Description
Animal-themed gender-neutral nursery
Design Inspiration
The aqua gio pattern from Dwell Studio.
Decorating Style
Modern, with touches of traditional, but overall eclectic.
Project Details
I found the etsy prints right after I found out I was expecting. Both my husband and I fell in love with them immediately, as it references a song we grew up with and that we plan on singing to our new arrival! I was originally going to base the gender-neutral nursery around the prints, but found it was too broad of an inspiration. Then, I found the Dwell fabric with modern animal prints. While it is primarily shades of blue, I felt it was still appropriate for a gender-neutral nursery. The blues coordinate with the the middle print in my original inspiration, and I felt adding in red from one of the other prints would bring in enough of a feminine element to make it balanced. (Plus, who says girls can't like blue?) Overall, I wanted something that could grow with our child into the toddler phase. I think the animal print does that well. I scoured the internet for other ideas and accessories that were practical (front-facing book shelf ledges) and fit with the bedding (DIY bird mobile).
- Paint colors: Distant Valley and Seascape, both from Valspar at Lowe's
- "You are my sunshine" print series: Etsy vendor The Ink Society, frames from Target
- Bedding: Crib sheet and changing pad table from Dwell Studio, purchased at local vendor Pacifier + DIY crib skirt + elephant stroller blanket from Pottery Barn Kids
- Crib & Dresser/Changing table: purchased from craigslist, originally from Babies R Us
- Nightstand: purchased off craigslist ($10!) and refinished in Valspar Pomegranite Red (matte finish) + new knob from Anthropologie
- Bookshelves: RIBBA picture ledges from IKEA ($9 each)
- Clothes Hamper: I Think I Canvas Hamper form The Land of Nod
- Wall decal: Etsy vendor Single Stone Studios, purchased in light brown latte
- Rocker: by Best Chairs, purchased at USA Baby; pouf ottoman from Cost Plus World Market in Mallard Green
- DIY mobile
- Window treatments: curtains & track system NINNI RUND from Ikea
DIY details:
- Crib skirt fabric purchased at SR Harris Fabric Outlet in Brooklyn Park + Pleated crib skirt pattern modified from McCall's pattern M4540
- Mobile inspiration taken from spoolsewing,com, which includes a pattern for the birds. Fabrics purchased from SR Harris + nest/wreath purchased at Michael's.
Favorite Items
I love how everything came together, and as I look around the room, I find things that make me smile. I'm excited to see what items become our child's favorite as s/he grows.
Advice
Don't feel limited by gender stereotypes and products that are overly childish. Remember, you're going to be spending a lot of time in this space too, and you want it to be something that the entire family can enjoy!
Julia
Sunday 18th of December 2011
Wow!!! This looks amazing. I love what you did with the " you are my sunshine prints." Thank you for sharing.
Julia Art The Ink Society
IngridCalloway
Monday 3rd of October 2011
I think the wall decals are really cute. And those prints are simply adorable. I love that they come in bright and cool colors and shades. And oh, I love that song very much, too!!