another baby, another nursery...

I recently found out that two of my very best friends are going to be mommies- or is it mommys- they both look wrong, to me. Anyway, true to form, I haven't been able to think of anything but nursery designing, dreaming, and decorating. Since they are both having sweet baby girls, I have been extra excited thinking pink for a change! I found the coolest inspiration at houzz.com (awesome site btw) and pulled the colors out. It's basically just the primaries- so typical of me- I love the contrast of bright, bold colors...

I tried to capture the modern and inviting feel of the inspiration piece but with less of the clutter. The geometric wallpaper and and modern crib contrast with the eames chair and traditional dresser and bedding giving the space an ecclectic aire. The feminine chandelier and pretty vases balance the bright red striped rug and the pops of humor found in the accessories and art. I love this nursery. It's the type of place that I would want to live- and it would definitely grow up wth her!

Then I also created a more calming styleboard using the same color scheme. I added warmth to the walls and found a rug and chair with softer tones. I only used small pops of bright color.

Commissioned Paintings

These were so much fun to paint for my friend's son's big boy room. She said that he loves "bobots" right now- I hope he loves these!

Balloon Mobile

Working on our nursery for our soon to be baby boy has been fun, exhausting, and expensive! But when it came to a mobile- I knew that I could create something that would fit right in with our style and our budget. (This cost me under $15!) My inspiration: The Flensted Balloon Mobile

Mine is a little different though... I love the simplicity of the Flensted mobile and I really love working with cut paper but I wanted to soften mine up with some white felt clouds and a bright sun floating above everything. Here's how I did it...

A roll of thick wire and a few different sizes of pliers was all I needed to start. This was a difficult process and even harder to photograph! I started with the first few wires that would be the main part of the mobile and, as soon as I could, I hung it from my dining room chandelier so I could see how the mobile was balancing. After I finished the wire I felt like I had a little more confidence in myself and the process became easier and more fun as I continued.

The ballons were actually very simple! 1.) Using double sided card stock, (actually note cards that I already had) I cut out the shape of my balloons. Each balloon needed 4 pieces of paper. 2.)I folded them each in half and then 3.) stacked four pieces together and sewed a straight line up the center. 4.) Lastly, I carefully "opened" up the ballon to show all the colors and, using clear fishing line, attached a cork and a bead underneath for the basket.

I think the mobile would have been adorable if I had stopped here... but I just can't pass up an opportunity to use a blacket stich on some fuzzy wool felt! So I cut out some clouds and a sun- stiched and stuffed them and hung them from the wire. Finally I hung the ballons below the clouds and the mobile was complete! I love the finished product!

Not to make this blog all about babies... but my husband and I are going to have our own little bean in about 25 weeks. It is so exciting! (and unbelievable, and terrifying...) We have so much to learn and so much to do! Of course, I immediately began putting together the inspiration for our new nursery. We don't know what we're having yet- so until then, to be on the safe side, I made one for each! If we have a Little Mr.... I love these colors- no definite color scheme, just big, bright, and bold! Funky patterns with clean modern furniture that will give the room a sharp but still silly feel.

Now for a little girl... a very different feel. Still tons of color, but with a more eclectic touch. I love the idea of fleshy pink walls with some antique inspired accessories and again, graphic patterns are introduced through the fabrics. I want this room to feel cozy and feminine without the frilliness.

I think a rocking chair and a soft rug are musts for any nursery. Also, a fun light fixture will make this space feel special. Now, we must be patient until we can find out what our little bean is. But the real challenge is to use these boards as inspiration only and restrain myself from just purchasing all these items and spending a small fortune on this room and not saving money for those other necessities... like diapers and car seats and that kinda stuff!

One of my best friends is having a baby and refuses to find out if she will be expecting a little man or a sweet little baby girl. Being the honorary (decorating obsessed) aunt that I am, it is my duty to help create the perfect gender-neutral space for this precious baby to come home to. I have a few ideas... Remember- a baby's room is really just for mom and dad the first few months and then it will ultimately become filled with toys, books, and that raggedy stuffed animal that you can't pry from your sweet baby's fingers, none of which will match the decor anyway. So... my idea? Don't choose a specific color scheme. Choose a neutral base color then add pops of color in the fabrics, furniture, and art. The room will look like a nursery- so why not attempt a contemporary, sophisticated look that will be calming for you and your baby.

I love how pattern and color is brought in through the furniture and wall decals can be great for temporary color and especially for those who don't feel comfortable with a paintbrush.

Most don't see navy as a neutral- but think of it like denim- it goes with everything! I know painting a wall this dark can be daunting, but with the adjacent white walls and bright pops of color, I think it is an awesome look!

Obviously not a nursery, but it could be! I love the calming neutral bedding, the light walls, the chandelier and the mirror. Also, how cool would this art look above a crib... I can't think of anything more fitting.

Yellow can be a neutral! I like how, in this room, the yellow is a rich gold- nurseries don't have to be pastel. In this case, the color is actually a wallpaper that has been applied to the ceiling instead of the walls.

Now, this is my favorite idea... a tee pee in a baby's room? Naturally this is something they'd have to grow into... but it looks so whimsical and modern! And can you say most fun sleepover ever!?