Winnie's Poor Neglected Nursery / Big Girl Room

Thursday, February 4, 2016


Sooooo by accident I haven't even touched Winnie's poor neglected nursery. Can I even call it a nursery anymore? Her first birthday is creeping up at lightning speed. Waaaah!

I'm feeling a lot of mom guilt about it actually. The poor girl has been staring at bare white walls for months and months. 

There are a few reasons that I haven't made any progress on her room since we repainted and purchased some crib bedding

Reason #1. The days are kinda chaotic with the Coopster running around (and doing about a thousand outfit changes a day), Winnie crawling around (trying to eat every power cord and cable she can find), Lexie barking outside (and sounding like she's going to eat the neighbor's dog for breakfast), and Roary knocking the kids over (trying to steal scraps of food like it's his job). It's fun, buuuuuut it's kind of like we live in crazy-town. 

:)

Reason # 2. I was kinda stumped on the direction that I wanted to go with the room. I was holding out for some more inspiration f-o-r-e-v-e-r and it all kind of came to me over the last few weeks. 

Reason #3. Self-diagnosed A.D.D. The struggle is real.

Here's where we left off. We repainted Cooper's old nursery with a fresh coat of white paint. I relocated the crib across the room in between the windows and purchased some cute bedding from Pottery Barn Kids. That's how the room has looked up until a few weeks ago.



I really liked the idea of the crib centered between the windows. However, the room is so tiny that it didn't leave a lot of room or options for furniture placement. I relocated the crib back to it's original spot in the opposite corner of the room.

I would have loved to do a wall of horizontal, white planks (they're my favorite) but I didn't want to rope Alex into another big project at the moment since he's still finishing up the trim-work in our side entry. 

So. I kept thinking and thinking (obsessing?) about the adorable raindrop wall that Young House Love did in Clara's room. I decided to use the best form of flattery there is - yup - straight up copying!

I ordered some vinyl color samples from Leen the Graphics Queen since I've heard nothing but great things about her Etsy shop. I pulled five colors from Winnie's baby quilt and asked if the shop could custom make some 1.5" x 3" raindrops. They said yes and they are being shipped as we speak!

Quilt - Pottery Barn Kids

Custom Wall Decals - Leen the Graphics Queen

Once I made that decision everything else kind of came together. Here's where I'm heading with Winnie's nursery / big girl room. I'm going for a light, airy, whimsical, cottage vibe.

Light, Airy, Whimsical, Cottage Girl's Room Idea Board

Since I'm doing this little makeover on a budget I'm going to be reusing the round, jute rug and white, slip-covered armchair that were used in Cooper's nursery.

Jennylund Armchair - Ikea

Jute Rug - Natural - Pottery Barn


I looooooove this blue wire wall storage basket. I used it for inspiration when I picked up a powder blue, wire floor basket from Homesense to corral stuffies and dollies. Awwww, stuffies and dollies.

Blue Wire Basket Inspiration - This Modern Life

Adorable Stuffie Inspiration - Hazel Village

When I was cleaning out my front closet I found an old slate chalkboard that I used for a few photo sessions. I think I'll use it on one of the existing wall shelves.

Slate Chalkboard Inspiration - Source Unknown


We really need some more storage in the room so I've been on the hunt for a nice, tall dresser that will fit between the two windows. I've been using this one for now but three drawers is just not cutting it. The girl's got a lot of ruffled butt pants. 


I love the character of old / antique pieces of furniture but we just couldn't seem to find any that we really liked locally. After months of looking on Kijiiji we finally decided to just go with the Hemnes, six-drawer dresser from Ikea that Alex would pick up on his next work trip to Toronto. 

Then! Two days ago Alex found a listing for an antique, solid oak dresser. It's perfect!

Antique Dresser Gonna Get a Makeover

We're loading up the kiddos and picking it up tonight. Tip: you've gotta start the kids early on antique furniture finding adventures.

I'll also need some kind of lamp for cozy story-time. I love this simple white lamp from The Land of Nod. I'm not digging the price ($80 CAD for just the base) but I just saw a similar one at Wal-Mart for $30. I'll have to run back and snag it when I get my weekly allowance.

White Lamp Inspiration - The Land of Nod


Easily accessible (and durable) toy / book storage is a must. I want to use some woven baskets and wooden bins to warm up the space. I already found some boxes from Homesense that are soooooo cute. I'll make sure to share some pictures in my next-ish post.

Wooden Storage Inspiration - Serena and Lily

Woven Basket Inspiration - Pottery Barn

I found a super cute art print that I'm going to order when the next weeks' weekly allowance comes in. I love when things look cute enough to eat. Was that cheesy? I think that was cheesy.

Ice-Cream Watercolor Art Print - Kelly Ventura - Etsy

My last idea (for today) is curtain fabric. I've scoured all ends of the internet for something really, really, really cute. The fabric that I keep coming back to is ADORABLE. But it is also super expensive at $44 CAD a yard. Boooooo. 

But I really, really, really, really want it. 

Ruffled Ribbon Fabric - Minted

Ruffled Ribbon Fabric - Minted

Ruffled Ribbon Fabric - Minted

I could get the fabric shipped to my in-laws (they are in Florida right now) to avoid paying international shipping / customs / duties. However, I wouldn't be able to see the fabric in person before purchasing. What are your thoughts?!?!? Oh, I just don't know.

I'm tossing around a few other project ideas that I will of course share if they ever, you know, actually happen. 

For now, I am super pumped that I've got some decisions made and cute projects in the works. Let's hear it for a wall of colorful raindrops and a soon-to-be freshly painted dresser! 

Woot woot!

P.S. My little Coopster deserves mad props today. He just sat at the dining room table and put together a 48 piece Spiderman puzzle by himself while I worked on this post. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Boy genius? 

;)

23 comments:

  1. Adorable! I like the vision and can't wait to see the room come together.
    I just did posted vision board too but it's for my husband's "man cave" so has a MUCH different vibe. Ha!
    http://visualmeringue.blogspot.ca/2016/02/man-space-not-to-be-confused-with.html

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    1. Isn't it so exciting when you get started on a brand new space? I think the man cave will be perfect. I'll have to go back and check out the after pictures with your new grey paint! :)

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  2. Love it! So cute...my 3 year old's room is still not "done" but of course my ideas all change the older she gets. Have you tried "Spoonflower" for drapery fabric? With a simple search I am sure you would find a similar fabric for much less money-wise (allowance-wise...lol) or create your own.

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    1. Hi Lori! Thanks so much for commenting! :)

      I have checked out Spoonflower a few times but I'm really worried about getting a really bright yellow instead of a buttery yellow! I also really like how the Minted site shows three different views of the fabric so that I can see how it will look up close as well as on a bigger scale.

      I think I will amp up my search on Spoonflower again to see if I can find something similar and do a cost comparison. :)

      P.S. My hubs appreciates your cost-saving tip. LOL!

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    2. You can order a sample swatch from any of the fabrics that you see :) good luck in the search!

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  3. Your inspiration is really nice! I love those curtains too, doesn't minted have the prettiest fabrics??

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    1. Thank you. And yes. I am in love with so many of their fabrics right now! :)

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  4. Not that you have the time necessarily, but that seems like a fabric you could DIY. Buy some plain white curtain panels from target or IKEA and then stencil on the scallop. You would save a TON!

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    1. I love this idea! I've always wanted to try my hand at painting fabric. I'm not sure if I have the guts to go for it though! Definitely something to consider..... thank you! :)

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  5. I'm really curious to see what you do with the antique dresser. It looks so beautiful the way it is that I probably would chicken out when it came to changing it.

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    1. If I had any doubts about painting the dresser my decision was easy once I went to see it. The dresser was perfect - but the previous owners were smokers. Yuck, gross, blech. I will definitely be using an odour blocking primer / sealer. Paint it is! :)

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  6. LOVE the raindrops! I think your idea for the room is superb! I recognized the artist Kelly Ventura--she sells on Minted, from my home state, and I have two of her prints for my gallery wall (after 6 years in our home a main wall is done). Love Land of Nod but I would do as you are--even look for the shaped lamp base you want and paint if needed. :) I would not do the curtain fabric (you asked about this one;) ) if you are trying to watch your money. (Oh, what about a pillow instead, or if you have to buy one yard do a floor pillow!) I LOVE the print but as someone who has bought WAAAYYYY to much home décor fabric and not been happy with it later I would use wisely. I just rebought half of the fabric for my girls hang out room because the other was bought two years ago and I wasn't feeling it anymore. oops! I would go simple. Even the plain white from IKEA and look around to add something to it? Check all the trim options out there--even a cute wide bias tape that could be put on?? You could make a band with the sweetest fabric and put just where you want. I LOVE your ideas!! Can't wait to see!

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    1. Oh I've been in the same boat with buying way too much fabric and then not loving it. I think I might take your advice and try one yard to see and then go from there. Thank you so much! :) :) :)

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  7. Isn't it fun decorating a room for little ones. Your ideas and plans are coming together making a darling room. Your babies are so cute! I have raised a Grandson from birth. He loved puzzles from a very young age (1 1/2). He could not wait to receive "Puzzle Mania" from the Highlights Magazine every month. He has grown up now 24, graduated from a university with an Engineering degree and Computer Science degree...super smart. He is married and working for a big name computer company. I miss my mothering days and delight in following your raising of your children and photos. Thanks!

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    1. Your grandson sounds like a pretty awesome guy. :) Thank you for taking the time to share and I'm so glad you enjoy the photos and updates of the kiddos!

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  8. The answer is YES, Cooper is a boy genius! (but I tend to be a bit partial). Love the look you are going for. I like the idea of a swatch to make sure that the splurge on the fabric will be worth it--you are thrifty in so many of your other selections in the room. Or I do really like the DIY options mentioned above--inexpensive Ikea with painted scallops, or ribbon trim or even butter yellow pom-pom trim would be lovely. Good luck.

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    1. Is this Leslie, Leslie? Big Mac Leslie?!?!? If so, I miss you and think of you often!!!!!

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  9. Hi Sarah,
    I love your inspiration for Winnie's room, so cute! I can't wait to see the wall decal all done!
    Have you checked Spoonflower for the fabric? Here is a link to one I found, not sure if it is the right yellow though? http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/3627836
    Can't wait to see it all done! :)
    Kimberley

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    1. Thank you so much for the link Kimberley! I am off to check it out. I want to order a bunch of swatches from Spoonflower but I'm such a cheapie that I don't want to pay $5 a swatch, lol! I think I might have to though.... :)

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  10. Super cute nursery ideas Sarah! Love that you lucked out on an antique dresser. It's gorgeous.

    For the scallop fabric, you could DIY with drop cloth and Frog Tape actually sells scallop painter's tape! Or, Minted loves working with bloggers. I'm sure they'd love to see what you do with that adorable fabric ;) I know I'm curious! Let me know if you want a contact.

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    1. Thank you so much Jen!!! :) :) :)

      I haven't decided which direction to go.... DIY or Minted. Thanks so much for the tip about scallop painter's tape. That has got to be one of the best inventions ever.

      A contact name would be great - we'll see if I can work the courage up to use it. I'm such a shy weirdo when it comes to that stuff, lol!

      :)

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  11. This seems like such an adorable update! Loving all of the cute pastel-y details. Fill it with vintage toys for that cottage vibe you're wanting!

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  12. Love the pattern with the little hearts!

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