5 DIY Take-Aways from 5 Great Nurseries

Are you tired of hearing about nurseries yet? Good!

But if you are, maybe a little, don't stop reading here. There may be a few ideas in here you can use for a non-nursery. In fact, I promise there are!

I really REALLY thought I would be adjusting to a new routine with a new baby by now, but a few false alarms have led me to believe this is the most indecisive child--ha! I've been using my extra time to see if there are some small things I can get done to make the shared nursery/toddler room a little more cozy since I gave up on getting it complete before baby arrived a long time ago.

I've been piddling around design sites and blogs trying to gather some easy DIY ideas, so I thought I'd share the few I found with you!

1. Custom Hangers to Display Favorite Items

I love this feminine San Francisco bunny nursery featured on Apartment Therapy. It's simple, not overdone, and so many of the ideas are inexpensive and design savvy solutions. I love the idea of displaying some of the baby's special clothing items on hangers. 

This would be so easy! Simply purchase some high quality wooden hangers, pick a pattern (don't be afraid to print one) like a cloud or star or whatever fits your nursery, use an x-acto knife to mount the paper pattern cut-out on some cardboard or foam core. You could even use a fun patterned paper. So easy and cute!

2. Vintage Prints in Simple Frames

This twins' nursery in London featured on Houzz is another great simple and clean design. First of all, I love the painted shutters. Such a great solution to window coverings--especially if you need to block out light in the wee hours, but let it in during the non-sleeping ones.

But onto the easier great idea: the vintage prints are an easy project, even though something like this may be sold in home decor stores for a pretty penny. Etsy, Ebay, and even a fun antiquing search could land you some great vintage (or copies of vintage) prints that you could put in some inexpensive frames for great-looking wall decor. I've even downloaded high-res images and printed them for frames in my own home. An added plus would be that the frames match the other wood finishes in the room (like how these perfectly match the cribs). Even if you're not into matchy matchy, that's cool, too! Pick whatever finish you feel works.

3. A Fun Corner Tent for Reading

Another great nursery tour on Apartment Therapy of a cheery LA nursery features one of the best corner tents I've seen in a while. These are a growing trend in children's rooms, but some of the DIYs out there are a little cheapy looking in the end. 

The key here is layering of texture and pattern (and the having more than one). The string lights and flag bunting are great touches too. So even if you follow one of the many DIYs out there, try and incorporate some of these ideas to make a really cool space for your little one.

4. Make Your Own Felt Mobile

I love the balance of cool grey and warm wood in this neutral nursery from Elsie Interior featured on Houzz. So many great things going on here. I especially love the softness of that cute little mobile over the hearty wood crib. The mobile featured is actually from Restoration Hardware, but it would be an easy DIY as well if you are crafty.

A few wooden dowels, fishing string, felt, stuffing, and colored thread could lend itself to a world of possibilities if you get creative. Like the canopy tent above, a simple Pinterest search will open up tons of easy-to-follow DIY instructions. 

Another idea would be to purchase some felt Christmas ornaments on clearance like these and attaching them to your mobile.

5. Washi Tape "Frames" for Prints

There are so many great personal touches in this German Nursery. You can tell a lot of thought went into the decor and I love that. It has such a curated look!

One of the simplest and most inexpensive take-aways from this room I found was the washi tape "frames" used for the prints above the toy shelf. The colorful patterns and size variations of each piece add a lot of personality. Perhaps if you're in a rental, or just really like the gallery wall look but don't want to commit to all the nail holes, this would be a great solution! 

I hope you found some great take-aways from these cute little rooms. Like I said, some of them could easily be used elsewhere in your home. 

Happy crafting, friends!

Until next time (whenever that might be)!

Baby R's Nursery Update- Decision Time

This past week I've been in major nesting mode wanting to check everything off of my never-ending house to do list--specifically in the new nursery.  Jon and I have a lot of cleaning out to do (it's currently his "man cave"/catch all room) before the real decor can even go up.  I'm one who loves to clean out and organize as it is, but when you add in a baby, it's even worse.

In an attempt to get a move on, I've been finalizing some nursery decisions so that all pieces are here when it's time to get everything in its place.  Specifically, the curtains have been ordered and sheets have been decided.  

Here are the four curtain options I was considering:

one // two // three // four

After much consideration (and a little help from my fellow design friends), I chose option number one with a blackout lining.  You may remember the top part of the room is painted a dark charcoal color so I really wanted something light to balance it out.  And down the road, when the girls start sharing a room, these will easily transition to a non-nursery room.  

I also picked out my crib sheets.  I loved the blue trellis ones from Serena & Lily that I used in Auden's room, and I think the mocha option will work great in the new nursery.  And because my love for block print can't be stopped, I really like this booti pink print from Rikshaw Designs.  The bed skirt is a muted petal pink linen-cotton one from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child and the bumpers will be the white pique with gray trim we used for Auden.  I plan on flipping it around so I can monogram the other side for this baby.  Waste not, want not, right?

With those items being confirmed, here is the updated mood board.  If you need a refresher, here is the starting point from over a month ago.   

View fullsize

The other new items are these gold leaf frames from West Elm and these beaded ones from Design Aglow for her gallery wall.  I purchased this art print from Jones Design Company months ago (before I was even pregnant) and think it will work great in the room.  The other new contender is this lamp by Nate Berkus.  I saw it in Target and immediately fell for the modern lines and acrylic base.  Because I love a good mix of modern and vintage, I think this will be a great addition to keep that balance.  

So that's the latest for Baby R.  What do you think?  

I'm off to get my nesting fix on and start cleaning out the man cave closet with the hubs!  As you can imagine, he's thrilled to be doing this on his off day ;)

Until next time...

An Arrangement

CHANDELIER // TABLE // CHAIRS // RUG // HOUSE

GET THE LOOK - Shabby Chic Twin Bedroom

When looking for shared bedroom ideas for my girls down the road, I came across this image on Pinterest.  While it is a little too traditional for my taste, I do love the symmetry, soft palette and simple bedding.  The blue wash on those shiplap walls (shiplap is all the rage these days, isn't it?) is beautiful too.  I can see this being some little girls' dream bedroom.  

I know that the shabby chic style still reigns supreme for many of our readers, so I thought I'd do a "Get the Look" to help you all source a similar room. 

View fullsize

{click image to enlarge}

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine

one // A classic bed silhouette currently on sale.

two // It's sometimes difficult to find more grown up looking twin duvet covers, but this one is a perfect fit--and for a steal!

three // These euros are a great backdrop for the rest of the bedding.

four // A fun green lamp with a linen shade--my favorite choice for a nice, warm glow.

five // Vintage seashells prints. There are tons from which to choose. 

six // Etsy is my go-to source for vintage finds like these sconce shelves.

seven // A little paisley pattern to bring in some color and flair.

eight // Because no one wants a matchy-matchy furniture set.  This gray is perfect.

nine // Complete the look with these adorable stools for the foot of the bed!

If you have an inspiration photo that you'd love to make a reality in your home, contact us here.  We'd love to help!

Feminine Office E-design

The e-design I am sharing with you today is a special one because it is for one of my besties!

Meet Carmen of Label Me Artsy, a fashionista living in Hawaii.  Recently, she and her husband purchased a new home and asked if I could help design an office for her. She requested an inspiring space that is both feminine and vibrant. 

Immediately, I thought of this print that I love by Leigh Viner as inspiration for the room. It is very feminine and has a gorgeous color palette.

Surveillance by Leigh Viner

The overall look for the office was a bit tropical glam with emerald greens and blush pinks. Have a look.

It was a lot of fun working on this project. Even with the distance, Carmen in Hawaii and me in Florida, through our e-design service we were able to design a beautiful office that Carmen loves.

If you need help designing a room or just need help selecting a few pieces to finish off the look of a room, drop us a line. We work with all different project sizes and are currently working on an Ask My Designer service for those small design dilemmas.

Happy hump-day!

In the Spotlight: Rifle Paper Co

Most women out there (and even some men) probably know about Rifle Paper Co. Even if you don't know the name, per se, you know the art--bright and happy botanical illustrations (like the one above) from Anna Bond and her business partner/husband Nathan. The very catchy and colorful creations sparked a huge illustration trend, and gathered even more fame when florals made their way back into popularity. They've been imitated and (I daresay) downright copied all over prints and stationery and women's accessories.

Below is one of their originals: 

Because I see so much of it--even though I love it--I will admit I never dug into who they were or all they had to offer ("yeah, yeah--those flower people," I thought). Until this week. An instagram post from Design Sponge (a design site you should be following if you're not) sparked my curiosity. 

Y'all. They have so much cool stuff beyond what they're typically known for. Don't get me wrong--love them florals-- but check out some of the other things this all-American production duo has put out:

{click on images for direct link}

They'll illustrate your face onto some stationery! 

This is the instagram image that sparked my curiosity: this wallpaper, y'all. I want it. I need it!

More glorious wallpaper...

And their prints of places! This isn't the only NYC one for you lovers of and dwellers in--there's a few more.

Love this map-inspired print of Rome (especially since I've been there).

I've never been to San Francisco, but if this doesn't make you want to go...

And then they have some fun and whimsical prints that are just plain clever. I LOVE this one.

Even temporary tattoos! I've seen a few illustrators get into this market and I think it's brilliant. 

I would highly suggest perusing their website. So many cool things! Maybe I'm late to the game, but you other late-comers are in good company --even my husband caught a glimpse of their prints over my shoulder and said "ooh! Bookmark that page for me!" Ha.

Let us know about the cool things you find. Or maybe you've got some Rifle Paper Co. gear of your own (I've seen a lot of phone cases floating around these days). 

Until next time (which, honestly, I hope is several weeks away--I'm dying to get this baby out)!