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Jude’s Nautical Nursery

Description

I did this room for my nephew Jude - the nautical theme was so easy to come up with inspiration for, and the color scheme of navy, sky blue, and bold yellow were so boyish and fresh.  It's definitely a popular nursery theme, but for good reason!

Design Inspiration

His mother (my sister) wanted a nautical theme - this was her third boy and I had done a farm nursery for her first and a jungle nursery for her second.  This was something new and different than she had already had.

Decorating Style

My style is very DIY and crafty, with a modern twist.  I like everything to have a story!

Project Details

The bookshelves (and shelf under the window making the window seat area) are from IKEA, the embroidered quilt in the crib is from Pottery Barn Kids, and the large anchor on the wall is from Hobby Lobby.  The crib, changing table, and recliner were all handed down from Jude's big brothers.  The framed "row, row, row" artwork above the crib was done by Jude's oldest brother Alex, age 5, and the red lobster hands and footprint on canvas were done by his other brother Eli, age 2. For the painted wave going around the room, I sketched and cut out a cardboard template and his dad painted it for me - I live in Dallas, about 5 hours from them, so he had to prep the room for me before I came to decorate!  I made the window seat cushion and window treatments - the block and tackle tiebacks were purchased from a craft store.  I made the "jude" blanket on the recliner (also pictured as a close up showing a red felt anchor, which is the reverse side), the "jude" bunting across the front of the crib, the "jude" nail/string art on the wall, and the "jude" steering wheel on the door - I guess I have a thing for personalization!  Another "jude" item are the wooden blocks, each face of the block has a letter of the nautical alphabet on it (the letters are flags) - I made those by painting wood blocks white and Mod Podging scrapbook paper cut in the appropriate shapes to the sides.  I also made the lampshades at the changing table (IKEA sconces but I did custom shades), the yellow chevron and lighthouse papercut artwork, the mobile over the crib, the stuffed whale in the crib (which has a squeaker in the tail), the diaper stacker, and (unfortunately not pictured) a round porthole-style mirror with the frame covered in rope to hang over the changing table.  (It wasn't complete when I installed the nursery and I have forgotten to take a picture of it every time I've been there since!) Various items on the shelves like the letters, ships, etc. are from Hobby Lobby or were just collected over the years.

Favorite Items

My very favorite item is the mobile over the crib - I had so much fun making it with all the little felt creatures and just love the crisp color combo.