Colorful Kids Room Makeover
What was once a moody guest bedroom has now transformed into a colorful, whimsical room for my daughter. It's now a space that feels just as joyful as she is. This makeover was all about balancing her love of color with the calmness every bedroom deserves.
Architectural Details That Elevate the Space
Before diving into color, I wanted to give the room more presence through trim and moulding. I added:
Crown moulding at the ceiling
Basecap moulding to the baseboards
Chair rail with a removable scallop trim underneath for a playful touch
Beaded trim around the doorways
These details brought so much dimension to the walls and gave me the perfect foundation for layering on color.
A Color Story Inspired by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
The palette came straight from the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Collection of the year: Honest Essentials.
The ceiling and upper walls are painted in Lemon Chiffon, a soft, happy yellow that instantly brightens the room.
From the chair rail down, I used Reddend Earth which is also the same color as the hallway leading into her room
For the doors and doorways I used Cordovan
Together, these colors create a playful but sophisticated backdrop.
Layering in Color and Whimsy
Since my daughter will happily tell you her favorite color is “yellow… and all the colors of the rainbow,” I started with yellow as the anchor and layered in every shade of joy:
Red sheets with a yellow floral quilt
Yellow canopy draped over her spinning bookshelf
Pink curtains for softness
Blue pennant banner and white bows floating across the ceiling
Sweet Finishing Touches
I sprinkled in whimsical details to spark imagination: a hanging rattan hot air balloon, fabric balloons on the wall, and painted shelves in the same red as the door trim for continuity.
A Room Made for Her
This room is cheerful, layered, and full of personality, just like my daughter. By centering yellow (her favorite!) and mixing in colors from across the spectrum, I was able to create a space that feels both vibrant and peaceful, making it the perfect retreat for bedtime and playtime alike.
