After months of creative planning, budget-conscious thrifting, and passionate DIY, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Livie Bug’s bedroom makeover is officially complete! What started as a vision for a whimsical ballerina sanctuary has blossomed into a reality, and I can’t wait to share every enchanting detail with you.
Let’s rewind a bit to where this transformation began. When we first moved into our home in November 2013, Livie’s future bedroom was, to put it mildly, a blank slate. Or perhaps, more accurately, a bland canvas. It looked something like this:
Yes, a true “womp womp” moment! Following the initial move, we brought in the sparse furniture we owned at the time – essentially just a dresser and her crib. We added a basic Ikea light fixture and a hand-me-down mattress, resulting in a functional but decidedly uninspired space. For an entire year, her room maintained this rather, shall we say, “minimalist” aesthetic:
It was a testament to “getting by,” not “dreaming big.” When I finally mapped out the plans for her ballerina bedroom makeover in April, I naively thought it would be a quick, month-long project. Oh, how quickly time flies when you’re immersed in DIY! It’s now the end of July, a friendly reminder that creative undertakings often have their own timelines. But the wait has been entirely worth it! So, “entrez, mes amis” – come on in and explore this enchanting space.
The initial spark for this magical transformation ignited from a desire to incorporate all the cherished ballet items from my own dancing days. Considering we have impromptu dance parties in our kitchen every morning (Livie truly has some incredible moves!), it felt natural to extend this love for movement and art into her personal space. The vision truly crystallized when I had the brilliant idea to repurpose an old mirror, transforming it into a delightful DIY ballet barre. Once that central piece was conceived, every other element seemed to effortlessly fall into place, guiding the design to its beautiful conclusion.
This entire project became a testament to the power of lucky finds and creative repurposing, especially when working with a budget. Take her charming bed, for instance. I discovered this gem at a Goodwill store for an incredible $25! My thrift store shopping secrets definitely came in handy. A couple of coats of Annie Sloan Old White chalk paint not only revitalized it but also lent it that perfectly worn, shabby chic aesthetic that complements the room’s gentle charm. It now looks as good as new, imbued with a timeless character that a brand-new piece simply couldn’t offer.
To adorn the ballet barre wall, we crafted these unique oversized wooden sheet music signs, each costing just $20. The selected lyrics, sweet and evocative, were absolutely perfect for a little one’s room, adding a musical dimension to her ballet-inspired space. These signs not only fill the wall beautifully but also carry a heartfelt message that resonates with the innocence and joy of childhood.
Another incredible find that brought immense character to the room was the pair of aged metal angel wings, a thoughtful gift from my parents during a flea market trip. Their weathered beauty adds a touch of vintage elegance and whimsy. Complementing these wings is the applique pillow I meticulously crafted from fabric scraps, proving that beauty doesn’t always come with a high price tag. It perfectly blends with the room’s soft color palette and adds another layer of texture and charm.
Olivia absolutely adores her “princess” canopy, ingeniously created from a repurposed shelf. It hovers delicately over her bed, providing a regal touch that ignites her imagination. Her silhouette art, alongside frames made from repurposed ceiling medallions, adds a classic, elegant touch to the wall, perfectly balancing the playful elements with a sense of sophistication.
Another clever DIY project was transforming an old birdcage, originally one of our wedding centerpieces, into a unique and charming lamp. This resourceful piece now casts a soft glow, adding to the room’s serene ambiance, and holds a fun story about a “noble sacrifice” from a cartoon character’s lamp. It’s these personal touches that make the room truly one-of-a-kind.
I’m particularly delighted that we were able to restore and incorporate this old nightstand, a precious heirloom from my grandfather. With an aged metallic paint job, it has been beautifully brought back to life, now serving both a functional purpose and a heartfelt connection to family history. Its elegant transformation adds a touch of antique sophistication to Livie’s bedside.
To visually expand the room and add architectural interest, we carefully framed out the window. This simple but effective DIY project made the window feel larger and more prominent, enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic. Adding a couple of elegant curtain panels, which I thankfully found at Target, completed the look, softening the light and contributing to the room’s cozy atmosphere.
A delightful play vanity, discovered at a consignment sale, became another focal point. I meticulously painted and gilded it in silver, transforming it into a luxurious-looking piece for Livie. She absolutely adores this vanity, spending countless happy moments tickling her face with the blush brushes I gave her and making funny faces in the mirror. It’s a spot where imagination thrives.
And, of course, no princess-in-training’s vanity is complete without trying on a little “bling!” These moments of pure joy and imaginative play truly make all the effort worthwhile. It’s more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a stage for her daily adventures.
Another fantastic Goodwill score was this old dresser, purchased for a mere $15. A fresh coat of Annie Sloan Old White paint instantly transformed it, giving it a soft, elegant finish. For unique wall art, I framed two of Livie’s baby dresses – tiny, delicate mementos of her early days – alongside a beautiful sketch drawn by my talented brother-in-law. This arrangement creates a deeply personal and visually engaging display, telling a story on her wall.
Before we moved into this house, I diligently kept a shoebox filled with little treasures from my pregnancy and Olivia’s birth. I decided these precious items deserved more than to be hidden away, so I gave them a new life in a thoughtfully arranged shadowbox. Beside it rests a silver rattle, a cherished heirloom that belonged to me when I was a baby. These small, significant details infuse the room with layers of family history and love.
A few months ago, I stumbled upon this adorable miniature dress form at an antique shop and simply couldn’t resist bringing it home. It’s a charming accent piece that adds a touch of grown-up elegance in a child-friendly scale, perfect for a little ballerina’s room. Its delicate presence fits seamlessly into the overall theme, contributing to the vintage feel.
Another incredibly special item gracing Livie’s dresser is a rattle whittled by my father-in-law from a single piece of wood. Since the birth of Robert and his sisters, he has crafted one for each of them – a truly unique and enduring family tradition. Robert’s original rattle deserved a prominent spot in Olivia’s room, symbolizing the deep roots of family and craftsmanship. It’s hard to imagine anything more special than such a personalized, handcrafted heirloom, connecting generations.
A $3 bassinet stand, a lucky yard sale find, was ingeniously repurposed into a charming dress-up rack for all of Olivia’s play clothes. Placed perfectly beside her ballet barre and mirror, it’s an invitation to endless twirling and imaginative play in her favorite frilly outfits. This functional and delightful piece encourages creativity and provides easy access to her dress-up collection, making it a favorite corner in her room.
A decorative shelf from Hobby Lobby, purchased at 50% off, now provides a perfect display spot for various treasures, including her boas, hats, and other whimsical items. On this shelf, I placed a printed copy of one of my favorite Bible verses, Proverbs 31:25, framed in a thrift store find. Adding a layer of sentimental value, Robert’s first toy, a circa 1986 Snuggle bear, stands proudly alongside Olivia’s first toy, forming a sweet companionship of childhood memories.
My father-in-law’s incredible talent for whittling extends to all his grandchildren. When he gifted us Olivia’s bird rattle at our baby shower, I was truly moved to tears (pregnancy hormones might have played a small part, but its sweetness was undeniable!). Just like Robert’s, this intricate bird was carved from a single piece of wood, showcasing his exceptional skill. This unique heirloom is a precious addition to Livie’s room, a testament to familial love and artistry.
On the same shelf, I delicately placed my grandmother’s birdcage veil. It had been languishing in a box in the closet for too long, and despite its age – it has yellowed and torn in a couple of places – its beauty and history are undeniable. This vintage piece serves as a beautiful tribute to her, adding an extra layer of family heritage and charm to the room.
This corner of the room is undoubtedly one of the most playful. My grandmother gifted me a large box brimming with her old hats, some dating back over 50 years. Livie and I absolutely adore playing dress-up with them, transforming into various characters and eras. This collection of vintage hats adds a unique, interactive element to the room, fostering creativity and endless laughter. It’s a treasure trove of imaginative fun!
Livie insists on putting on her dance dresses almost every single day, filling the room with her joyous twirls and contagious laughter. Witnessing her delight in this space, designed specifically to nurture her love for ballet and imaginative play, is truly the most rewarding aspect of this entire makeover. It’s a room where happiness abounds and dreams take flight.
Around her room, I’ve lovingly displayed three pairs of my old pointe shoes, each holding special memories. One particular pair (pictured below) holds a significant place in my heart, as I wore them when I had the incredible opportunity to dance with the Moscow Ballet Company during their Nutcracker tour. The principal dancers signed them for me, a cherished memento of that unforgettable experience. And yes, a faint trace of bright red stage lipstick still graces the ribbons, a nostalgic reminder of those dazzling performances.
Overstock.com was incredibly generous in providing the beautiful rug that anchors the room. Selecting just one from their vast collection was a delightful challenge, but this particular design perfectly complements the soft, ethereal aesthetic of the ballerina theme. I’ll be sharing more about my favorite rugs and the selection process tomorrow!
I attempted to capture a photo of Olivia’s tiny feet on the rug, but you know how little ones are – a whirlwind of constant motion and endless energy! It proved impossible to get a still shot. So, I slipped on my own shoes for a quick moment, and then, of course, Olivia insisted I demonstrate “tippy toes,” which she finds absolutely hilarious. It’s moments like these that truly bring life and warmth to a space.
For her ballet barre wall, I found the individual letters of her name, “OLIVIA,” at Hobby Lobby during a 50% off sale. In a truly serendipitous moment, they fit *exactly* between the two DIY sheet music signs we created. It was a total happy accident that perfectly personalized her dedicated dance space, adding a charming and intimate detail.
Finally, to replace the rather uninspired Ikea light from my “confused designer phase,” we found this gorgeous chandelier for 50% off at Lowe’s. It instantly elevated the room, adding a touch of classic elegance and sparkling light that truly completes the sophisticated yet playful atmosphere. The soft glow and delicate design of the chandelier are the perfect finishing touch to this dream space.
I had initially debated whether to place art pieces on either side of her canopy, but in the end, simplicity won out. The uncluttered look feels best, allowing the canopy itself and the bed to be the focal points. I’m incredibly relieved and delighted that this project is finally finished! I hope you’re not on frilly pink overload just yet! I promise to give you a break from “princess-ville” for a little while.
What truly fills my heart with joy is seeing how many sentimental items, rich with family history and personal stories, have found a place in this room. Each piece contributes to a space that is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful and imbued with love. It’s a testament to creating a home that reflects who we are and the stories we cherish.
Ready for the grand total of this extensive, yet budget-friendly, ballerina bedroom makeover? Here’s the breakdown:
Budget Breakdown: (Some affiliate links are listed below and denoted by asterisks. My full disclosure policy is here.)
- Wall paint (Benjamin Moore Grey Owl): $54 (Purchased 2 gallons during a 30% off sale)
- Bed: $25 (Incredible thrift store find)
- Dresser: $15 (Another fantastic thrift store score)
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint: $40
- Chandelier*: $70 (Found on sale at 50% off)
- Wall frames*: $70 (Acquired during a sale with an additional coupon)
- Wall shelf: $28 (Purchased at 50% off)
- DIY Sheet Music Art: $40
- Bedding: $0 (A thoughtful gift from Olivia’s great-grandmother)
- Curtains: $60 (Found at Target, adding softness to the window)
- Play vanity: $20 (A charming consignment sale discovery)
- Name letters: $30 (Bought at 50% off, perfectly personalizing her wall)
- Angel wings: $0 (A beautiful flea market find and generous gift from my parents)
- DIY Window Trim: $30
- DIY Ballet Barre: $16
- DIY Canopy: $45
- DIY Applique Pillow: $0 (Creatively crafted from leftover fabric scraps)
- DIY Dress-Up Rack: $15 (Repurposed from a yard sale bassinet stand)
- DIY Birdcage Lamp: $12 (Transformed from a wedding centerpiece)
Total Out of Pocket: $570
(The Rug* provided by Overstock is originally $274.99, a wonderful collaboration.)
I believe I’ve covered every detail, but please let me know if anything was left out! It’s truly amazing what can be achieved with careful planning, resourceful shopping, and a little creative elbow grease, even on a modest budget.
Now that all the pictures are taken, Livie is officially free to “destroy” this room! Okay, I’m only half-kidding. In all seriousness, I can pretty much guarantee it will never be this perfectly tidy again, and that’s perfectly fine. We embrace the beautiful messes in our home, knowing they are signs of a young mind exploring, creating, and growing. It’s a space meant to be lived in, played in, and cherished.
So, what are your thoughts? Are you ready to come over for a dress-up session or perhaps an impromptu dance party? Around here, we often crank up Bruno Mars and get to steppin’! He might not be Tchaikovsky, but who says a ballerina can’t shake things up and groove to modern beats? I’d love to hear if you’re embarking on a nursery or kids’ room makeover in your own home. What delightful ideas are you dreaming up? Do any of our DIY projects inspire you to try them out? I’m already eager to make more sheet music signs for other areas of our house!
If you’re curious to see more of our home transformations, explore some of our other room makeovers, including our master bathroom and breakfast room, along with the ongoing progress of our entire home tour. It always astounds me to look back at the significant strides we’ve made in just a year and a half, all while adhering to a modest budget. And while I might choose to spend our little extra money on home decor instead of shoes, for me, creating a beautiful and meaningful home is truly worth every penny and every minute spent.
