It goes without saying that I have been absent from the blog world. And, with good reason.
We moved from NYC in July back to our home in Birmingham. With baby girl on the way, we decided to leave Manhattan behind for life in the suburbs. Living life in the big city was a blast...an experience that I will never forget and will always be forever grateful for.
I was 20 weeks along when we packed up and headed out. I was ecstatic to get back to our home and was ready to start "nesting". I had 20 weeks to complete a "to do" list that was a mile long (honestly....53 items long. My husband was thrilled). Project #1: The Nursery.
So, here is where we started.
When I found out that we were having a girl, I knew what I wanted her nursery to look like. I went with a pale grey blue paint color by Benjamin Moore. I have the color written down somewhere, so I'll have to get back to you on that one.
Don't get me wrong, I love pink for little girls, but I wanted something different than the standard girl nursery.
Another look at the mess we started with.
I was on the lookout for a really cool dresser/side board/etc to use for her changing table. Now, before I go any further I should mention that I was on a tight budget. I didn't want to spend a fortune but I definitely wanted it to look like a million bucks :) So, I went in search of some inspiration for my DIY nursery project. I found this little number at Home Goods for $299. Perfect, right? I didn't even want to spend that much.
Home Goods round 2. Another little gem arrived. This one was $599 and it sparked my inspiration.
I am convinced the people at Home Goods and TJ Maxx would see me coming and say "there's that pregnant girl again. Watch her closely...she is here way too much!" I seriously was there about 3 times a week. I had to get my fix before baby arrived. Let's face it, I am a Maxxinista. Adam says I go there to "center myself." Bless.
So, look at this little beauty (sarcasm, yes.)! I found it at the Christmas Tree Shop for $69. In case you didn't know, they sell lots of stuff and it's not all Christmas decor. Cheesy: yes. But there are some little treasures to be found. I love a challenge! So.....
I purchased 2 rolls of nailheads and got to work applying my own nailhead trim. I was 35 weeks by this point, so the belly made this little project interesting but I got it done.
On to the bookshelf. I was working with a small space and wanted something to hold her books and special keepsakes without taking up a lot of space.
Target to the rescue. This $26 cheapo bookshelf was perfect for my next project.
I staple gunned fabric to the sides of the bookshelf (the same fabric I used for the crib skirt). After putting on the fabric I applied the nailhead trim along the edges. Then I lined the insides with a cute green striped shelf paper. Finished product shot is coming....
Ok, on to the bedding. I made my own crib skirt with some fabric I found at Joann's for $7 a yard and a roll of hemtape. Using the tutorial found here. Super easy and you would never know I didn't use a sewing machine. I attached velcro strips on the backside of the skirt panels and then to the frame of the crib so once the crib is lowered the skirt will adjust to the appropriate length.
Here are a few of my interns hard at work.
The crib skirt proved to be easy, so I decided to make the curtains as well. No sewing machine needed...just some hem tape, a hot iron and some good looking fabric. Let's face it, I don't think I could work a sewing machine without a trip to the emergency room.
I loved the ikat pattern and the colors worked perfectly with my color scheme.
I wanted a random pop of color for the room and picked this Annie Selke print for a small bench to be used in front of her window.
I chose this modern white crib from Babymod. It's super affordable and even better, it is made without any harmful glues and paint.
My interns started getting a little antsy once the crib went up. I think they were starting to feel a little threatened by the new kid on the block that was about to arrive.
So the DIY continued with a little linen lampshade I used for a lamp in her bathroom. I just made flowers out of felt and hotglued them to base. What's up now Anthropologie.
Just call me Betty Crafter. This is what happens when you stop working 2 weeks before your due date. I just used spray adhesive, glitter, a canvas, and some scrap book paper. I thought this would be a cute little something for her bookshelf.
Well, about a week before her arrival I finally finished and I have to say I love the finished product. Her room is so very peaceful....just as I had dreamed it to be.
Please note the starburst mirror is bolted to the wall and once she is standing in the crib I will still move it. Just wanted to put that out there for all that were worried!
Bless her.
I found some white coral branches on clearance at Smith and Hawkin. With some small nails and some fishing line I had the "architectural" piece that I was looking for. Design on a dime baby!
Simple. Just like I like it.
This framed flamingo makes me happy. It's the perfect mix of girly and quirky.
Side note: I needed a basic white frame but the cheapest ones I could find started at like $50, so I just bought a black one for $19 and spray painted it a high gloss white. Bingo! I got the flamingo print at Hobby Lobby using a 40% off coupon. Double bingo.
Look at that precious angel baby. She makes my heart melt.
Here is a closer look at the finished bookshelf.
And the curtains. Again, I just used hemtape to create the seams and the rod pocket. Super easy and inexpensive. I took this photo before I had reupholstered the bench with the pink fabric but you get the picture.
And, just for fun, the wreath that I made for the hospital door. Thank you Pinterest!
I am a strong proponent of making the "look for less". It's a fun challenge and I love it! I would love to start a business someday of helping others create their dream rooms without breaking the bank.
Hope you all enjoyed the nursery tour!
Charlotte Anne arrived November 13th. I always heard mamas say they never knew they could love someone so much. I love this baby girl so much it hurts.
She is such a sweet little baby and I can't imagine my life without her. She is my little buddy and I am so looking forward to all of our adventures.
love.
9 comments:
love it! such an adorable room. perfectly you. xoxo
love everything about this post! fabulous job on the nursery and what a lil angel!
I just died and went to heaven reading this post.
I love you and that little munchkin!
And of course you're the most talented decorator/designer/bargain finder I know. XOXO!
It is GORGEOUS!! Love your creativity and budget friendly ideas!! And Charlotte looks so sweet in her room!!
girl! you are so talented! I love everything about Charlotte's room, especially the handmade pieces! I can definitely see you with your own business. now I need you to come finish up Ella's room for me as I do not seem to have the motivation you had at 38 weeks ; )
Charlotte's nursery is perfect - I love it! I hope you're enjoying motherhood as much as I am - it truly changes your life. We are so blessed!
*** Your precious, sweet lil' Charlotte Anne is such an incredible blessing for you, your husband and all those you love and hold dear (but I KNOW that YOU know that already!)... She looks sooooo PRECIOUS laying there, in her BEAUTIFULLY STYLED "C.A. SUITE"!!!
Loved reading about & seeing all you did "on a dime", and it all turned out SOOOO STUNNING!!! I also ADORED hearing your sweet words about her...what a lucky little girl!!!
Life is SOOOO gooood, isn't it? There's no doubt you will ENJOY THIS PRECIOUS GIFT...and I'm so HAPPY for you!!!
Warmest wishes, and 2,012 "welcome hugs" to C.A.!!!
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
(P.S. I was SO PLEASANTLY SURPRISED to read she was born on MY HUSBAND'S BIRTHDAY!!!! That means she's going to be a WONDERFUL, GOOD, LOVING person!!!)
LOVE LOVE LOVE! It is EVEN better in person! (if that is possible)You are soo talented! I know who to call one day :) Need to see Little Miss C soon!! Welcome back to blog world!
Hi Sara - the nursery looks wonderful. You are so incredibly talented, the way you transformed that space into Charlotte's little sanctuary is inspiring!! Love you! ~Drea
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