Description
I chose a very soft, pale pink for the walls of the nursery. I then selected a mirrored crib which would anchor the entire room together. Slowly bunnies and birdies started to appear everywhere I shopped and it just seemed to be the appropriate accents for the evolving nursery. I actually couldn't get enough of the cute birds, owls and bunnies I kept stumbling across during my shopping adventures. I added brushed nickel sconces to either side of the windows and put them on a dimmer. This would allow me to control the mood of the room throughout the day/night. As an artist and art collector, I made the focal point of the room a lithograph by Marc Chagall "The Magic Flute" (Die Zauberflote). The artwork hangs directly above the changing table and the bright blue and turquoise images have proven to memorize and enthrall my daughter when she is lying there.
Design Inspiration
Where we live, by the beach was my inspiration. The ocean is calming and peaceful and I wanted to carry that feeling into my daughter's nursery. I also wanted to create a room that would grow with my daughter over the years.
Decorating Style
Traditional but eclectic by scattering a few unexpected, unique pieces and/or splashes of color.
Project Details
The mirrored crib, changing table, shelves, rocking chair, ottoman, brass bunny bookends, wool birdie mobile and sconces are all from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child. The initial "G" crib pillow and large pink hamper are from Serena and Lily. Most of the stuffed animals (BlaBla, Maileg, etc) and the whale pillow are from a local Hermosa Beach children's store Gum Tree. The wool, bunny head hook is from Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito, CA. The sheep skin rug and cashmere/wool blend pink throw are from One Kings Lane. As a unique touch, I decided to wall paper the inside of the closet and the shelves so when my daughter was old enough to play in the closet, it would be a special place for her. I completed this project at 8.5 months pregnant and I would definitely recommend doing this earlier in your pregnancy.
Favorite Items
The round, tufted ottoman is my favorite piece in the nursery, as it has served to capture many special memories. When Grace was learning to stand it was at the perfect height to pull herself up and rest her head on. She now tries to crawl up on it. I can watch her for hours trying to climb on top of the ottoman.
Advice
Start with your color palette and select a color that makes you smile. Then find one unique piece of furniture to anchor the room and design around that piece. Add something unexpected to the room that will add a punch of color and select pieces that can grow with your child. This will save you money in the long run, as you will not have to replace the furniture, etc. once the baby stuff is no longer relevant. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy every minute of creating this special place for your baby!