Description
This dreamland odyssey nursery a colorful and whimsical room for a baby boy. It has many outdoor elements and non-motorized transportation items. It has many nautical items but is really about far off dreamlike places. For more information read the behind the scenes blog.
Design Inspiration
I was inspired by Dr. Seuss. I didn't want to do a full blown Dr. Seuss room, but I loved the whimsy, fun colors, and imaginative places. I wanted it to be Seussy without the Seus.
Decorating Style
It is all about creating an all encompassing atmosphere that makes a person feel something when they walk in the room. A nursery has to be sweet and fun. My favorite ones are very whimsical.
Project Details
The paint in this room was key to the overall look. I used six different paint colors in all. I painted hills in green using butcher paper. I drew the hills on the paper and then cut it to make the outline. I used a stencil of a tree in three different sizes around the room and then made the trunks extra long using blue tape to add to their whimsy.
The antique furniture I used for the dresser and bookshelves got a makeover when I painted part of them. This left the wood visible to match the crib and changing table, but allowed them also to coordinate with the bright paint in the rest of the room. I was blown away by how beautifully they turned out.
I painted the ceiling blue and put yellow paper birds on it. You can buy the stencil for the bird here. I made them look like a traveling flock by placing the smallest ones in front and in back.
The art is really important in this room. The pieces set the feel and color scheme. The giant art above the crib takes your breath away when you enter the room. The other pieces are so adorable, you can't help but notice them too. My favorite is called kiss the moon, by Wyanne. It is a giraffe standing on an elephants back trying to kiss the moon.
I made the mobile myself. It has electric candles inside the hot air balloons that turn on with a remote. They look so cool twinkling in the dark. There are complete instructions on how to make it here.
For a complete description of the room, links to the items in the room, and process pictures, check out our behind the scenes blog here.
Favorite Items
My favorite thing has to be the hot air balloon mobile. I had no idea if it would work, so I did the whole thing on faith. They are so magical floating around and twinkling in the dark. I love that it is special, something no other baby has. (Feel free to copy though.)
Advice
Don't be afraid of color. Babies love color. I was a little worried when we started to put it together that it was too much, but it was perfect when we were finished.
Find art that you love. It might take some time, but it will be worth it when you find it. We have a lot of great nursery and kid's room art on our pinterest board.
Put in natural elements that take you to another place. I have the trees and hills, birds, blue sky, a rug that looks like grass, and the art with the ocean and sailboat.
Mostly, have fun with it. Don't feel like you have to follow any rules with what you do. Make it a place that piques your imagination. The perfect place for a little boy.
Leave a comment