There are few things I love more than a good before-and-after… especially when it comes with full creative freedom and a secret reveal at the end.
One of my closest friends handed me her house key, a budget, and the words every DIY-er dreams of:
“Just make it beautiful. She trusts you.”
The “she” in question? Her daughter—a young adult who had been away at college, while her bedroom still looked exactly the same as it did when she was seven. (Because, well, it hadn’t been decorated since then.)
This boho bedroom makeover was a surprise from start to finish—and the results were totally worth the wait.
The Mission: Surprise + Style
The goal was simple: transform the space without her knowing a thing. No texts, no Pinterest boards, no Tik-Toks, no sneak peeks. Just a full-blown “holy crap” reveal when she came home.
And let me tell you—those are my kind of projects.
This room had amazing bones: tons of natural light and the best view in the entire house—looking straight out over the lake. But it was drowning in bright blue walls, clashing colors, and little kid energy.
It was time to level her up.
The Reveal: One for the Books
When she walked in and saw it for the first time… chills. Happy tears. Shock. Silence followed by “Wait—what?!”
Exactly the reaction I was hoping for.
She walked around the room in awe, taking it all in like she didn’t even recognize the space—and honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts of doing what I do. Seeing someone feel at home in a space that finally reflects who they are now.
Watch the Transformation in Action 🎥
Want to see the makeover come to life? I documented the full process over on TikTok & Instagram (@jescarrier)
Check it out below and watch the magic unfold:
@jesscarrier Well this is the moment ya’ll have been waiting for…. My latest surprise project. I think she was very happy! #surprise #roommakeover ♬ Sweet Child O' Mine – Acoustic – Jae Hall
Don’t forget to follow for more real-life DIY, makeovers, and mildly chaotic projects in progress.
The Vibe: Boho, Classy, and Grown-Up
I wanted the space to feel calm, modern, and just a little bit whimsical. The final vibe? Coral boho bedroom makeover with warm neutrals, breezy textures, and subtle pops of color that tied in beautifully with the lake view.
Here’s what I brought in:
- A soft white for the walls.
- Layered bedding in creams, rusts, and terracotta tones
- Rattan + wood accents for that boho texture
- New curtain panels to frame the view (because yes, the lake deserved better)
- Cozy throw pillows + a few subtle coastal details to keep it grounded in where we are
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Shop The Look:
Want to Surprise Someone Too?
Honestly, this kind of project is magic. Whether it’s your kid coming home from college, a best friend who needs a pick-me-up, or yourself after ignoring your bedroom for years (ahem)—there’s something special about creating a space with fresh energy.
And if you’re ever looking for someone to help make it happen? I might just know a girl.
✨ Love a Good Room Reveal?
If this post made you smile, gave you some ideas, or made you text your bestie “we should totally do this”—go ahead and share it!
📌 Pin it to your room makeover inspo board
📤 Post it to your stories
📎 Send it to the group chat and brag me up!
Surprise makeovers like this deserve to be seen—and sharing helps me keep the projects (and the pretty) coming. 💛
