Last Updated on November 18, 2023 by lindseymahoney
We made it to week 8 of the One Room Challenge and the reveal of the vintage-inspired girls bedroom with grandmillennial style! For my daughter’s bedroom makeover, I tried to incorporate primarily second-hand and already owned items in the design.
My goal was to create a beautiful and functional bedroom that encouraged creativity. To put it simply, I didn’t include anything that couldn’t handle a few makeup smudges and crayon scribbles.
Catch up on earlier posts for the Fall One Room Challenge…
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8
![Fall One Room Challenge 2021 - upcycling furniture in a vintage inspired girls bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://i1.wp.com/buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ORC-Guest-400x218.png?resize=300%2C164&ssl=1)
For those of you who are stopping by for the first time, welcome! Two years ago we moved into our 1960’s fixer-upper in Toledo, Ohio, and have been documenting our renovations on the blog. This will be my fifth time participating in the One Room Challenge and it has been a fantastic way to complete projects in our home! Thanks for following along as I work to transform our daughter’s bedroom in 8 weeks.
Dining Room Reveal | Boys Bedroom Reveal | Master Bedroom Reveal | Living Room Reveal | Guest Bedroom Reveal
Grandmillennial Girls Bedroom Before & After
[For a complete source list, scroll to the bottom of the blog post! Affiliate links used in this blog post, thanks for supporting Building Bluebird!]
Let’s begin with a reminder of where we started in this space two years ago:
![Vintage-inspired girls bedroom makeover reveal | Building Bluebird
#oneroomchallenge](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6025-720x540.jpg.webp)
And that same view today.
![Vintage-inspired girls bedroom makeover reveal | Building Bluebird
#oneroomchallenge](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-33-2-720x478.jpg.webp)
Here is the other side of the bedroom when we moved in:
![Vintage-inspired girls bedroom makeover reveal | Building Bluebird
#oneroomchallenge](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_6027-720x540.jpg.webp)
And the same view today.
![Vintage-inspired girls bedroom makeover reveal | Building Bluebird
#oneroomchallenge](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-31-720x478.jpg.webp)
Girls Bedroom Design with Grandmillennial Vibes
The inspiration for this design came from one of my daughter’s books, From a Small Seed: the story of Eliza Hamilton, and her request for pink walls.
I was attracted to all of the colors in the book and Early American design. For the walls, I chose a muddy pink paint color (Likeable Sand by Sherwin Williams) because it felt timeless and I could imagine it in an old, historic home.
![Design inspiration and childrens book, From a small seed, the story of Eliza Hamilton | Building Bluebird #girlsbedroom](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Screen-Shot-2021-03-04-at-7.30.15-AM.png.webp)
Here is the original vintage girls bedroom design from Week 1. I ended up using different curtains as well as a different fabric for the bentwood seat cover. The upcycled bookcase that I planned to paint green just wasn’t working in the room, so I purchased an IKEA bookcase and added a few custom details.
![Vintage-inspired girls bedroom makeover reveal | Building Bluebird
#oneroomchallenge](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Girls-Bedroom-V2-720x720.jpg.webp)
Bedding & Window Treatments
With the new pink walls, the original red curtains made the room feel too warm. I toned it down with cool, blue curtains. I found the curtains at Anthropologie and love the pattern and color.
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_0864-1-720x517.jpg.webp)
The curtains allow some light to filter through, so the bamboo blinds help to block out the light. They also add a nice texture to the overall design.
![Vintage inspired girls pink bedroom with cottagecore vibes | Building Bluebird #grandmillennial](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_0860-720x540.jpg.webp)
Because of the unique layout of this room, the best spot for the bed was in front of the only windows. The headboard is a simple design made of iron that aligns well with the vintage design plan. The iron bars allow light to come through, even though it covers part of the window.
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-04-478x720.jpg.webp)
For the bedding, I hit up the closest IKEA and purchased a king-sized duvet cover for the queen-sized bed. I wanted the covers to hang lower than standard queen-size bedding and it worked great.
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-33-2-720x478.jpg.webp)
The white quilt at the foot of the bed was the original bedding in this room. To camouflage storage under the bed, I added a vintage eyelet dust ruffle (similar) that I found at an estate sale.
![Vintage-inspired girls bedroom makeover reveal | Building Bluebird
#oneroomchallenge #cottagecore #grandmillennial](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-31-720x478.jpg.webp)
Dresser
The dresser was originally purchased for our master bedroom makeover, but I quickly realized that it was way too small. I hate to admit it, but this is not one of my best purchases. I believe I spent around $800 for this dresser and the drawers are SO SMALL.
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-27-478x720.jpg.webp)
We kept our IKEA Hemnes dresser in the master bedroom and gave the expensive one to Evelyn since only her clothes were able to fit. At least it looks pretty!
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-46-720x478.jpg.webp)
I found the lamps at Home Goods and reused an IKEA mirror that we owned for years.
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-11-478x720.jpg.webp)
The flower artwork is an estate sale find.
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-08-720x478.jpg.webp)
Nightstand & Chair
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-24-720x720.jpg.webp)
This nightstand was one of my early second-hand purchases when we were still living in Colorado. I originally painted the nightstand white with pink trim but decided to cover the pink with the same blue as the desk. I really love both options but the blue coordinated better with this grandmillennial bedroom design.
![Likeable Sand by Sherwin Williams wall color SW 6058 | Building Bluebird
#vintage #cottagecore #grandmillennial #girlsbedroom](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-58-720x478.jpg.webp)
We have had the table lamp for a few years now and it was purchased at Home Goods. The blue vase was owned and the artwork is an antique store find with new frames.
![Likeable Sand by Sherwin Williams wall color SW 6058 | Building Bluebird
#vintage #cottagecore #grandmillennial #girlsbedroom](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-36-720x478.jpg.webp)
I found this sweet little chair at a local consignment shop and it is the perfect size for Evelyn’s room. I fell in love with the skirted bottom and checkered pattern. The pink, velvet pillow completes the look!
![Likeable Sand by Sherwin Williams wall color SW 6058 | Building Bluebird
#vintage #cottagecore #grandmillennial #girlsbedroom](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-09-720x720.jpg.webp)
Vanity/Desk
![Upcycling a vintage desk with blue paint for a cottagecore vibe | Building Bluebird #girlsbedroom #grandmillennial](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_0207-720x540.jpeg.webp)
Last year, my in-laws offered us this desk that had been in their storage unit. It was in my MIL’s childhood bedroom and I loved the history behind the piece.
I gave the desk a mini-makeover last year but had new plans for this bedroom makeover. I added wood knobs and chose a blue paint color called Meditative from Sherwin Williams. Painted furniture is a great way to add grandmillennial style to a room.
![Upcycling a vintage desk with blue paint for a cottagecore vibe | Building Bluebird #girlsbedroom #grandmillennial #sw6227 #meditative](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-51-720x478.jpg.webp)
The contrast between the pink walls and the blue desk is beautiful.
![Upcycling a vintage desk with blue paint for a cottagecore vibe | Building Bluebird #girlsbedroom #grandmillennial #sw6227 #meditative](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-30-720x478.jpg.webp)
The bentwood chair was purchased at an estate sale but it needed new seat fabric. I recovered the seat with a light blue bird pattern. It actually looks similar to the light pink toile shades on the dresser!
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_0358-720x540.jpeg.webp)
The lamp, picture frame, and book are all second-hand purchases and the pinboard is from Home Goods.
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-32-720x478.jpg.webp)
Organization / Storage Systems
IKEA Hemnes Bookcase
![Add cottagecore charm with this easy Hemnes bookcase IKEA hack | Building Bluebird #grandmillennial #girlsbedroom](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-13-478x720.jpg.webp)
This bookcase was EXACTLY what I needed for this corner of Evelyn’s bedroom! I needed something that wasn’t too bulky for this corner but offered lots of storage options. The lower half of the bookcase hides all of the toys that clutter a room and the open shelving on top displays books and other treasures.
To give the bookcase a little more character, I added the scalloped trim to the top and it looks so precious. I swapped out the knobs and installed bronze knockers to create a more traditional look.
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-22-478x720.jpg.webp)
Scalloped Bookshelves
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/scalloped-shelf-01-478x720.jpg.webp)
These IKEA floating shelves were used as book storage in Evelyn’s bedroom. I like that we can use books as artwork for the walls and can swap them out whenever we want. I gave the shelves a little refresh with scalloped trim and paint and it is beautiful and budget-friendly.
![Designing a girls bedroom on a budget using vintage and second-hand decor | Buidling Bluebird #grandmillennial #cottagecore #sw6058](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-10-720x720.jpg.webp)
The little detail is so charming and completely changes the look of the original shelves! The small mirror is vintage that I purchased from a seller on Instagram.
![Designing a girls bedroom on a budget using vintage and second-hand decor | Buidling Bluebird #grandmillennial #cottagecore #sw6058](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_0853-720x720.jpg.webp)
Peg Rail
Another fantastic organizational solution for this girl’s bedroom makeover is the peg rail (similar). I bought this peg rail for $5 at an estate sale and painted it the same color as the wall. It looks great and adds function to clothes, hats, and towels and get them off the floor!
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-52-720x478.jpg.webp)
![Girls bedroom makeover reveal with grandmillennial style | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vintage-bedroom-70-478x720.jpg.webp)
Grandmillennial Girls Bedroom Source List
- Wall Color
- Curtains
- Curtain Rod
- Bamboo Blinds
- Headboard
- Duvet Cover
- Quilt (similar)
- Dust Ruffle – thrifted (similar)
- Yellow Accent Pillow
- Dresser
- Dresser Lamps – Home Goods
- IKEA Mirror – owned
- Vanity/Desk – owned
- Vanity Paint Color
- Bentwood Chair – thrifted (reupolstered DIY)
- Vanity Lamp – thrifted
- Pin Board – Home Goods
- Nightstand- thrifted
- Accent chair – thrifted
- Round Pink Accent Pillow
- Scallooped Bookshelves
- Bookcase
- Unicorn Head
- Peg Rail – thrifted (similar)
- Framed artwork & bow mirror – thrifted
There are so many incredible reveals for this challenge, don’t forget to check them out on the One Room Challenge blog!
More Content You Will Love
- How to Make a Shaker-Style Peg Rail for $20! | Easy DIY
- The Best Budget-Friendly Drapes for a High-End Designer Look
- How to Make Art Prints Look Like a Vintage Painting
- Sherwin-Williams Upward 6239 | Paint Color Review
One Room Challenge sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens
Nicole Q-Schmitz
Friday 3rd of December 2021
So many lovely touches in here, great job!
lindseymahoney
Friday 3rd of December 2021
Thank you so much! :)