Walt’s Tropical Oasis

• Child's Name: Walter Everett
• Child's Age: 3 weeks
• Location: Spring, Texas
• Description: Tropical Ocean Nursery Design
• Design Inspiration: We love to snorkel, so I thought a beachy room with a tropical feel would be a space where everyone could enjoy spending time.  I knew I wanted to create a tropical oasis for little Walt's nursery, but it wasn't until I stumbled across Project Nursery that I went design crazy!  I have been inspired daily by all the amazing readers' projects on PN!
• Decorating Style: As an artist, I can't resist lots of color, texture and contrast!  I enjoy planning a project over time, so it can evolve!
• Project Details:
  • The crib was passed down from my sister.  It was pink, and we painted it "Blue Bauble" (same on walls) by Sherwin Williams.
  • The bedding was all custom made by the amazing Ronda Houle, find her on etsy store name: http://www.etsy.com/people/gmaronda 
  • Fish throw pillow also came from a very talented etsy shop owner: http://www.etsy.com/people/maxinefashion 
  • Changing table dresser is an antique I found at the Salvation Army thrift store for $99.
  • The azure minky changing pad cover and matching boppy cover are by: http://www.etsy.com/people/LittleOwlsNest 
  • The small antique chair came from my great grandma, and I asked Ronda to sew the little cushion.
  • The two-tiered vintage round side table is a craigslist find for $35, and the upholstered rocking chair is also a lovely CL piece.  Here is a link to my before & after: http://nurserydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/slipcover-bad-reupholster-good.html 
  • The round throw pillow in the re-upholstered chair is from etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/TheSewingAttic,  she is in New Zealand and she sent Walt a matching bib with the throw pillow when she found out I was putting the pillow in my nursery!  How sweet is that? 
  • The lamp is from lampsplus.com, rug is from overstock.com, Moroccan pouf is from Tazi Designs. 
  • My Dutailer glider was my gift from my mother back in 1999 when I had my first son, Brad.  I love that chair!  I dressed it up with two vintage throw pillows:  the gold one is from my grandmother's house when she redecorated I got the old stuff :o)  The teal one is from etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/TipsyTimeMachine 
  • The little aqua and orange stool and the cute critter throw pillow are from Digaliggins on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/digaliggins
  • Adorable handmade chenille burp cloths are by: http://www.etsy.com/people/KBExquisites
  • Organic nursing /teething  necklace is from: http://www.etsy.com/people/KangarooCare 
  • Shower "Thank You" cards from: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnockOutPunches
  • Shower Hostess' Gifts  from: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamtimeharvest and http://www.etsy.com/shop/OneClayBead
  • Minky & Cloth Diaper burp cloths: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ADDOXMOM
  • I made the felt mobile, and Brad and I painted the paper mache name letters.
  •  I also made the curtain panels and valance with no-sew adhesive.  I was asked to blog about it right here on PN! http://projectnursery.com/2011/07/diy-no-sew-curtains/ 
  • The photos of  Walter were taken by the photographer at The Woman's Hospital of  Texas.
  • Mural by Moi!  http://www.wendyswalls.com
   
• Favorite Items: My 11 year old son, Bradley, and I painted Walter's name letters together and had so much fun!  I love looking at Walter's name above the French doors because it reminds me of our special project time together.  The rag quilt was a surprise from my custom quilter, Ronda Houle.  She used my leftover fabrics to make one of my favorite things ever!  I know Walt is going to love it :o)
• Advice: Take your time and plan one small project at a time.  I used the internet to do most of my research.  I love great deals, so I like checking CL and thrift stores when I am looking for something unique.  Design something you love with your child in mind and you can't make a mistake!