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September 26, 2012

The Big Nursery Reveal

It's baby time!  Well... not quite yet... but we're ready for him whenever he gets here, because this little Nursery is done!  



Once I finished with some handmade art, including the bird mobile, the "How Wonderful" poster and the Faux Rhino Head Mount, it was time to put it all together.  First I had an issue to solve with a very awkward window:


 Isn't it strange that the only window in this room is tucked right against the corner?  It's not a lighting issue, since this room has 18' vaulted ceilings and 2 huge skylights, but it does make decorating pretty tricky.  It was obvious that I needed some kind of a window treatment, but curtain panels on both sides of the window made  it feel cramped, and the panel on the right covered half of the window.  Instead I went with a bamboo shade + light curtain panel combo which gave the window dimension, texture and balance. I started with this light linen curtain panel from Target for $14.99.  Instead of buying 2 panels, which I knew would cramp up the window, I purchased just one and cut the panel into 2 pieces, one slightly larger than the other.


Even though I thought I was done with the sewing machine at this point, I pulled it out one last time to sew a new quick hem on each raw edge.  I used my smaller panel on the inside corner, and the larger panel on the left to give the appearance that the window was more centered and bigger than it is.  Paired with a dark bamboo shade I found at Home Depot, I think it fits the space now much better.


 

The next step was to sort out the gallery wall of items I had to place above the daybed and find a layout that I liked.  

I cut a piece of paper to fit each item, and taped them to the wall first to make sure my spacing looked good.  Then there was nothing left but the hanging.



I collected a variety of different items that fit the vibe of this room.  Like this adorable wooden deer head that was the first gift to baby Boomer from my incredible cousin Morgan.

I was really excited about these 3 1960's vintage puzzles I found on Etsy for just $20. (For the set!)  I love that they're clearly children's images, but because they are vintage they don't feel too cutesy or cartoony.  I framed them in different sized Ikea Ribba frames to vary them up a bit.


The puzzle creates a little extra texture in the frame.


Here's Mr. Big Horn and a picture frame with Boomer's first photo that the Hubs and I picked up in the Dominican Republic on our honeymoon.  The zebra bobble head is from World Market.


I got the bobble heads online in a set of 2 for just $12.95.  I actually had a free shipping and 15% off coupon from them, making each of these guys just $5.50!  Unfortunately the giraffe seems to be a bit more popular and is on back order, but I have a little spot on the shelf open and waiting for his arrival.




This clock was also a great World Market find, just $9.95 plus the 15% off discount and free shipping!  A clock is a must have for me in a Nursery to help track the time and duration of feedings, and I love how this one fits the old world explorer feel.


I love how everything came together and feels cohesive without being to "themey."  I can't decide what my favorite part is.  I'm super proud of the daybed I built, and I love the bird mobile...


I also adore this wicker hamper I found at Ikea that perfectly fits the space and the vibe.  The "How Wonderful" poster makes me sappy every time though...


 I wouldn't say this room is 100% done, as there will always be little tweaks and additions I'll want to make down the road.  For now though, its ready for our little explorer's arrival. 


What do you guys think?  I get that this type of nursery isn't everyone's cup of tea (where's the rocking chair?), but I'm totally digging the uniqueness of it and how it's built to work for me.  The best part though is that it is filled with a bunch of hand made, original items just for my baby.  From the daybed to the art, to all the sheets and fabrics, I cut, built, painted, stained, glued and sewed more than 80% of the items in here, giving me the Nursery I wanted on a budget I could afford.  I keep finding myself wandering into this room, laying on the daybed and spending alone time with my little man.  I can't wait until he gets here to show it to him. 

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I know you'll love spending time in there!

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  2. I love it and think it looks absolutely fantastic! Totally unique and far more original than old fashioned blue for a boy :-)

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    1. I'm with you!!! I love this idea being that I am om a budget too. I love the colors, explore wall, and the whole concept is just inviting!!! And I am too over the norm boy themed nurseries I've seen!

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  3. The nursery looks fabulous!! Can't wait to hear the baby news.

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  4. Love it! Great work in making your mood board come to life. Now relax while you can!

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  5. I love how unique and perfect for your family it is! It is clear to see how much love went into creating every little detail to make it just right for your little guy.

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  6. The nursery looks awesome! Now relax for a little bit before your little one arrives. :-)

    Erin @ The Great Indoors

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  7. This is fantastic! Such a creative, more grown-up twist on an animal nursery. Little Bo is bound to love his space for years! I still can't get over how your curtain tweaking made the window look so different. Great work!

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  8. I agree; the window is kind of in a weird place. I think it’s more appropriate for a door. And the dark treatment didn’t make the position of the window any better. It’s a nursery so basically, it should be bright and pleasant. That’s why I’m glad you made changes. And it is a big change, especially with the effect. Nice! :)

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  9. Love the color palette - excellent job! Did you make the daybed cover or buy it?

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    1. Just found that you purchased it from World Market! I've been looking at the same one, I love the look of it. How is it holding up? Have you washed it? I built the same bed from Ana, and I want a durable cover because we're using it as a couch. Love your site!

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    2. Hey Kaitlin- so far it is holding up great. I have washed it twice, and it is still as soft, yet durable as ever. I will say that over time it gets a bit stretched out, just like your sheets might on your bed, but then shrinks up just perfectly again when you wash and dry it. So if you're going to use it for a high traffic couch everyday, you might find over time that you need to adjust the fit occasionally, and wash it a little more frequently to keep the tight, upholstered look. With that said I use (lay on, sit on, sleep on) this daybed daily, and I've found I've only needed to wash it monthly to keep the fit I"m looking for. Good luck!

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  10. I love this and am working on a similar look for my twin boy's nursery. Could you tell me where you got the map on the wall over the crib?

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  11. Hi where did you get the bobble head giraffe from?

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