Aqua and Yellow Baby Boy Nursery

Description

This nursery is for our second son due in about 8 weeks!  We waited longer than expected for baby #2 so I was really excited and wanted to make the nursery extra special.  So, most of the room is new except for the crib.  I knew I wanted a bright room that looked like a baby's room, but was more filled with shapes and color than the typical baby animals and such.  This is the result.  I'll admit I wasn't on a super tight budget with this room, but I did try to save where I could.  I got a lot of ideas from other nurseries on this site, so I wanted to share too!

Design Inspiration

I loved the idea of working with a chevron pattern.  But I didn't want to get too crazy with it, figuring it would end up looking a little dizzy.  So I added some solids and polka dots to help break it up a little.  When we first found out we were pregnant, I was convinced it was a girl and I wanted to do a gray, pink and aqua room.  But surprise - it's a boy!  So I just shifted gears a little and went with yellow, gray and aqua.  I love the bright colors as this room only has 2 windows in one corner.

Decorating Style

Clean, but warm.  Our house is on the smaller side, with especially small bedrooms (I think this room is maybe 13' x 11') so I have to be careful not to get too cluttered and keep things looking open and clean.

Project Details

Bedding - Custom designed from Carousel Bedding

Chair - Purchased from diapers.com.  I think it's the Little Castle brand, pebble gray with white piping

Blue Furniture - Ashely HomeStore, it was called the Leo set I believe

Curtains and Pillow on the Chair - I made these myself.  I used fabric from Carousel Bedding that matched my crib bedding.

Shelves - Ikea

Rug - Etsy - House of Henderson

Sunshine Prints - Frames are from Ikea (I spray painted the mats), the prints are from Etsy - StudioLO2011

"J" art - This is a picture holder from Pottery Barn Teen ($16).  I used wooden letters for our first son's room, so I wanted to try something different.  After some searching, I found this.  I spray painted it aqua and then I used my Cricut to cut out the letters of his name.

Penant Banner - I made this myself too using fabric that matched the bedding and curtains.

Pinwheels - Etsy shop - Paper Polaroid

Chevron Elephant - Etsy shop Lilkingdom

Artwork on the Tall Chest - Custom painted by big brother, frames are from Ikea.  This was a fun way to get our almost 4 year old involved in helping with baby brother's room.

Diaper Caddy -  Etsy shop hipbabybotique

Circle Chandelier - This was a fun DIY project.  I cut out the circles using my Cricut and then sewed them together with my sewing machine.

Ceiling Light - Lamps Plus, I used the design your own option.

 

Favorite Items

I think my favorite part of the room is the corner with the chair.  I love rocking in the chair already and with the chandelier/mobile above me and the curtains on the side, it's a cozy and comfortable corner.

Advice

Don't be afraid to mix and match a bit.  I already had the crib and even though this time I really wanted a different finish for the crib, I couldn't justify buying a brand new one.  Plus, even though this crib has teeth marks and is looking a little worn, it's special to us because it was a gift and it was where our first baby slept.  That being said, it took me a while to figure out how to integrate everything so it still looked cohesive.  It helped to go with painted furniture instead of trying to get really matchy with wood finishes.

Also, take your time!  I started as soon as I knew the baby was a boy (about 20 weeks) and we just finished (I'm about 32 weeks).  It really took that long to search for the right items at the right price.

Last, invest in quality when you can.   I made this mistake with my first baby.  I tried to cheap out on nursery bedding and the rocking chair and neither lasted for long.  If you know you want to keep your nursery stuff for all your kids, make a little investment if your budget allows.  You don't need to break the bank, but realize that babies wear things out fast!

Have fun!!!