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Nicole Curcio

mrs ♡ mama ⋒
home decor enthusiast ⌂
lover of books and coffee ◈

Surf’s Up 🌊 Toddler Room

Beach vibes only ✌
When you live in Illinois, winter can be depressing and gray. I wanted my son’s room to be bright and cherry with a tranquil beach vibe — surfer style it is! 🏄‍♂️
The walls are Sherwin Williams | Glimmer SW6476 — and it’s the perfect shade of cheerful and chill. The pictures above his crib are from Target and they come as a set. The floating shelves are from Ikea for $4.99/ea. The stackable wooden bins are also from Target and great for books and toys. I am still working on a gallery wall for above his dresser. Hang tight– more to come!
#prayforsurf #hangloose #goodvibesonly #surfsupdude #myhappyplace #mentallyincalifornia

That’s Amore! 1st Birthday Party

I had to share my son’s 1st birthday theme… since his name is DEAN we felt a Dean Martin inspired birthday party was a must!
We specifically targeted the song ‘That’s Amore’ and went the pizza route with food and some featured decor pieces. It was easy-peasy because we blasted a Dean Martin playlist from Spotify, served New York style pizza (which was delivered), designed Dean’s smash cake to replicate a pizza (Thanks Britt Bakes) had pizzas inspired cookie takeaways with a message saying “Thanks for Bein’ a Pizza Dean’s Year”. We found the cutest gold banner that read “I love you to pizzas” that hung above the makeshift bar in the garage – yes, this was a garage party! The tables were lined with red & white checkered table runners, displaying photo pedestal frame centerpieces from Ikea for like .99/each. We found a wholesale site that sold personal pizza size boxes that we used as risers and centerpieces and now my son uses when creating Playdoh “pizzas”. It was a truly lovely event and outside-the-box theme that everyone loved! Most importantly, it didn’t break the bank.
XO, Nicole

Golden Safari Baby Shower

First and foremost, thank you to my wonderful mother and Aunt for bringing my vision to life! Since my son’s nursery was modern safari, we decided do the same with my baby shower theme – hello, GOLDEN SAFARI! We used the wall pictures bought for his nursery as the shower decor, which saved $ and the decor and it was multi-functional!
Wall decor links provided in his Project Nursery gallery “It’s a wild world”.
We searched Amazon and found plastic toy safari animals in various sizes that we then spray painted in a bronze color. Also on Amazon were giant faux palm leaves that we used on the tables, around centerpieces, as well as hung throughout the event space. What better centerpiece than a real pineapple?! It was a perfect idea because the pineapples made for the most affordable centerpieces and guests were able to take home and eat! We kept the cupcakes a simple vanilla with a white Italian buttercream and topped with an animal cracker. We displayed Ferrero Rocher chocolates with pineapple crowns on an elegant porcelain tiered dessert stand. I loved the modern black & white striped table runners! They truly complimented the gold table accents and tropical faux foliage. I remember the moment I stepped foot into my shower – my eyes were the size of saucers. I was in awe. It was everything I imagined of and more. Wish all you expecting mamas that same magical feeling at your shower!
XO, Nicole

It’s a Wild World Nursery

My first born. My heart.
I wanted to give this sweet boy a modern safari theme, with soft neutrals, palm prints, golden safari animals and macramé accessories. The wall color is a very light and beachy blue- Glimmer SW 6476 by Sherwin-Williams. I found that beautiful macramé lamp shade on clearance at World Market. The round gold trimmed mirror and gold/glass table lamp are from Target. The #MCM crib and dresser are from Wayfair. The wooden floating shelves are from Amazon and the white floating shelves are from Ikea. The utility cart is from Bed, Bath & Beyond. All of the wall pictures are from hobby Lobby. This nursery has a tranquil and cheerful vibe – and  my nightly tea drinking spot. I loved every minute of designing and decorating my son’s room… next theme – California Surf! Hang Loose.
XO, Nicole

SomeBunny Loves You Nursery

I had so much fun designing this Mid-Century #boho bunny nursery for our baby girl – coming Fall 2021!
Ever since I was a little girl decorating has been my passion. I never actually played with Barbie’s- I designed their living spaces and would create Barbie condos inside our living room bookshelves. When we found out we were having a baby GIRL my creative juices started flowing – THE NURSERY. My pregnancy has had may challenges and her nursery became my happy place and the best distraction ever. I am so grateful.
Wall Color: Etiquette AF-50 | Benjamin Moore
I wanted our daughter to be surrounded by style, beauty and a touch of charm. I was going for a Mid-Century Modern meets #boho chic vibe. I was on the prowl for wooden, antique brass, macramé and vintage accents. We were fortunate enough to receive that gorgeous #MCM 8-drawer (maple?) dresser, passed down by my husband’s grandparents- which became the focal point of her nursery. I changed out the dresser knobs with a glam white marble/brushed brass style pull. Continuing the Mid-Century mood, we incorporated a white wooden crib with slanted legs and a gold tripod floor lamp in the corner of the room. I was obsessed with West Elm’s velvet curtains, but couldn’t swallow the price, so I found plush faux velvet drapes in Ballet Pink from Amazon for around $45. The bracket shelves were a steal from Ikea and so much fun to style… I found random accessories from TJ Maxx and Target’s dollar spot! The floating shelves above the changing dresser display simple, dainty pictures, candles and a rainbow abacus. I wanted a #Rattan piece displayed above the changing dresser and found this 9″ Rattan mirror from Ikea for only $29.99! The area rug was on sale from Bed, Bath & Beyond in a neutral geometric pattern! I found the cutest mini #Rattan mirrors from a local shop in town called Mis Plantitas. The accordion hook rack was like $6 from Amazon and made for the perfect headband holder. The light grey glider was actually from my son’s nursery and ordered from Wal-Mart (great quality and price) – see his nursery gallery “It’s a Wild World” for the glider link. The side-by side bunny photos are from Amazon – I believe the brand is Kate & Laurel… they are canvases framed in natural wood. Last, but not least- the nesting tables… they were a steal from HomeGoods, tying together the brass accents around the room, like the curtain rod, dresser drawer knobs and closet door handles. For anyone looking to create a darling nursery on a budget- you can do it! It is possible. We found everything from Amazon, Ikea, TJ Maxx, Target, Target’s dollar spot and Bed, Bath & Beyond. My motto is- it’s not what it costs, it’s how you style it. *BIG shoutout to my Uncle Chris for hanging everything for us! Also, our friend Phil for painting her room! Much appreciated!
XO, Nicole