Eamon’s Vintage Americana Nursery

Description

I wanted to create an all-American, Ralph Lauren-esque room perfectly suited for a baby boy, yet ready to grow with him into young adulthood.

Design Inspiration

In addition to the design aesthetic of Ralph Lauren, I was inspired by the age of our home (ca. 1896), and incorporated antiques and vintage style, while still maximizing functionality as a nursery. It's also possible that the Americana element was inspired by Eamon's due date (July 5th), and my hope for an Independence Day baby - though it was totally subconscious!

Decorating Style

I decorate primarily in a "New Traditional" style, though this room has a little undercurrent of modern country flavor, too. I create family-friendly spaces with strong ties both to the present and the past for interest and timeless appeal.

Project Details

Rug: Amazon

Thibaut Winslow Plaid Wallpaper: Thibaut Design

Newburyport Blue Plaint: Benjamin Moore

Antique Chest/Changing Table: The Barn at 17

Antique Quilt: Marie Miller Antique Quilts

Mayfair 3-in-1 Convertible Crib: Franklin and Ben

Draperies: Custom. Fabric is Pindler & Pindler, custom trim made of Thom Filicia for Kravet fabric

Swivel Glider: Jessica Charles, upholstered in Crypton fabric

Side Table: HomeGoods

Mobile: RH Baby & Child

Wall Lighting: Robert Abbey

Lamp: Custom, Charn & Company

Bookcase: RH Baby & Child

Vintage Airplane Crib Sheet: RH Baby & Child

Crib Skirt: Rosenberry Rooms

"E" Plaque: One Kings Lane

Woven Basket: Serena & Lily

See also the tour of Eamon's Vintage Americana Nursery on my blog.

Photography by Eric Roth

Favorite Items

If you had asked me a few months ago, before Eamon arrived, I probably would have said the wallpaper - which I hung above a newly-installed high chair rail, to keep it from being damaged but still provide a big visual impact. However, I think the new lighting has to take the cake, now! There was no hardwired lighting in this room before - my electrician installed a picture light above the changing table (illuminating both the quilt and diaper changes), and sconces on either side of the crib/draperies. Everything is on dimmers - so crucial for those late-night visits to baby's room! Plus, I love the way the aged brass finish pops off the navy blue walls.

Advice

Creating a look like this requires a bit of patience and resourcefulness. First, find a focal element or two that best exemplifies your creative concept or inspiration. Oftentimes this is a rug or fabric, but it can also be a color, piece of artwork, family heirloom, etc. Once you have that, all of your other choices will be much easier!

In terms of functionality, look for pieces that can do double or triple duty now (especially important in small spaces like this one), but will remain useful - in a "big kid" room or even in another place in your home - for many years to come.