1. Hardware that could be removed
2. Good surface condition (less sanding involved)
3. Well constructed (this one has dove-tailed drawers)

First, I removed the drawers from the body of the dresser, and then I removed the hardware. I used a white gloss spray paint for metal surfaces for the handles. I then primed, lightly sanded and re-primed the dresser body and drawers. Once that dried, I applied a first coat of spray paint (Valspar – Avocado Green). If you end up with any drips or uneven coverage, lightly sand with very fine grit sandpaper. Wipe off any dust before applying your next layer of paint. Repeat these steps until your piece is entirely covered. Once the final coat of paint was dry, I applied a layer of gloss polyureathane as a top coat to help protect the surface.

Here is the before…

The during…

 The after!

Do you have a piece of furniture you’ve painted for your child’s room or any DIY tips that you want to share? We want to hear all about it!

Annette Tatum Interior Paint

I love when color choices really transform a room. This palette of grey, blues and white offset the crisp, modern edge to this child’s room.

Image from Elements of Style

Here the playful side of blue becomes a bold yet soothing choice for this baby’s room.

Image from House of Turquoise

Childlike and fresh, coral also offers a twist of color from traditional pink.

Image from Inspiration for Decoration

Clean and all boy, it works every time.

Image from Diary of a Yummy Mummy

Have fun with color. One of the easiest ways to transform a room with minimal cost is to paint. Sample your favorite color for any room in your house.

Painting the trim in a room is an easy way to add a visual punch of color without overwhelming the room in one shade. It is unexpected and dramatic. I have used this technique in two rooms so far (pictured above & below).

The designers of Ingrao, Inc. also used the same concept in the girl’s room pictured below. Personally, I think that it works best when the walls and ceiling are white.

The concept also works in adult bedrooms.

Here’s a more subdued version in a boy’s nursery (via Babble).

I personally love the look of black, especially on windows.

Now, the only drawback is that this is a commitment since trim should be painted in a high gloss which is not as easy to paint over. What do you think?

I wanted to make the art above Brandt’s bed, and I wanted to frame at least a 16×20 print. When you start to get into larger sized frames, it can end up being quite an expense. A great alternative to a large fancy frame was to pick up this poster frame from Target that came with a pre-cut mat for $19.99. The only problem was that it only came in black. This is where I turned to my trusted friend Mr. Rust-Oleum for a little assistance. In a few quick minutes, this frame went from store-bought black to a colorful, custom DIY project. Do you love spray paint as much as I do? Share your project ideas with us or any helpful tips!

This isn’t the exact frame…but pretty close!

Want to create a nursery that says “wow, pop, bam?” Go bold, go red! Here are a few pieces that will kick off your design process in this fiery hue.

1. Room & Board Vintage Toy Blocks Wall Art 2. Currey-and-Company Carousel Lantern found at Layla Grayce 3. Pottery Barn Kids Madison 4-Shelf Bookrack 4. Offi Side table 5. Striped paint inspiration as seen on DecorPad 6. Engine 27, Firefighter Crib Bedding by NoJo 7.  Pottery Barn Kids Boys’ Capel Rectangle Rug 8. Moda Crib 9. OiOi Ikat Diaper Bag Tote found at Polkadot Peacock 10. Eames Molded Rocker

Of course, there is the traditional baby pink. This sweet look will always be a classic. As hard as I tried not to, I couldn’t resist using this look in my own daughter’s nursery.

Next we have what I like to call watermelon pink. Bright and bold, this pink hue works very well with a lime or yellow accent. I adore it here in New Arrivals’ Pink Taffy Set.

Raspberry pink, like the nursery seen here by Liz Carroll, is my favorite pink of the season. This bright color gives an extra punch to any room and is perfectly balanced with a softer color like grey, pale pink or robin’s egg blue.

A peachy pink, matched with a pale beige, gives a very elegant and soft look. This is my sister’s nursery done in Nava’s Whisper Pink.

Picking the right pink paint color can be tricky — not too bubble gum, not too white. I am loving Farrow and Ball’s Middleton Pink or Benjamin Moore’s Wild Aster Pink seen in this blog post by Making It Lovely.

Did you use a great shade of pink in your child’s room? Please share!

Sailing runs in this designer’s family so it as only natural to create blue and white themed nautical nursery. The Saturday Evening Post is my favorite element in this room!

Baby’s beach nursery was designed in gender neutral colors should baby number 2 be a sister to the boy who lives here now!

Stella’s Nursery offers a spin on the classic blues and reds we typically see in nautical design.

What do you think of nautical inspiration in the nursery? Would you use it even if you didn’t live near water? Tell us by commenting below!

The color scheme – Butter, Pewter and Aqua

Crib Bedding – Sweet Sunshine Collection – Migi by Banana Fish

Art Print – Aldari on Etsy

Cabana Striped Rug – Layla Grace

Accordian Side Table – Urban Outfitters

Concerto 3 Drawer Chest – Z Gallerie

Mariposa Table Lamp in aqua – Z Gallerie

Dot Curtain Panels – Land of Nod

Chick Baby Throw Pillow – Land of Nod

Trellis Drum Shade – Shades of Light

Wall Paint – Martha Stewart Living

So there it is…the entire room was designed using the bedding as inspiration…let’s hope we can keep it!!

Now that’s some serious stencil love. Amazing job!

Though the Magpie gals are only available for custom mural art in the Bay Area, they created a product that is as close as you can get to the real thing. Muralette offers the convenience of easy peel-and-stick wall decals, but the finish of hand painted work. I gave their branch and birds pack a try myself!

The directions packet is user friendly, offers suggestions, and encourages creativity. I hid one of the red birds in a separate room as a conversation piece!

Unlike many wall decals, Muralette products are so durable that children can help without the fear of tearing. Should you choose, the decals can be easily removed without harming the finish of your wall. For more designs visit Muralette at Magpie Decorative Painting.