Today we are touring a nursery that’s a little bit beachy, a little bit boho and a whole lot of cute. There are so many sweet details in this nursery that I find something new every time I look at the pictures. Jenny Leu, the founder of Forrest and J, recently welcomed her son Sebastian, and you are going to love the space she designed for her little guy. If you’ve been to Jenny’s site, you know she knows her way around a beautifully styled party, and clearly she knows a thing or two about designing a lovely nursery as well. Thank you, Jenny, for letting us into your home today! We’ll let her take it from here.
My husband (Forrest) and I married on the sandy beaches of Cabo three years ago this April. The wedding of my dreams inspired me to create my own destination-how to-wedding blog. This was the start of my love for events and led me to leave my corporate career in luxury fashion behind for all things creative. Forrest and J evolved and became a brand for those who look to push the boundaries with bespoke event design along with branding, product and lifestyle shoots.
We are blessed to be having our first child, a baby boy, after struggles with infertility. We have relished in the journey over the last eight months, through trials and triumph. Our Little Leu is now Baby Bash, and the baby snuggles are better than we could have ever imagined.
Changing Table Cover | Little Lion Rattle
What inspired your room design?
We love designing home interiors at Forrest and J and have had the opportunity to do some really abstract and modern baby rooms in the past. Finally, it was my turn to create my own space for my little guy, and I knew exactly what I wanted. I’m not shy when it comes to color and print—more is more is more for me and my brand aesthetic. Working as a stylist for Anthropologie in Newport Beach, I looked to their amazing collection of wallpapers and home decor to get me started. My husband and I live in a little bungalow on the sand and wanted to create the ultimate California beach nursery. I didn’t look to make it too literal, but you’ll still find little details of surf, sand and boho vibes.
What was your favorite part of the process?
I love me a good design deck! I think I created over five different mood boards and edited them again and again for over six months. The boards helped me narrow down the little details and mix of print and pattern, to make sure they all worked perfectly together.
Wall Shelving | Animals | Framed California Art
And what do you love the most about the finished design?
I have two favorite elements in the room that make it so unique. First the wallpaper! From Anthropologie’s collection, this wallpaper was my statement piece that the room evolved around. The shibori tie-dye print is boho chic and a little unpredictable in a nursery. My next favorite item is the rug from Amigos De Ahoy. I’m obsessing over everything Australian lately when it comes to home goods, and I knew this Totem rug would be major eye candy—just think of all the cute little baby photos on this textile! The massive wall tassel is also from them!
High Tides and Beach Baby Vibes Art
Any challenges you had to work around?
Yes! Wanting to do too much! I had so many ideas I wanted to do, but in the end, they didn’t all mix well together. There is so much inspiration out there, and it makes you want to redesign your house on the monthly. Because my top focal pieces (wallpaper and rug) were very bold, it led me to scale back on other ideas. I really wanted a patterned drape for the closet, but in the end, white was best. This allowed more fun with bedding and pillows to mix into the room, while keeping it light and bright.
Navy Blue Cube Bins | “Little Leu” Blocks
Do you have any words of advice for other designers and parents?
Do what is truly you! So many people say that white and soft colors are best for your nursery so you won’t grow tired of the space, but babies actually love bold pattern and color, so why not go for it! My little one stares at the graphic wallpaper during changing time, which are some of my favorite moments with him. Also, remember it needs to be functional. The first night back after the hospital, I realized what was too staged and what needed to be more function friendly. (I was cursing all my cute decor cluttering up my space in the middle of the night!) Have a super comfy chair with a side table to hold everything you need to start that crazy 3am feeding. You’ll thank yourself later.
Wood Burned Door Hanging Sign | Hamper
Pineapple | Laser Cut Surfboard | All Aboard | Camper Trailer
Images by Wisteria Photography
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Comments
Christa
Love this room!! Where is the ottoman from?!
Beth
Hi Christa, I think it’s two ALSEDA Stools (from Ikea) stacked.
Natalie
Where is the 3 level side table from?
Beth
It was from Target, but it’s no longer available.
Nikki Anketell
Where is the wall paper from?
Beth
Hi Nikki, The wallpaper is linked below the first picture.