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A Place for Foster Babies to Call Home

Description

A nursery filled with wonderment for foster infants was my goal in this space and since San Francisco homes and apartments are notoriously small, narrow spaces, I used a large walk-in closet to try to create a warm, inviting nursery.  Bold colors layered with beautiful fabrics both brighten and soften the room, and my husband and I loved painting the ceiling pale blue which was an easy project that took no time at all.   It's a joy to spend time here, especially knowing it will soon be home to babies who need a loving place to stay for a time, maybe even forever.

Design Inspiration

My inspiration was a photograph I saw online combined with a desire to create a loosely nautical inspired space with a touch of whimsy because of our proximity to the Bay and my husband's love of sailing and the sea.

Decorating Style

My style can range from modern and streamlined to rustic farmhouse and for nurseries the sky is the limit depending on what a client envisions in their home.  The tranquility of an all white room is soft and soothing for baby or the gender neutral look of grey and yellow with chevron stripes can provide a modern space that easily captures the style of the rest of the home.

Project Details

One of the most important items in any nursery is the crib, of course!  Because the space was small, I opted for the Sleepi Stokke Crib at Giggle.  http://www.giggle.com/nursery-decor/cribs-beds/Sleepi-Crib/104305,default,pd.html?start=11&cgid=giggle&q=stokke%20crib

For the fabric, I used a variety of resources including West Elm where I purchased the shower curtains (yes shower curtains!) in citron to line the walls of the space.  I bought a few yards of a range of Waverly fabric from Joann Fabrics. http://www.joann.com/search/_waverly/ 

As for the remaining furniture, I purchased the changing table at a flea market and painted it navy blue.  I also painted the creamy white dresser, a years ago find, and the gorgeous patterned rug was an Overstock.com steal.  http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-hooked-Alexa-Moroccan-Trellis-Wool-Rug-5-x-8/5777732/product.html

I created the light fixture with a plain white lamp shade which I covered both inside and out with a Waverly fabric from Joann Fabrics.  Next I hung an adorable mobile from an artist on Etsy from the lamp shade and together the colors created a sweet, lovely light that looks just right in the space.

The navy blue polka dotted sheet and corresponding white and navy bed skirt are both from Pottery Barn Kids and I modified them to work with the oval Stokke crib which broadened the number of bedding options since the Stokke crib is so unusual in size and shape. http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/mini-dot-crib-sheeting-navy/?pkey=e|navy%2Bcrib%2Bsheet|4|best|0|1|24||3&group=1&sku=3211992&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

Favorite Items

My favorite part of the room is the striking fabric wall behind the crib with a beautiful, vibrant pattern.  I was worried it wasn't babyish enough at first, but now it's my favorite part of the space!

Advice

My advice is to pick a single starting place whether it's a rug or a piece of fabric or a cherished childhood toy and whenever you make a decision on a new element to add, make sure it works with that initial piece and the entire space will come together beautifully.  I also encourage a mix of old and new, modern and antique, especially if you have family heirlooms like favorite rocking horse or a framed photo from a long time ago.

vawhit

Sunday 28th of October 2012

I think this is a creative and fun space for babies. You have done a wonderful job and god bless y'all!

Sabrina-PN

Sunday 9th of September 2012

that is so special that you've created a place for these babies. a lovely space too.

norah1982

Saturday 8th of September 2012

I love all of the fabrics and stuffed animals! What a sweet place for a baby :)