Elle's Eclectic Coastal Nursery Tour
I chose this project because I wanted to create a space for my little girl that had meaning, and that reflected not only our tastes but that also told the story of our very long journey into parenthood. Our little rainbow baby was seven years in the making, following two consecutive miscarriages and nearly three years of trying with no results, so I knew that I wanted this little part of our home to be special.
I pulled inspiration for the room from all over! Passages from my favorite books from when I was a little girl added whimsy and wonder. Special places from our travels together as a couple gave meaning to accessories. All of this, along with our part of the globe and our lifestyle on the coast, lent to the color scheme and the design direction of the room.
A few of my favorites items give even more meaning to the space. The white photo frame on the bookshelf houses pieces of pink tissue paper from our Gender Reveal party, a fun reminder of the very moment we found out that we were having a baby girl! Sitting on the nursing chair is Flavia Flamingo, included in the space as a nod to our home state of Florida. And next to her, is a pineapple pillow that reminds us of Hawai'i -our favorite travel destination and locale of our Baby Moon. And speaking of Hawai'i, the two gallery prints that adorn either side of the window are among my favorite photographs taken during our Baby Moon in Maui. Being a professional photographer, I wanted to reiterate the importance of incorporating personal artwork into a design, and I also wanted Elle to look at these photographs and know that she is so loved, and that Mom and Dad are always with her.
And, because no space in this DIY'ers home would be complete without a little something homemade, I included the rustic stump end table next to the nursing chair. I thought not only did it add a bit of whimsy to the room, but it also gave me the opportunity to include something unique to the space, something I made just for it. Dad also contributed big time! My husband is VERY handy, and we managed to do all of that double dentil crown moulding ourselves for under $150!
I learned a lot along the way while we were creating this space, but I'd have to say that my biggest piece of advice for those just starting on this process is to stay true to who you are. It's easy to get lost on Pinterest and to follow trends, but in the end, you'll be most pleased with a room that reflects your tastes as a family and tells your story.
I tried to incorporate a lot of function into this tiny space I like to call "the jewel box". Vertically-lined book shelves running nearly to the ceiling, hidden hamper and toy storage near the crib. When you're working with a small space you really have to think about how the room will be used and try to design around those needs.
A few of the details that make the room special. Details are everything in a small space. I really enjoyed putting them all together. A few of my favorites...
Among the details is this very special framed photo that was taken by our talented friend Barb Toyama, while we were on our Baby Moon in Maui. Inside the picture frame are a few pieces of the confetti from our gender reveal baby shower. Justin and I had no idea what we were having until that.day. so it was extra special to be able to find out the gender amongst friends and family.
After the commotion settled, I quietly gathered a few pieces of the pink confetti. I knew I wanted to incorporate them into the nursery so I thought tucking them inside of a framed print from our maternity session was the perfect, personal little accent to adorn her bookshelf.
We met in Florida. I was born and raised in Florida (so was Elle). This area of the world will always be such a big part of our story, and of her story, so I wanted to be sure to include a piece of decor that would lend a nod to our home state.
A few more books to adorn her bookshelves in the space, and a framed print of one of my favorite quotes from poet Henri Matisse, "There are always flowers for those who want to see them." I hope when she's a little older, and big enough to understand, that this little piece of preserved art will serve as a reminder to her to choose to see the positive side of things, no matter how dark things may seem.
And last, but certainly not least, an heirloom glass box to house all of her collected prints from her first year. We will pull them out from time to time and enjoy them, talk about them, tell her the story of how they were created. The look on her face that she gets, the feeling of pride, now that she is getting old enough to understand just how loved she is...is priceless. And it is why this little glass box of memories is the most treasured (and my personal favorite) part of her room.
I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into Baby Elle's nursery. You can head to Project Nursery at the link below and shop the room!
Ryaphotos specializes in baby photography and films for families in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach as well as the Saint Augustine area.
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I look forward to meeting you and your littlest loves! Thanks for stopping by.
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