It may be the fact that I am now in my 30s and am out of the “teen scene” but it REALLY feels like teenagers these days have stepped up their style game, right? Real life 13 Going On 30. 16-year old puka-shell-wearing Jess would not have stood a chance/is beyond grateful she doesn’t have to. But man do I remember my first “grown-up” teenager room. It is a big deal and feeling stylish is of the utmost importance no matter how uncool you actually are (or feel, because we’re all cool in our own way. It’s one of those moments where you feel like you get to reinvent yourself as the person you want to try to become. Now, back in the early 2000s, young Jess went from a baby pink and zebra print (leopard was too basic for me…HA) themed room to a VERY “sophisticated” pale yellow/ black-and-white toile design. It was my moment to show the world I was grown. But I clearly didn’t do it alone. My mom was instrumental in helping to guide me while at the same time not taking over. She was the best. Designing my rooms (umm through college) are some of my favorite memories with her. It’s such an awesome bonding activity…if you listen to your teenager and consider what they want, too. Otherwise, be prepared for endless eye rolls and tears.
So with all that said, redesigning a room, while incredibly fun, isn’t cheap. I know we have said this 378,943,890 times before, but it can definitely feel extra pricey when it’s for someone who will be leaving the nest in a few years. Don’t cry at that thought just yet because I have three pretty great rooms to show you to help you forget. Great, now I’m rhyming. And wait, if you’re not a teen (or have a teen) and about to click away, STOP. Stay. Make yourself comfortable, because all of these could easily also work for budget seekers, young adults, first apartments, fifth apartments and beyond. Something here for everyone, really.
Let’s start with a simple, modern yet bold design.
Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree | Basket | Bed | Rug | Lumbar Pillow | Bird Art | Bird Art Frame | Sheets | Duvet | Nightstand | Lamp | Throw Blanket | Chair | City Art | City Art Frame | Dresser | Black Bowls | Ceiling Light | Basketball Hoop with Dry Erase Board | Bookshelf | Desk | Desk Chair | Wood Hand | Hourglass | Alarm Clock | Mirror | Laundry Bin
When I put this look together, I was thinking of how I would design my brother’s room in high school if I could design it now. This is by no means just a boy’s room though. This room is great for any teenager who likes darker colors, clean lines and a wooden hand. 🙂 That bed is a STEAL (under $150) and is crazy stylish. I am also very into IKEA’s new dresser. Hi, blue tone-on-tone dresser and handles. But while darkness is cool, you want to make sure your teen isn’t in a total dark dungeon. By adding in some greenery and a pop of color with a throw blanket, it will help to liven up the joint. Ultimately, this room feels stylish without trying too hard and leaves room for them to add in things to make it personal and uniquely them.
Onto a slightly lighter color palette…
Bed | Nightstands | Wall Sconces | Cord Kit | Rug | Rust Shams | Faux Fur Lumbar Pillow | Quilt | Sheets | Throw Blanket | Butterfly Chair | Nature Art Set | White Frames | Dresser | Tray | Vases | Calendar | Bookshelf | Desk Organizer | Pencil Cup | Clock | Desk | Desk Chair | Mirror | Laundry Bin
Welcome to the happier sibling to room number one. This is for the teenager who wants to be a little playful but minimal. The rug really helps to make a bold but neutral statement, the rust color of the pillows add that necessary pop of color (along with the printable art) and those sconces are crazy cool and only $28 each. However, I have to say that bed is the showstopper of the room and if I had a normal sized bedroom currently, you could bet your bottom dollar I would make it mine. It’s a great piece with definite design longevity. The last piece I want to note is the adjustable desk. Standing desks are all the rage right now because sitting is the new smoking evidently. Makes sense, no? It would be great for those inevitable late nights when someone may have procrastinated on a paper. I absolutely never did that…
Bed | Faux Cactus | Faux Snake Plant | Plant Stands | Textured Lumbar Pillow | Abstract Art Print | Frame | Nightstand | Marble Frame | Table Lamp | Duvet | Sheets | Throw Blanket | Rug | Flower Print | Frame | Line Figure Drawing | Pendant Light | Chair | Dresser | Vase | Calendar | Tray | Box | Pencil Cup | Clock | Bookshelf | Desk | Desk Chair | Mirror | Laundry Bin
Last but not least welcome to my teenage modern boho oasis. I may have designed it with teenage Jess in mind (if teenage Jess lived in 2019 and traded the pukas for a choker) but I feel that this look applies to may young people’s design sensibility. I wanted it to feel like a cool, breezy yet cozy haven. The light creams, natural tones and pops of pastel colors all help to create that feeling. First and foremost we need to talk about that insanely sick accent chair. I wish I could fit it in my home because I would click purchase instantly. It adds the perfect amount of modern that the space needed and it’s under $200. What?! I also really love the art (again, all printable). It feels young without going into little kid territory (a teenager’s worst dream). Notice the scales of the art pieces and how each one is varied. It’s important to remember to mix scale and pattern to create visual interest.
There are our three teen budget rooms. The really great thing about most all of these pieces is that they are versatile and not too young/trendy. Your teen could easily use almost all these pieces through college with a few minor tweaks to the decor. Once again, the important thing is to let them be creative and help them to find out what their own style is. But don’t forget to embrace the posters and photo plastered walls. The whole point of being a teenager is to grow and have fun. Hope you all do that together.
And as always let us know what you like, what you are looking for next in the budget room world and any other comments/questions.
Love you, mean it.