When we moved into this house we talked about what each of the rooms would be used for now and in the future. We are dorks and made a spreadsheet of what changes we wanted to make to the house during the first year, the first five years, ten years, and beyond, how much all of it would cost, and what the timeline might be. I don’t know if this is our forever home, but it’s definitely the home we want to raise our children in so it was really fun to dream into the future of these four walls.
The previous owners used Nellie’s nursery as an office, probably because it’s the smallest of the rooms, but our house is arranged so three of the rooms (including the master) are on one side of the house and a larger room is on the opposite side of the house. We are using the larger room on the opposite side of the house as an office + guest bedroom combo for now. In the future, that room will probably become a bedroom for Hayes and Nellie to share! (My sister lovingly pointed out how easy it would be to sneak out of the house if they are in that bedroom since it’s right by the garage — fun times ahead!)
Anyways, I wasn’t sure how the layout of this little nursery was going to fly because the windows in our house sit low, which makes for lots of natural light, but little wall space, but I love how it turned out. The space is bright and cozy. It’s modern, but a touch sentimental. My plan was for it to be done before the baby arrived, but I ended up hating the artwork for the space and made it more feminine after we knew our little one was little Nellie, our second baby girl.
Here are some photos and my favorite touches of the space
I felt a little annoying at the time, but I’m really glad that we adjusted the artwork and a few other things to make the space feel a bit more feminine for Nellie.
Sentimental touches
Honestly, sentimental touches are my favorite. I love the hand-me-downs and the stories that come with them.
Furniture
Instead of buying another crib, my parents offered up the crib that they had in storage that myself and all of my siblings were in when we were little babes. It’s still in amazing shape! So Nellie and I will grow up in the same crib!
Also, the dresser in Nellie’s nursery is my Grandma’s. It’s a beautiful mid-century modern with fun hardware, character, and charm. A taller skinner piece from the same set is in Hayes’ bedroom.
Artwork
This piece (sounds fancy when I call it that) above Nellie’s crib is something that Hayes and I did together one weekend. The colors were intentional, but she freestyled with the sage and helped me with the blush. Whenever the art catches Hayes’ eye she gets this really proud, super simley look on her face and says “Hayes and mama” (cue tears).
Photos
There are photos of Nellie with Jeff, Nellie with Hayes, and Nellie with me, as well as a glamor shot of Miles, from his Insta-famous days, on the built-ins. I always want our girls to feel and see how loved they are.
Other fun things
Custom monitor stand
For the first few months of Nellie’s stay in the nursery we delicately balanced her monitor on the open closet door. More than once I forget it was on there and went to close the door (because it automatically makes the room feel cleaner) and the monitor crashed into my head. So I wanted a way to get the height we needed to see Nellie in her crib and keep the monitor out of the way. Jeff made these really simple shelves (one for Nellie’s room and one for Hayes’ room) and I’m obsessed with how clean it makes the monitor situation.
Basket of toys + pouf ottoman
I knew the transition to being a big sister would come with its challenges, especially when I’m spending time I would normally be spending with Hayes in Nellie’s room. So I wanted to make sure there were fun things for Hayes to do in the room so she would feel welcomed and involved. The basket of toys has come in handy MANY a times. Especially this medical kit that my brother and sister-in-law gave Hayes as a big sister present. She loves to take Nellie’s temperature while she nurses.
And surprisingly the pouf ottoman has been a really fun addition. Honestly, it’s not the most sturdy, so we’re living on the edge, but Hayes loves to stand on it to watch Nellie get changed or help wake Nellie up in her crib. It’s super light weight so Hayes can pick it up and move it herself. Plus it’s a fun thing for her or Jeff to sit on if we’re all hanging while I nurse (most Saturday mornings) or before bed while we read a few books.
Custom name pendant
DROOLING over this custom pendant from my friend and designer Amy (of @amyamybobamy). She’s incredibly talented, fun, and thoughtful. This simple dash of color and personalization makes our little nursing corner that much more special (and might I say, cooler than I actually am). I love it.
What did you do to make your little one’s nursery special?