Where The Little Mermaid Meets Japan: A Bedroom Full of Story and Color
Designing a Bedroom Inspired by Travel, Imagination, and Growth
Designing a room for your child is such a special moment — but designing one with them is something entirely different.
When it came time to create a space for my oldest daughter, she was so ready to have a room that felt like her! Not just a place to sleep, but a space that reflected her personality, her interests, and the things she loves most.
Her vision? A mix of The Little Mermaid and all things Japan. Mermaids have always been her thing. To her favorite Disney Princess Ariel, to wearing mermaid tails in the swimming pool, and a turquoise ocean blue as her most beloved color. After our family’s trip to Tokyo for her 10th birthday, her loved for anime and Japanese culture was sealed for good.
And honestly… I was all in.
The Vision
The goal for this room was to create a space that felt playful and personal, but still had the ability to grow with her over time.
Instead of leaning fully into a themed room, we took a more layered approach:
The Little Mermaid inspired the color palette
Japan-inspired elements came through in the decor and artwork
This allowed the room to feel cohesive without feeling overly “kid-themed,” giving it longevity as she grows.
We framed photos from our trip to Japan, as well as some of her earliest and latest anime artwork.
Adding Character with Beadboard
One of the biggest transformations in this room came from adding high beadboard around the walls.
This simple addition instantly:
Added depth and architectural interest
Made the space feel more custom and intentional
Created a natural break for incorporating color
We painted the beadboard in Behr’s “Purple Hat”, wrapping the room in this soft but playful lavender tone, while keeping the upper walls crisp white to balance everything out.
This room previously belonged to our youngest daughter, that actually landed me in an issue of HGTV! It has changed pretty dramatically since then, especially with the addition of the bedboard.
The Mural Moment
The true focal point of the room is the hand-painted cherry blossom mural that wraps around the walls.
I freehanded the design to create something that felt organic and whimsical — branches stretching across the room with soft pink blossoms and floating petals drifting through the space.
It’s a little bit Japan, a little bit “Colors of the Wind”, and completely unique to her.
This is one of my favorite design elements because it brings movement and storytelling into the room without overwhelming it.
A Custom Desk Built with Love
As she’s getting older, having a functional workspace was a must.
We were lucky enough to have my brother and dad build a custom desk and shelving unit for her, creating a dedicated area for schoolwork and creativity.
Not only does it maximize space, but it also adds a personal, one-of-a-kind element to the room — something she’ll always have.
Creating Cozy Moments
One of the sweetest corners in the room is the hanging rattan chair.
This little nook was designed to be a place where she can:
Read
Relax
Daydream
We paired it with soft textiles and nearby book displays to make it feel like its own cozy retreat within the room.
The rattan elements — from the chair to the bed frame and dresser — help warm up the space and balance out the bold color palette.
Layering Personality Through Decor
This room is filled with pieces that tell her story:
Japan-inspired artwork and prints
A sushi poster that adds a fun, graphic element
Personal photos and keepsakes
Books displayed as part of the design
Every piece was chosen to reflect who she is right now, while still allowing the room to evolve with her over time.
Why This Room Works
This space works because it’s rooted in personality rather than perfection.
Instead of designing a room that feels staged or overly styled, we focused on creating something meaningful — a space that blends creativity, comfort, and individuality.
By separating color from theme, the room avoids feeling temporary and instead becomes something she can grow into.
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