In the Nursery with Vanessa and Nick Lachey

Designer Vanessa Antonelli is back with us today to share the scoop on Vanessa and Nick Lachey’s nursery design for their third baby, Phoenix. We can’t wait to share the scoop on this lovingly dubbed “modern mountain man nursery.” Filled with rustic yet cozy touches and just the right dash of fun (hello, hanging swing!), there is a lot to love in this space.

Vanessa and Nick Lachey Nursery

Was there a theme for the nursery?
The large scene-stealing photo that stretches the entire wall behind the crib really sets the tone for the space. Because of that, I call it the Modern Mountain Man Nursery.

Vanessa and Nick Lachey NurserySoho Crib (custom finish) | Crib SkirtPiper Glider | Log Mural

Tell us more about that accent wall.
We tried so hard to find someone to cut a tree stump for us and adhere the circular pieces to the wall. Apparently, this is not a common request. Who knew? So instead we found this amazing print from Murals Your Way, and they turned it into a custom wallpaper for the room. Early on, I think it made Vanessa a little nervous, but in the end it’s what made the room so special.

Personalized Wooden ABC BlocksPersonalized Name Blocks | Herringbone Wallaper

What was the inspiration for Phoenix’s nursery?
Vanessa purchased a wooden mobile for Phoenix before we started the nursery. She was inspired by the rustic and masculine look, but she loved that it also felt strong, which reminded her of Phoenix. She probably didn’t realize it, but that was the best description she could have given me. I was instantly able to envision a full room.

Tree Bookshelf in Vanessa and Nick Lachey's NurseryTree Shelf | Wooden Toys

How fun is that swing! Tell us about it.
Yes! It’s an indoor/outdoor swing by Serena & Lily. I think the swing trend that started in 2017 is going to be HUGE in 2018. Often I see the swing take the place of the glider, but I if you really want a swing it should only be if you have the space in addition to the chair. For Phoenix’s room, I thought it would be great additional seating for his brother and sister to hang out.

 Vanessa and Nick Lachey's NurseryHanging Chair | Rock Pillows | Changing Pad | Custom Light Fixture

What is your favorite part of the room?
Vanessa loved the herringbone textured wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries. It was initially only going on one wall, but she loved it so much that at the last minute we decided to put it every remaining wall. My two favorites in the room are the custom reclaimed wood light by Fama Creations and the glider by DucDuc because it’s fun, unique and totally warms the space.

Vanessa and Nick Lachey Nursery Wooden Shape SorterPersonalized Wooden Shape Sorter

Did you work closely with Vanessa Lachey on the design?
Absolutely! We totally got each other early on. We are both working moms, so the texts, calls and emails were truly happening at all hours. Then there was the whole Vanessa/Vanessa issue. At one pointed I started signing my emails The Other V.

Vanessa Lachey and Baby Phoenix

Are there any sentimental pieces in the nursery?
I love when my clients add meaningful touches to their kids’ rooms and this one has so many! As the room was being installed, Vanessa placed a blanket she had monogrammed with Phoenix’s name on the crib. I hadn’t seen it before, but it went perfectly with the space. She had it made when he was in the NICU and used to place it over his incubator.

There is a tent patent drawing behind the changing table that was custom made for Phoenix by Amanda K. Larrinaga of Firebrand Creative. Hidden in the dates are Vanessa and Nick’s wedding date and Phoenix’s birthday.

Vanessa Lachey and Baby Phoenix in NurseryChanger | Custom Tent Art

There are three frames of coordinates on burlap. Necker Island is where they were married, Cincinnati is where Nick is from, and Los Angeles is where Phoenix was born.

Burlap Coordinate Art for NurseryCustom Burlap Art

Vanessa and Nick Lachey Nursery for SonDrapes | Pouf | Rug

Vanessa and Nick were completing a major home renovation when I met them, and Phoenix’s room has a little patio off of it that was a little lonely. I helped them liven it up with a tiny outdoor play table and rug. Now it’s the perfect place for the kids to play together and have snacks.

Outdoor Play SpacePicnic Table Set

Images by Christine Farah Photography

*this post contains affiliate links*

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Beth

Beth

Beth, Project Nursery’s Editor, lives in Upstate New York with her husband and their two sons and daughter. Beth is a work-from-home mom who loves writing, crafting and all things kid design.

Comments

    Add a Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You may also like

    Crewe Gingham

    It’s not often you can find a baby furniture brand that incorporates vintage touches into classic designs to get something that is still entirely fresh. Namesake has a knack for designing baby furniture that is both on trend and timeless. […]

    We are so excited to announce our collaboration with our friends at Toki Mats! We’ve been selling their products for years in our shop, so we jumped at the chance to bring our own Project Nursery spin to their stellar products. […]

    The thing we love most about wall decals is how versatile they are. You can decide how and where to apply them in the nursery. […]

    Desert Cactus Themed Nursery

    We love nurseries that have a special story behind them and today’s nursery tour features a cactus themed nursery that was inspired by the couple’s love of Arizona! […]

    Wildflower Girls Nursery

    What a treat this wildflower girls nursery is! We love a bold wallpaper, and this dark wallpaper with green and blue florals looks striking in an otherwise more neutral space. […]

    You are going to love this super feminine, vintage-inspired floral nursery we are sharing with you all. Not only does it fit right into our 2024 nursery trend predictions—hello, cozy cottage!—it is such a warm and inviting space for a little girl to grow up. […