Happy & Bright

Description

Who says gender-specific has to be boring? When we bring Baby home in the next week or two--boy or girl--this cozy retreat will provide a mini wonderland of sherbet-sweet color, nature-inspired fantasy, and meaningful touches in every corner.

Design Inspiration

We were inspired by the colors in a collection of meaningful objects we wanted to include, including some art prints and a quilt made by the baby's Great Grandmother. We wanted the room to be bright and stimulating, while still calm and soothing. The overall feeling: simply happy. We also wanted a gender-neutral room, not only because we're waiting to be surprised by the sex, but also because we didn't like the cheesy gender-specific extremes of blue transportation for boys and pink princesses for girls.

Decorating Style

Modern, nature-inspired whimsy drenched in inviting, saturated colors balanced by crisp white.

Project Details

Benjamin Moore Paint: Apples and Pears (walls), Barely Teal (ceiling), Distant Gray (trim) Thomas Paul Rug: Love Birds in Corn Pottery Barn Shelving: Cameron Cubby and Drawer Set Daphne Combo Crib and Changing Table Closet Shelving: ClosetMaid Land of Nod: Storage Baskets and Fabric Bins Home Depot Magnetic Paint (closet door)

Favorite Items

Definitely the handmade mobile. A month before my due date, I invited my girlfriends over for brunch and asked them each to make a felt critter. I then used their creations, some wooden hoops, and colorful ribbon to make a one-of-kind art piece for the room. Every time I see it, I'm reminded of all the great support we have.

Advice

Gather meaningful pieces you'd like to include and lay them out on a table. Then hold up paint colors until you find a swatch that makes everything pop. And don't be afraid of color! This is a child's room afterall. Not only do you have free license to be playful, but you'll also create a space that's more welcoming and stimulating for your child.