Emily’s Artsy Traditional Nursery

Description

When we found out our second was a girl, we needed to reuse pieces from our son's nursery and transform an office into a feminine nursery. The space really came together after a series of DIY projects and a splurge purchase on the wingback rocking chair.

Design Inspiration

The inspiration for the room was really a color palette: coral, grey and aqua. We wanted it to feel comfortable, layered with textures and unexpected, bold touches.  I created a pinboard to collect ideas: http://pinterest.com/erin_modglin/n-is-for-nursery/
We started with the 2 statement pieces, a DIY hand-painted rug and abstract artwork, and went from there.

Decorating Style

Artsy Transitional (on a budget).
We have a lot of traditional pieces, but we like to layer in modern elements and a little artsy flair for a fresh look.

Project Details

Ikea Lack Shelving
Ikea Rens Sheepskin Rug
West Elm Wire Pendant Light
West Elm Favorite Throw
Urban Outfitters Metal Accordion Side Table
Pottery Barn Kids Wingback Rocker
Pottery Barn Kids Harper Bedding
Lantern Moon Rice Baskets
Target Table Lamp
Artwork mine - inspired by Michelle Armas
White lacquer boxes from Container Store
DIY rug - hand-painted using the IKEA Erslev and the Casablanca Stencil
DIY La Vie artwork inspired by a Heima Store Print
DIY Melissa and Doug Abacus - painted with acrylic paint to color coordinate, for decorative use only!
DIY "Emily" blocks borrowed from brother's block set and painted gold

Dresser knobs from anthro, discontinued
Wall color unknown

All images by me

Favorite Items

The wardrobe wall is such a lovely way to display some of my favorite outfits. Babies don't wear their clothes for too long so it's nice to enjoy them a bit longer by using them as room decor.

The rug makes the room feel vibrant and decidedly girly.
I love the whimsical feel of the wire pendant lighting. At night it casts a soft glow and tent-like pattern on the ceiling and walls that makes the room feel so cozy.

Advice

Buy furniture in neutral colors so it will work for either gender.
Pick a palette you love and incorporate those colors through the accent pieces, like art, lamps and rugs.
Find a good handyman who can assemble ikea products, hang shelving, install lighting and build frames for your artwork (I commissioned my dear husband)
Don't be afraid to pick up a paintbrush.