Being pregnant with a toddler at home and running an event planning company, I wondered if I would have time or the desire to start a new nursery. My boys will be 18 months apart and I seriously considered just moving my toddler into another room and into a big boy bed. In the end, I decided new baby boy would have his own nursery and we would have two nurseries, two rockers, two changing tables, two cribs… just embrace the crazy of 2 under 2! When I began to design this space, I drew a blank. I needed a starting point and something to inspire me. My husband came to me with a quote that he loves: “Climb High, Climb Far, Your Goal, The Sky, Your Aim, The Star” – an anonymous inscription on a concrete gate at Williams College. We want our children to know that they can accomplish anything in life and this quote is a reminder to aim for the stars!

Stars, clouds, sky, I love it! The theme then became a modern, cloud nursery. We started with a custom piece of the quote, which is extra special for dad, an alumni of Williams College. I found the cloud/swirl wallpaper and then it just all fell into place! I used leftover wallpaper scraps to make 2 additional pieces of artwork, the XO piece and a piece for the hospital door hanger. I found cloud fabric and had the roman shade made. I added modern touches like the dresser, also doubling it as a changing table. Other modern touches include acrylic shelving, a gold lamp, a white end table, white X bookshelf, cloud mobile and cloud shelves. I wanted to balance the space to feel warm and cozy so I added the textured rug, lots of blankets, small plants, and a large floor plant. As an event designer, I focus on making a room pretty for one day so it is so exciting to decorate a space that will last for years!

My best advice for designing a nursery is to think outside of the box. You do not have to do all of your shopping at baby stores. It’s also OK if you do not get it right the first time. Keep trying pieces until it “feels” right. I bought 6 set of crib sheets until I found the perfect shade of blue. It’s also a great idea to use home decor items like plants, blankets, lamps to make the space feel warm and cozy! If you envision a certain look and feel and you are not finding the perfect piece, consider making it or having it made to customize your space. Last but certainly not least, give yourself the freedom of mixing high-end pieces and inexpensive pieces.