The teenage bedroom has long been considered one of the first spaces a young girl calls her
own. A space in which emerging teen girls’ identities are formed, and a space in which to spend
time alone, to rest, and to be herself. A private space where they can feel secure that fosters a
sense of independence and responsibility. While entering adolescence, a girl’s bedroom
becomes increasingly emblematic of youthful determination to live more on her own terms.
Phase 1 : Planning and design of a bedroom makeover
Organizing a group of volunteers to create a fabulous bedroom makeover for a deserving girl,
Involves a group of volunteers who follow a comprehensive project plan, from getting input from
the girl to organize a build day to a day of adding finishing touches. A process that prioritizes her
vision to create a space that feels like her own, not just a room that has been redecorated.
Assemble the core team:
Assign key roles to volunteers to create an organized and effective workflow.
Project lead: The central coordinator responsible for the timeline, budget, and overall execution
Design lead: Works directly with the girl and family to gather her ideas and create a design plan.
Volunteer coordinator: Manages the volunteer schedule and tasks.
Sourcing/Logistics lead: Finds donated items, shops for new decor, and organizes
transportation
Discovering her vision
The success of the project depends on empowering the girl to be the primary decision maker.
Initial interview: The design lead should meet with her to discuss her passions, hobbies, and
favorite colors, and overall vision of the room.
Create a vision board: Use Pinterest or a physical collage to help her visualize the theme,
color, scheme, and desired furniture. Themes can range from boho chic to athletics to a specific
color palette.
Conduct an inventory: Go through her current room with her to decide what to keep, donate,
sell, or throw away. She should have the final say on her belongings.
Take measurements: Measure the room and existing furniture to plan the layout accurately and
purchase of new items and storage solutions.
Source Resources
Volunteers can source materials, furniture, and funding creatively to minimize costs.
Find free and low-cost items: Search online marketplaces, hold a neighborhood decor swap, or
ask family and friends for unwanted items.
Seek donations: Contact local businesses to request supplies like paint, hardware, or gift cards.
Start a collection drive: Organize a fundraiser or specific collection drive for items such as
bedding, art supplies, or decorative pillows.
Phase 2: Execution
Prepare the space
*The “elsewhere” pile: Have the girl sort and remove all items that will not be part of the new
room. Make separate piles for donation, belongings to keep, and things that belong elsewhere.
in the house.
Clear and clean: Volunteers should empty the room, clean it thoroughly, and make
any necessary minor repairs, like patching nail holes.
Protect the room: Lay down drop cloths to protect the floor and tape off baseboards and trim to
prepare for painting.
2 The makeover
Paint the walls: Volunteers can work together to paint the girls’ chosen colors. A
neutral color on most walls with one accent color wall is a budget-friendly way to add
Personality.
Assemble furniture: While the paint dries, the assembly team can build new furniture or
upcycle existing pieces by painting them or swapping hardware.
Add personal touches: Get creative with decor. For example, volunteers with sewing skills can
create custom curtains or throw pillows. Others can frame personal photos or inexpensive ones
Prints to create a gallery wall.
Create zones: Arrange the furniture to define functional areas, such as a study space, a cozy
reading nook, or a crafting station. This is especially helpful for smaller rooms.
3 The reveal and maintenance
Final placement: Once everything is complete, the volunteers can add the girl’s special items
back into the room, creating a thoughtful and organized space.
*The reveal: The final moment is a big reveal, allowing her to see her new, customized space for
the first time.
*Organization systems; Before leaving, walk through the new organization systems to help her
keep the room tidy and maintain her excellent new space.
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