Room makeover - one happy tween

Recently, a friend of mine shared a story with me about her tween daughter. She noticed that her daughter wasn't really herself.

I asked questions, trying to find out what she thought was going on. In the end, it appeared that her daughter was struggling with a recent move their family had made. She wasn't feeling that she fit in and was missing the things she knew and loved.

Apparently, her daughter is the type of girl who likes to be at home and loves to curl up with a good book. She enjoys being surrounded by family, friends and all the things she loves.

During our conversation, I asked my friend what her daugther's bedroom was like. I asked this only because, having a daugther of my own, I understand the importance of them having a space they are proud of and something that truly reflects who they are. Like our own bedrooms, our children deserve a comfortable place to lay their heads whilst they consider the issues of the world according to them.

My friend shared with me that she hadn't paid much attention to her daughter's room, in fact, it was more of a shell with a bed. She actually wasn't sure what to do with the room, and wasn't sure how to reflect her daughter's eclectic nature.

Armed with this information, I headed to one of our familyroom decorating and design experts, Suzie Crocker (Michaela Grul is also one of our truly gifted space creators). Suzie was enlisted to help this young girl out and ultimately this family.

In an effort to truly bring this young girl's style to life, Suzie spent time with her. She asked questions and discovered what was needed. After a day of shopping and a day of decorating, this shell of a room was turned into a tween-come-teen haven. A comfortable yet functional room for a growing young girl.

Suzie incorporated her love of reading with an exceptional chair and side table, a desk for study with all the necessary day to day school supplies plus some special additions for tackling the last minute search for project material.

Suzie found oversized pillows and age appropriate bed linen and artwork. She hung photos of her friends and family above her desk which serve as a reminder of how loved she is. The room truly took on the personality of this young girl.

To hear Suzie discuss this project and other decorating and organising ideas jump onto http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susanjsohn and listen LIVE or on DEMAND to our March 25th show where Suzie and Susan talk about Making a house a home and a home a haven.

Please email your questions, pictures or problem areas to familyroomaus@gmail.com and Suzie will do her best to help you create a space you will love.

Susan