All I Can Afford

Girls bedroom makeover on a budget 💕 DIY wall paneling with wallpaper inserts, integrated LED strip lighting, and affordable IKEA storage solutions — all for under $400. This cozy neutral kids room features layered lighting, floral accent walls, simple molding trim, and functional small bedroom layout ideas.
Perfect for girls room decor inspiration, DIY bedroom renovation projects, budget home updates, and beginner-friendly wall molding ideas. Save this for girls bedroom ideas, kids room makeover, accent wall DIY, LED lighting ideas, and affordable home decor projects.

This bedroom transformation started with a simple goal: create a cozy, high-end look without the high-end price tag.

Instead of installing expensive millwork, I used basic molding to create custom wall boxes. By carefully measuring and spacing the trim, I built a symmetrical grid that instantly elevated the space and added architectural interest. It’s amazing what a few lengths of molding can do.

Once the boxes were installed, I painted everything in Dressy Rose by Sherwin-Williams — the perfect muted mauve that feels soft, warm, and calming without overpowering the room. It gives subtle depth while still keeping that airy farmhouse feel.

To add texture and personality, I installed wallpaper from Home Depot in the upper panels. The pattern brings in movement and softness, balancing the structured molding below.

And the finishing touch? Integrated LED lighting from Amazon tucked along the top ledge to create a warm ambient glow. The lighting softly illuminates the wallpaper and highlights the panel detailing, making the entire wall feel custom and intentional — especially in the evening.

Find the entire look on my Pinterest:

This project proves you don’t need custom carpentry to get a designer look. With molding, paint, wallpaper, and strategic lighting, you can completely transform a space on a real-life budget.