What's the budget? It almost looks like she has the "leftover" room in terms of furniture. Do you have funds to maybe get her some pieces from IKEA?

Are you looking for furniture ideas? Prints on the wall? I’d look at wall decals and removable wallpaper. You can start with wallsneedlove.com to get some ideas.

And I agree that it looks like “leftover furniture” in the sense that it’s not cohesive and unlikely that a young girl would choose for herself. How old is your sister? It’s a lovely gift. Will the walls be painted?

Not a Pro.

Some inspiration:

This is a coverlet, cold water washable.

Mi Zone Microfiber Printed Quilt Set, Full/Queen · More Info

Watercolor Woodland Animal Print, Set of 4, 11"x14" · More Info

Not a Pro.

Desk Organizer:

Hanover Letter Stand · More Info

If she loves to draw I would focus on really creating a space for that. Splurge on a drawing board and place it where the small desk is located, near a window for the light. Above that, put a huge cork board (or something upon which she can pin her art work). This can be framed in an outrageous,ornate frame. Go to a second hand shop or Habitat for Humanity and buy a frame there! Paint it gold! She needs a comfy chair to sit and dream in...and draw in, too. I would also get a light fixture that is whimsical....again, Habitat for Humanity! Maybe it can be spray painted, draped in costume jewelry beads, and topped with funky, hand painted shades. I love the wildlife prints suggested above. Keep the background neutral....and punch up the room with pink pillows, maybe a faux fur throw (no animals harmed!) But focus on HER loves.... have fun and good luck!

I would start with a beautiful soft color on the walls, which will help the whole space. Maybe a soft pink or light greenish blue. Get a white coverlet, and deeper colored or patterned sheets. She needs two white basic nightstands. Look for a small cabinet with drawers to use next to her desk, so everything stays enclosed and is easy to dust instead of shelving. Let her choose a large poster or print to use above the desk - maybe a nature scene.

Owner's Bedroom · More Info

Master Bedroom · More Info

You could also give her a fun light fixture

Coral Gables Home by Adi Balli · More Info

Thank you all for the ideas and the photographs! She is turning 11 years old. We don't have a specific budget but we don't want to do anything extreme, we just want to jumpstart the process. We don't want too many things in the room for easier clean up. We aren't going to be painting the walls, but decals and removable wallpaper sound like a good idea.

The wall colour looks different in every picture. What colour are the walls?

I might go with some items for her room, like fun desk organization things or throw pillows for the red chair, and a gift certificate to Wayfair or similar to pick out new bedding and nightstand or new desk. If there's something you know she'll love, it's great way to give a starting point, but it's nice to be able to pick some things yourself. You could get sheets and let her pick the quilt/comforter.

The walls are all white, sorry about that.

Since you are looking to jump start the process why not find a piece that serves as an inspiration piece to kick things off. It could be a comforter, some art work, or wallpaper. Something you know your sister would love. Then coordinate with drapes and bedding and a few key accessories.

the bed is cute. I'd replace the rest of the furniture if possible. Craigslist furniture paint and new pulls will go a long way. If you want to spend a little more on a dresser. Ikea has a fabulous Hemnes dresser. It's large and $250 [often on sale] and is actually great quality.

I'd also replace the ceiling fan with a fun light. [Amazon, Ikea, home Depot]. Add cute curtains and wall decals, a pretty comforter and throw blanket and it could be fabulous.

we did my daughter's room when she was 13. she told me colors and helped pick out fabric and the rest I did. She loved it. She did tire of the colors quickly so I was glad that was easy to change. [Pink/Green]. I had done bedding in a pink/green/black print. Hindsight I would have gone white and used those colors as accent pillows, etc. Thankfully I went neutral on furniture and walls with just accents in her colors [the decals were pink green black dots] She took down decals as she got older except for the wall saying which is still there [she's 20 now]. 'Be your own kind of beautiful.

For walls I'd do a bulletin board idea that she can put pictures, cards, etc. on. A couple cute canvases. I also recommend something in her initial. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a large Letter and used mod podge and added various pictures of her in B&W.

Also a full length mirror from walmart [$20] and a bean bag or convertible chair, etc. for lounging.

When I did my other daughter's tween/teen room I focused on white bedding with accent colors in the pillows. Her room worked better for longevity. A few canvases on the wall. Her initial in pictures like her sister; a photo pin board and voila.

Again make sure it grows with her so keep the colors to accents and theme to a minimum [if she loves giraffes for example don't do giraffe everything, get a canvas and maybe a little statue for dresser but the rest not giraffe lol].

Also look at pinterest for ideas.

I think it's great to talk budget with her too and let her have fun finding deals and learning how to buy within a budget.

have fun. it goes so fast.

Trish

Definitely get room darkening shades. We installed a double-rail curtain rod--the one closest to the window has the black out curtains and the outer curtains are ones I made myself using the Shibori dyeing technique.

The curtains currently hanging in your sister's room don't block any light.

Some inspiration:

I also think it would be nice to give her a gift card, etc. and let her go shopping for some of the items, so she can be involved. If going out to the store is not the best option now, there is always online.

I loved all of the ideas Trish Walter! I liked that they were pretty practical and budget friendly, and creative as well. Thank you!

I'm inclined to agree with what cawaps posted. I remember becoming hysterical when my mom surprised me with a complete bedroom makeover around that age.

And it was actually a very cool makeover. I just remember feeling violated and disrespected.

I realize, of course, everyone is different and has different types of relationships with their parents...