Oliver’s Oasis

Description

We wanted Oliver's bedroom to be a calming space. All of the furniture was from family and antique stores except for the rocking chair, which was from my favorite store, Simple Pleasures, in Marietta, OH. The furniture was all painted blue to match the upper wall and built-in drawers. I wanted the room to have the feeling that it was collected over time. Thanks to alliebphotagraphy for the pictures!

Design Inspiration

My inspiration was a room from Project Nursery--The ABC's of a Stylish Nursery. 

Decorating Style

I love mixing different styles, so I would say eclectic. I also love using calming colors and gathering most of my materials from thrift and antique stores. 

Project Details

Bed: hand-me-down from family painted blue with a white "O" from Babies R Us

Bookshelf, small table, elephant holding blocks: painted finds from thrift stores

Changing table: antique English sideboard painted white and trimmed in blue

Rocking chair: handmade and sold at Simple Pleasures in Marietta, OH. www.simplepleasures.net

ABC Quilt, whale sheet, and diaper caddy: www.potterybarnkids.com

White bumper: www.serenaandlily.com

White rug: from an amazing barn sale in Hamilton, VA www.eksterantiques.com

Curtains: made from fabric from Joann Fabrics

Dog toy bin: www.simplepleasures.net

Hot air balloons: handmade from Christmas bulbs, twine, tiny baskets, and fishing wire

O-L-I-V-E-R vintage flash cards: Etsy shop--skipalongdesigns

Picture frames: collected from family and yard sales and painted blue

Pictures: Pages taken from a copy of my favorite nursery rhymes book as a child--A Puppet Treasure Book-Nursery Rhymes

Favorite Items

I love the changing table; I had my eye on it for two years at a local antique store, but I didn't have a use for it. When I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted to convert it into a changing table. The detail on it is wonderful, and one of the three drawers in the middle has compartments I am using for baby lotion, etc. The best part has actually been the height--changing diapers has not been a back-breaking job! I also love the hot air balloons. The only models I found online were very expensive, so I decided to make my own. I also love old toys, so I love all of the wooden toys and the metal tops we found.

Advice

The nursery should be designed in a style that you love. You will be spending a lot of time in the room and you will want it to be a tranquil sanctuary for you and your baby. A baby's mood can often be influenced by those around him, so you want to be as calm as possible! Making a serene and functional nursery is a good start.