How I Transitioned My Toddler’s Room: A Step-By-Step Update

Hi friends! With Emerson’s third birthday just around the corner, it felt like the perfect time for a big girl room update! The transition from baby to toddler has been such a beautiful and sometimes emotional experience, and I wanted her space to reflect her growing personality. I’m excited to share how I transitioned Emerson’s room into a space that’s both functional and fun for her, just in time for her milestone birthday!

Understanding the Need for Change

A lot of people have been asking, “How did you know she was ready??” and the simple answer is… she told us! I knew the time to transition out of the crib was coming, so I kept showing her photos of “big girl beds” and asking her opinion on which one she wanted. Since doing that, she kept asking me for months when SHE would be getting her big girl bed! I told her we would do the big room change by her 3rd birthday!

One major thing we also did was go over the “no leaving the room” rule with her in casual ways over the last few months. Now, every kid is very different… but Emmy… she’s a rule follower. I didn’t want to be naive in thinking that she would “without a doubt” follow these rules, but I really had faith! AND, so far.. after a few weeks, she has not even gotten up out of her bed. She says “I’ll just stay in my bed till you come get me. It’s SO COZY!”

Emerson is growing into such a bright little girl with a big personality, and I wanted her room to reflect that. As she approaches three, it felt like the perfect time to transition from a nursery to a space that truly supports her independence and creativity. We knew this meant not only updating the aesthetics but also making some functional changes—like upgrading to a big-girl bed, creating a designated reading area, and ensuring she had plenty of room to explore. My goal was to strike the perfect balance between fresh and new while still keeping the space cozy, familiar, and filled with the things she loves most. I wanted her room to feel like a special place where she can grow, play, and dream, all while making the transition feel as seamless and comforting as possible.

Choosing the Theme

We decided to embrace a light pink theme—a color she’s always been naturally drawn to and adores. Rather than going overly bright or bold, I leaned into soft, muted tones to create a space that feels both calming and whimsical. I incorporated delicate shades of pale green, soft florals, and crisp whites, blending them with warm wood tones and natural textures to bring an airy, earthy feel to the room. My goal was to design a space that felt timeless and inviting, without leaning too heavily into a specific theme. Instead of overloading the room with one pattern, I focused on layering textures, subtle patterns, and carefully chosen decor pieces that add charm without overwhelming the space. The end result is a cozy, beautiful room that feels fresh and playful.

Decluttering and Organizing

Before I could dive into the fun part of decorating, I knew I had to start with a major decluttering session. Over time, Emerson’s room had accumulated so many baby items, from clothes she no longer needed to toys she had long outgrown. I set aside a full day to go through everything, sorting items into different categories—things to keep, donate, or store away for keepsakes. It was important to me that her space felt open, organized, and functional, so I made sure to find practical storage solutions, using baskets and bins to keep her favorite toys and essentials within easy reach. I also wanted Emerson to feel involved in the process, so I let her help me pick out which toys and books she still loved and which ones she was ready to pass on. It was such a sweet experience watching her make those little decisions, and I loved seeing her excitement grow as she realized her room was getting a special update. When all the new pieces arrived, the best part was surprising her—seeing her eyes light up as we unboxed everything we had picked together made all the effort completely worth it!

Updating the Furniture & Making It Safe and Cozy

One of the biggest changes in Emerson’s room was transitioning her from a crib to a toddler bed—a milestone that felt both exciting and a little bittersweet. We chose a simple yet stylish bed frame that fit perfectly within her space, making sure it was low enough for her to climb in and out of easily. I found this one off Amazon for $150!

To help her feel more involved in the transition, I let her pick out her own sheets, and she immediately fell in love with a soft floral set that blended beautifully with the rest of the room. Seeing her excitement over something as simple as new sheets made the change feel even more special. Beyond the bed, I wanted to make sure her room felt both functional and inviting. We added a comfy, oversized chair perfect for bedtime stories and snuggles, along with a cozy rug to help define separate areas for play and rest. I also included a few personal touches to make the space feel uniquely hers—special keepsakes, her favorite books on display, and little decorative elements that reflect her personality.

A top priority throughout the update was ensuring that Emerson’s room was as safe as it was comfortable. We anchored all of the furniture to the walls to prevent tipping, swapped out heavier pieces for lighter ones, and made sure there were no sharp edges that could pose a risk. We also added a childproof doorknob, in case she did ever decide to try to get out in the middle of the night. The goal was to create a room that not only grows with her but also feels like a safe, happy retreat where she can rest, play, and dream.

The Big Reveal and Emerson’s Reaction & Transition Update

When the room was finally complete, I could hardly wait to show Emerson! The moment she walked in, her face lit up with pure excitement, and seeing her reaction made all the planning and effort so worth it. She immediately ran to explore her new space, taking in every little detail. One of the first things she noticed was her cozy reading corner, and it melted my heart to see her settle in with a book right away. We’ve already spent so many sweet moments there, flipping through pages and making new bedtime memories together. She also LOVES her mirror that we placed low enough to be a “full length” mirror for her.

Updating Emerson’s room was such a fun and fulfilling project—not just because it gave her space a fresh new look, but because it also marked this special transition into her next stage of childhood. It was a reminder of how quickly she’s growing and how important it is to create a space that evolves with her. I’m so happy with how everything came together, and I love knowing that this is a room she’ll continue to enjoy for years to come.

If you’re in the process of updating your little one’s space, I hope this post gives you some inspiration to create a room that feels just as special and unique as they are. Watching Emerson embrace her new space has been the most rewarding part of it all, and I can’t wait to see all the memories she’ll make here!

Xx, Liz