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Modern Animal-Inspired Nursery for Baby “B”

Description

Animal-themed gender-neutral nursery

Design Inspiration

The aqua gio pattern from Dwell Studio.

Decorating Style

Modern, with touches of traditional, but overall eclectic.

Project Details

I found the etsy prints right after I found out I was expecting. Both my husband and I fell in love with them immediately, as it references a song we grew up with and that we plan on singing to our new arrival! I was originally going to base the gender-neutral nursery around the prints, but found it was too broad of an inspiration.   Then, I found the Dwell fabric with modern animal prints. While it is primarily shades of blue, I felt it was still appropriate for a gender-neutral nursery. The blues coordinate with the the middle print in my original inspiration, and I felt adding in red from one of the other prints would bring in enough of a feminine element to make it balanced. (Plus, who says girls can't like blue?)   Overall, I wanted something that could grow with our child into the toddler phase. I think the animal print does that well. I scoured the internet for other ideas and accessories that were practical (front-facing book shelf ledges) and fit with the bedding (DIY bird mobile).

  • Paint colors: Distant Valley and Seascape, both from Valspar at Lowe's
  • "You are my sunshine" print series: Etsy vendor The Ink Society, frames from Target
  • Bedding: Crib sheet and changing pad table from Dwell Studio, purchased at local vendor Pacifier + DIY crib skirt + elephant stroller blanket from Pottery Barn Kids
  • Crib & Dresser/Changing table: purchased from craigslist, originally from Babies R Us
  • Nightstand: purchased off craigslist ($10!) and refinished in Valspar Pomegranite Red (matte finish) + new knob from Anthropologie
  • Bookshelves: RIBBA picture ledges from IKEA ($9 each)
  • Clothes Hamper: I Think I Canvas Hamper form The Land of Nod
  • Wall decal: Etsy vendor Single Stone Studios, purchased in light brown latte
  • Rocker: by Best Chairs, purchased at USA Baby; pouf ottoman from Cost Plus World Market in Mallard Green
  • DIY mobile
  • Window treatments: curtains & track system NINNI RUND from Ikea

DIY details:

  • Crib skirt fabric purchased at SR Harris Fabric Outlet in Brooklyn Park + Pleated crib skirt pattern modified from McCall's pattern M4540
  • Mobile inspiration taken from spoolsewing,com, which includes a pattern for the birds. Fabrics purchased from SR Harris + nest/wreath purchased at Michael's.

Favorite Items

I love how everything came together, and as I look around the room, I find things that make me smile. I'm excited to see what items become our child's favorite as s/he grows.

Advice

Don't feel limited by gender stereotypes and products that are overly childish. Remember, you're going to be spending a lot of time in this space too, and you want it to be something that the entire family can enjoy!

Julia

Sunday 18th of December 2011

Wow!!! This looks amazing. I love what you did with the " you are my sunshine prints." Thank you for sharing.

Julia Art The Ink Society

IngridCalloway

Monday 3rd of October 2011

I think the wall decals are really cute. And those prints are simply adorable. I love that they come in bright and cool colors and shades. And oh, I love that song very much, too!!