There were several moments in recent history, when I never thought this day would come. And, no, I’m not talking about being so close to delivery. I’m talking about being able to show you our fully stocked (minus a monitor), completed nursery.
Maybe in days to come we’ll look at the process of getting here, but for today, let’s just bask in the glow of these “after” photos. And I’ll tell you our resources and how we created an eclectic neutral nursery filled with second hand and vintage bargain pieces. Everything is practical and useful. Everything was budget friendly.
Since we don’t know if we’ll be welcoming a boy or girl, it has been important to keep things classy, but fitting for either a son or daughter. The first piece I bought for the nursery was this vintage calf print. I saw it at a local thrift store (it was $1.) There was just something about it. I needed it. And everything fell in place from there.
I refinished a previously loved frame ($2.50) to make it blend with the other colors and textures in the room and our house. I’m not a fan of pre-packaged “nursery themes,” and would rather curate a space myself. In every room of my home, I aim to create a space that looks like “us.” A place that looks nice, inviting and lived in. Not a place that specifically says “grown up,” “baby,” “kid,” or “off limits.”
Most items in the room are functional as well as pretty. The vintage trunk under the cradle used to house my newborn photography props. Now it’s an easy place to store baby toys, teethers and rattles.
The smaller basket under the marble toped table (something left in the house when we bought it) is an heirloom pie basket from Derek’s great grandmother. Right now it keeps burp cloths and bibs handy next to the rocking chair.
The cradle we are using was in storage in my grandparents’ basement for years…then stored in my parents’ barn for years after that. It’s the cradle that my grandfather slept in when he was born.
The same thrift store that scored the cow print and frame also led me to this antique puzzle ($1) and shelf ($2.00). I painted the shelf with Rustoleum’s hammered spray paint.
Also on the shelf, a planter given to my grandmother in the hospital when my dad was born. And a music box that was mine as a child.
The midcentury dresser and mirror (probably 1940’s-50’s) were also left in the house when we bought it.
I found the Morris-style rocker/recliner on Facebook Marketplace. It was our saltiest purchase ($150–a real splurge for me). I’ve had the black table lamp since college (a Walmart special).
The rug is new, from Home Goods. It’s the perfect size, color and texture. ($40)
I found the black out curtain at another local thrift store. ($4–tags still on from Target.) I made the tie back from a scrap of plaid wool in my scrap pile.
I’m trying my very hardest to keep a plant alive in here. There’s something special about something living in a room.
I love incorporating secret details into rooms. This tiny mouse surprised me one day while I was cleaning out what used to be the apartment pantry (now it’s a linen closet).
I’ve always loved this sampler my mom made in 1981. It’ll be a perfect reminder next to the changing station.
This sweet nightlight was my mom’s growing up. We used it in Gideon’s room and are excited to pass it down to our newest little one.
My best advice for creating a neutral, not too baby-ish space is to shop what you already have. For me, that meant lots of family heirlooms and hand-me-downs. They’re not all from the same era, or even the same style…but because they’re all loved and treasured, they fit together harmoniously in this space.
Don’t be afraid to bring “grown up” items into a nursery space. A grown up chair, antique baskets, etc. The space will fill up with items for little hands soon enough.
Boy or girl, a neutral pallet (and neutral doesn’t just mean gray, tan or white) will grow with them better than pink or blue. Our wall color is Gray Wisp from Benjamin Moore, anchored with lots of charcoal accents.
And most importantly…make a space you like. You’ll be spending lots of time in here!
