KK. Although I was eliminated in Round 3, I continued on to complete Round 4 and I’m so glad I did.

I’m usually a big fan of black and white in home decor, but for this room I wanted to embrace color and bold patterns to create an energetic, playful retreat for a little girl. The makeover was so much fun that I didn’t want to leave when it was finished.

Originally I planned to use a specific Ikea fabric featuring a black, white, and green bird print, but when I arrived at the store I discovered that the fabric was no longer available. Rather than abandon the idea, I adapted the plan: I used a projector and six Sharpie markers to recreate a similar motif directly on the wall. I traced portions of the pattern, but instead of copying the fabric precisely I rearranged elements and positioned them where they felt right in the space. The tracing work was fairly straightforward, although it did strain my wrist and shoulder by the end. Still, the finished effect was absolutely worth the effort.

To keep the room personal and ready to grow with KK, I intentionally left room for handmade touches and future customizations. I enjoy sewing and crafting, so I left space where the family can add their own fabrics, sewn items, or other handmade details once KK arrives. That way the room can evolve with her personality and preferences.

There are lots of photos of this playful bedroom on U-Create’s blog, along with more details about the makeover. I also posted a full source list and a step-by-step tutorial for the $5 “wallpaper” treatment I created, which explains how the wall design came together using simple tools and affordable materials. I hope these resources inspire others to try a similar approach—hand-drawn wall treatments can deliver big impact for a low cost and add a one-of-a-kind, personal touch to any child’s room.

Design highlights include a lively painted ceiling, planked walls that add texture and warmth, a purple bed that brings a bold splash of color, and the homemade wallpaper-style wall treatment that ties the room together. Each element was chosen to feel fun and welcoming, while also being flexible enough for the family to personalize over time.

Thank you to Nancy for sharing this heartfelt makeover. It’s a beautiful example of how thoughtful design can create a comforting, joyful space for a child joining a new family. I’m especially moved by the idea that the room was designed with future handmade touches in mind—allowing KK to make the space her own will be a special part of her transition into the home.

For more photos and the full materials list and tutorial, see Nancy’s posts and the project coverage on U-Create. Thanks again to Nancy for contributing such a sweet room for a very special family—and for showing how creativity and generosity can change a home for the better.