Brooklyn’s Boutique

Description

A nursery for our first baby girl!

Design Inspiration

We were inspired by the glamorous look of the refinished dresser set, as well as the antique feel of the Jenny Lind crib.  Once these items were in the room, everything else just fell into place.  I'd like to also mention that I lived on this site for several months while I completed the room - there are so many brilliant and one-of-a-kind nurseries out there - you can't help but be inspired by others' unique ideas.

Decorating Style

French Provencial, Vintage-Modern...Eclectic, Transitional?  It fits into so many categories...but I think it works when you can tie it all together with color, pattern, and textures.

Project Details

After fishing through piles and piles of inspirational photos, looking at site after site for the perfect crib and dresser set - It finally hit me that I could find some of the most unique and interesting pieces by searching at the local antique mall, Craigslist, and even Goodwill for items that could be refinished and repurposed for a fraction of the cost.  The rocking chair was a $25 dollar purchase from Goodwill for my first apartment 8 years ago, and I couldn't let it go!  The lamps, including the hummingbird nightlight were all items I previously owned.  The green lamps were an antique mall purchase and were updated with new drum lamp shades.  The other two lamps were Craigslist and Ikea buys.  Most of the framed wall art like the frou-frou dog and cat and the flowers over the crib were a DIY project, (in a sense).  I was able to find cheap frames at Marshalls and Walmart - and found these pre-matted 5x7's in the framing department at Hobby Lobby (half-off!)  If you search long enough - you can find lots of cool matching pieces.  I made the mobile myself out of pom-wheels from Pomtree on www.Etsy.com.  And picked up the mirror and green accent table from Garden Ridge.  My one splurge was the Natasha Collection bedding set from www.Serenaandlily.com.  I love love love it - but for the first year, we will be swapping the bumper out for a white breathable- bumper from Target, just to be safe!! I used 3D wall flowers in the bathroom above the mirror from www.Chiasso.com.  They add just the pop and contrast you need on a simple painted wall.

Favorite Items

I'd have to say my favorite item would be the French Provencial dresser with center drawers.  Once our baby is here, we will add a changing pad and it will double as a changing table.  I love that this dresser is something that will grow with her.  Originally I had a custom changing table all planned out in my head - but I couldn't be happier with this decision.  I found the glass knobs on www.anthropologie.com, but bought metal spray paint to change them from brushed aluminum to an antique bronze.  A little paint can make a huge difference.

Advice

I had a really difficult time with purchases that I made online due to the accuracy of colors and some quality issues.  I found that artwork and rugs are much better purchases when made in person!  I also always carried around my bedding fabric swatch and my paint chip in my purse - you never know when you are going to come across an item that might work for your color scheme! And don't be afraid to DIY!