15 Easy Upgrades for a Teen Girl's Room

When a complete redesign isn't in the cards, try these smart, simple updates to take your girl's bedroom from drab to fab in no time.

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August 08, 2018

By: Allie Holcomb King

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Bring the Outdoors In

Leafy, nature-inspired patterns and prints are totally on-trend right now. Fun, tropical varieties feel simultaneously young and grown-up — the perfect fit for a blossoming teen. Patterned accents aren't your thing? Try the real deal. Houseplants are an easy way to add (aesthetically pleasing) responsibility to your teen's routine.

From: Terracotta Design Build

Illuminate Her Style

Make nightly reading feel a bit more sophisticated by trading her kid lamp for a clean, modern one. You'll be surprised at how much a small lamp can impact the feel of an entire room.

Call on Classic Colors

Nothing says chic quite like black and white. Give your gal the go-ahead to grow up by ditching those rainbow polka-dot pillows and opting for accent colors that feel more refined.

From: Stefani Stein

G(l)o Neon

Does her room feel a tad too sweet for her spunky personality? A neon sign is the perfect way to add some spice. Encourage her individuality by letting her choose the word or phrase to illuminate her space.

From: Jessica McClendon

Mix Old + New

Pattern play is key in a kid-to-teen room update. Florals don't feel as soft and feminine when paired with bold, graphic selections and new pops of color. Just be sure to tie the look together with a few key colors and a clean neutral, like white.

From: Kendall Simmons

Create a Sweet Escape

Carve out a nook for your budding adult to read and think. She'll appreciate having a safe space where she can retreat after a long day. Try a hanging pod chair, cozy armchair or chaise lounge paired with a small side table.

From: Urbanology Designs

Go for Gold

Mix in metallics to bring elegance to an otherwise youthful space. Don't go overboard — a side table, a lamp or even tabletop accessories will do the trick.

From: Elizabeth Krueger Design

Paint It Black

Looking for a color to match all that teenage melodrama? It just so happens that black is back, so this is a win-win situation. Consider an inky accent wall for maximum impact, or try matte black accessories if you're feeling noncommittal.

From: Judith Balis

Tailor With Texture

Not only is texture an effective tool for designers, but it's also an effective tool for parents. Trendy picks like fringe and macramé are useful for more than their good looks. They can make spaces feel warmer, cozier and all-around more inviting. Ahem, this tip's for you, parent-whose-teen-hates-her-room.

From: Megan Pflug

Wield Her Wardrobe

Do you have a fashionista on your hands? Embrace her creativity by letting her display her favorite finds. A popular option for homes with little storage space, exposed wardrobes are also helpful for outfit planning.

Let Her Light Shine

After you've set up an exposed wardrobe for your fashion fiend, there's only one thing left to do: Give her a full-length mirror to perfect her pairings. Not only will it improve her outfits, but it will also improve her room by reflecting natural light throughout the space.

Swap in a Stylish Bookshelf

Her beloved books deserve to live somewhere other than her chunky, childhood bookshelf. Do them (and her) a favor by updating the room with a modern silhouette.

From: Urbanology Designs

Add an (Awesome) Accent Wall

Refresh a tired design by creating a new focal point. Wallpaper an accent wall with a playful pattern or punchy colors to draw the eye in. Just be sure the wallpaper complements your existing color palette for a sense of cohesion.

Say Bye to Kiddie Kitsch

I know. It's sad to see the ribbons and monograms go, but they've had their time in the sun. Now it's time to let her personality shine. Encourage her to pick out new wall art for a space that's truly her own.

From: J&J Design Group

Give Her the Ultimate Gift

What's that, you ask? Organization. Set her up with all the necessities for a successfully organized life. Practically speaking, she needs: a desk, a clock, a calendar, a bulletin board, folders, binders and desk supplies. You can thank me later.

From: Michelle Edgemont