Behind the Scenes with Annette Tatum

I am thrilled to share with you insight into an incredible woman and design inspiration: Annette Tatum. I remember learning about Annette when a dear friend revealed her daughter’s Little House nursery to me. I started to follow Annette and thanks to some sort of cosmic wish come true, Annette agreed to blog for Project Nursery. I remember exclaiming to Pam, “The Annette Tatum” is on board! So with all this sincere admiration, we finally met in person and I had the opportunity to visit her design studio, The Annette Tatum Workroom. The best part? Annette is every bit as inspiring as I thought she would be. So without sounding entirely lame, I pretty much view her as the coolest girl in school.  Let me give you a peek as to why…

A designer’s wall of inspiration, fabrics and projects is so telling.  Much of Annette’s new bohemian nursery & child collection came to life with ideas pinned to this wall. Sunny jewel tones now perfectly describe the rich colors radiating from her latest collection. Inspiring to say the least…

Fabrics, samples, paints and furniture prototypes surround the rustic yet oh-so stylish Workroom. I found the transition from Annette’s well-known baby lines to budding adult line – seamless.

Dressed mannequins pose throughout the space which not only add a bit of designer drama but lend themselves to even more creativity…

Impressed? Yes. But even more so now after learning that everything Annette creates is manufactured right in her backyard, Los Angeles, CA.

I came away from my hours with Annette, thinking about my nursery style and how it’s really evolved into an extension of my overall personal style.  Thoughtful designers such as Annette Tatum are now providing gorgeous children’s bedding options, art and much more, allowing parents to share their own sense of style from the very start. Annette truly lives and breathes her layered approach to textiles and design. She is down-to-earth, casual and generous. Sure, it’s easy to admire Annette for her success as a designer and a business woman. But I couldn’t help and think, “You too can have it all” after coming across this cherished family photo of Annette and her FOUR kids. Now that’s inspiring!