I love designing children's rooms because they are often so excited to get involved in the decorating process and are super opinionated concerning their preferences from color, pattern, even the toys and pillows on their bed. I love this clarity of vision and that they want what they want. You can't talk them out of a color or a theme. If they want purple walls, that's what it's going to be. I like this pure and often, quite imaginative and bonkers vision that they have and I respect it.

The older they get, kids want to be even more involved in how their bedrooms look. My three-year-old son already says, "Mama, get the washi tape please. I want to put Hank the Octopus over my table". I can't believe he remembers words like washi tape, but okayyyyy. Soon, he will ask for even greater changes like no more cute bear wallpaper, STAR WARS! Or no more soft green walls, FIRE ENGINE RED!

Recently my friend Karine Candice Kong, former owner of the lifestyle shop Bodie & Fou, a photographer and blogger at the Bodie & Fou blog (she kept the blog, sold the shop), shared her 12-year-old girl's bedroom makeover and I had to share it here. I love what she and her daughter, Mila, did in her boho bedroom makeover. It went from cluttered and typical child-like to a more clear, organized yet still boho surfer girl look that reflects exactly who Mila is and what she's currently inspired by.

 THE WISHLIST

A bedroom that reflected Mila's love of surfing + A palette of soft vintage pink, pale green, light grey and white + A gallery wall with cactus & palm trees + De-cluttering the desk area so she's happier doing homework + Making the bed luxurious, warm and cozy for winter + Linen bedding + All season wool duvet and pillows + More grown up but still girly.

PROJECT MOOD BOARDS FROM MOM +DAUGHTER

BEFORE (LEFT) + AFTER (RIGHT)

Isn't that a super lovely makeover? Mila got everything on her wishlist and more. Best part is, this room can be done on a budget too if you wish because it's simple yet still has character and "enough" stuff around to make it feel warm and like a young girl lives there. This space is effortlessly stylish, livable, cozy and most importantly, 100% Mila.

Thank you Karine for letting us share this room redux on decor8 today!

(Photography Karine Candice Kong / Photo Editing Holly Becker / Text Holly Becker)