How to decorate a bedroom for the transitions from child to tween to teenager

A Whiff of Whimsy: A French-Inspired Room for a Young Dreamers

By Marilize Jacobs from Pigs Can Fly Interiors

The brief that landed in my inbox was every interior designer’s dream - and challenge... “We have two Gen Alpha daughters, Katryn, and Nina, sharing a room. They’re not ready for a ‘boring’ adult space.” The client, a family from Woodhill Estate in Pretoria, were seeking a solution that was not only vibrant and personal but also “intelligent”. A room that could gracefully bridge the gap between tween exuberance and teenage sophistication.

The initial consultation was a whirlwind of colour combinations, a creative mood board (what I prefer to call a “concept board” and the infectious energy of two young girls with distinctly different tastes. Katryn, the eldest, was drawn to greens, while Nina’s heart belonged to a spectrum of pinks. The parents’ key directive, however, was the cornerstone of the project: create a space that would “stand the test of time and also suits the overall French interiors of the rest of the home.” This meant designing with an eye on the future and another eye on the now in flow with the rest of the home. I had to ensure that decorating foundation was so strong that only minor, cost-effective updates would be needed down the line.

The solution? A thoughtfully layered maximalism that celebrates personality without succumbing to fleeting trends. Maximalism, when done correctly, is not about clutter; it’s about curated cohesion. It’s a symphony of pattern, texture, and colour that tells a story. For Katryn and Nina, the story would be their own.

The Canvas: A Timeless Colour Strategy

The sisters’ seemingly opposing colour preferences became the project’s greatest asset. Instead of forcing a compromise, we leaned into the dynamic. We selected a palette of green and pink that shared the same hue intensity, creating a sophisticated, complementary dialogue on the colour wheel. The walls were treated as a neutral, warm backdrop, allowing the custom-made elements to take centre stage. This decision was strategic; wall colour is the easiest and most disruptive element to change. By keeping it neutral, I future-proofed the room.

Curated Character: The Art of the Custom Piece

In a world of mass production, the soul of a room lies in its unique pieces. For this project, every significant element was either curated from local artisans or custom-made. The instant focal point is a pair of occasional chairs, their frames elegant but upstaged by the extraordinary: hand-painted quirky beetles scampering across the upholstery. This piece perfectly encapsulates the project’s spirit. A touch of formal elegance playfully subverted, guaranteed to spark conversation and grow in appreciation as the girls do.

The client’s sense of humour was dialled up with intentionally quirky accessories, including a mischievous ‘peeing’ doggy figurine that never fails to elicit a giggle. These playful touches are essential; a child’s room should not be a sterile showroom but a space that reflects their joy and imagination.

Layered Light and Feel-Good Texture

A maximalist space demands a sophisticated approach to lighting. We layered ambient natural light with functional and atmospheric artificial sources. Beside each velvet-head boarded bed in the form of loose pillows, I placed unique bedside lamps, casting a warm, personal glow for reading. This was complemented by two LED  lighted mirrors, allowing the girls to set the mood for a soft, cozy den. The result is a room that feels entirely different from day to night, adaptable to their every need.

Texture was our secret weapon for creating a feel-good, inviting atmosphere. Underfoot, a textured tiger-print rug provides a soft landing and a bold pattern base. The beds are dressed in a mix of velvets and high-thread-count cottons, while an assortment of fluffy and richly coloured scatter cushions adds depth and tactility. These cushions are the workhorses of the design; they are a cost-effective way to introduce and alter the colour palette seasonally or as tastes evolve. The pink headboard pillows, for instance, can be effortlessly swapped for neutral green ones in later years for an instant, grown-up refresh.

The Reveal: A Room of Their Own

The culmination of weeks of planning and collaboration was the reveal. Walking Katryn and Nina into their new room was a moment of pure magic. Their eyes widened, taking in the vibrant yet harmonious space that was so uniquely them. They pointed excitedly at the beetle-patterned chairs, laughed at the cheeky dog, and immediately dove onto the lushly made-up beds. The parents’ relief and delight were palpable; they saw a room that was not just beautiful, but smartly designed for the long haul.

Then came the moment that, for any designer, is the highest form of praise. Nina, looking around with a beaming smile, turned to me and said, “Wow Tannie Marilize, baie dankie.” In that simple, heartfelt phrase, we knew the project was a success. It wasn’t just a room; it was a sanctuary that acknowledged who they were and who they were becoming.

For designers and homeowners alike, the takeaway from the Woodhill Estate project is this: designing for young clients requires a dual vision. It’s about capturing the vibrant energy of the present while building a timeless foundation for the future. By investing in custom, quality pieces and focusing on a flexible, layered approach, you create not just a bedroom, but a legacy space that evolves alongside its inhabitants.

Marilize Jacobs is the founder of Pigs Can Fly Interiors, a Pretoria-based firm specialising in creating deeply personal, narrative-driven spaces for residential clients.