This is way overdue, and most of these pictures are now outdated, but I wanted to share Beckett's nursery decor. I’m really happy with how it turned out, and it’s still evolving. I am starting a map project for one of the walls now, but I’ll update it as I finish. In the meantime, I’ll use these pics to give you a tour and I’ll note what’s changed so far!
As you will probably see, I am not really a fan of overly-babyish design or decoration; in fact, I really like babies' rooms that have elements suitable for any other room in the house. I like things that look as though they would be good design for any age, but in a more playful way for kids. That's what I tried to do here.
Shonn and I both love boating, which is one of the reasons we really enjoy living in Sullivan. We are so close to Lake Shelbyville and can be on the lake in 5 minutes if our boat is docked at the marina. That was part of the inspiration behind the "nautical-fisherman" look. The other credit goes to the two buoys I found from Pottery Barn last year. I loved the weathered look and the colors seemed so boyish - one part cape cod and one part pure mischief. There were also some amazing distressed oars in the catalog, which were sold out. But at that point, I already had my heart set on this look, oars or no.
The theme began the hunt for the perfect elements. What I love most about decorating is the creative process. It’s all about the search for me. I absolutely love finding the perfect piece somewhere and the hope it will fit, and the anticipation of getting it home to try it out. And there’s nothing like the satisfaction of seeing a variety of things put together in a way that creates a complete look. Because of the hunt, I rarely buy sets or matchy-matchy things. I prefer to find pieces that compliment each other and look as though they were meant to fit, but are different enough to be interesting. I like the uniqueness of a room that has a little history behind it - pieces that come from experience and adventures. So let me tell you about the adventures behind my son's room...
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This corner is right when you enter the room. It's the snuggle station! The most important piece in this image is the glider and ottoman. I did a lot of reserach on brands and fabrics and sat in a lot of chairs. (I would recommend the book, Baby Bargains, which helps sort through the overwhelming pile of baby stuff available!) I'm really happy with this set, which is a curodory chenille fabric and was really reasonable, but a brand recommended by the book. We've logged several hours in this seat!
Above the glider is a shelf I found at Third Sunday Market with my friends Casey, Joni, Lisa and Angie. It's distressed look ended up working perfectly with the old, wind-worn ship look I had in my mind. It's adorned with the buoys I credit for helping my inspiration and a floating device thing (Shonn knows the technical term) I found at a tackle store in Sullivan. It actually looks a little used, so I bleached the rope and yellow stuff, but I think that's just the way it looks. Now, I have it propped on a ruddy-red vintage copy of Robinson Curusoe and an old, green leather Moby Dick, which I LOVE. For some reason, I feel like it looks so much more bare here, without those two small elements. Anyway... The quilt on the wall IS part of a set I got from either Babies r Us or Target - both places had it; I just can't remember which place I ended up ordering it from. I think the colors are great, and it is definitely suitable for any age. (But ALL boy. Love.) Lexi is posing for this picture, too. She can be the ship's mascot.
You can also see one of the window treatments here. I used faux wood blinds for the shuttery-look that can be preppy-nautical, but also could lean to a little old-looking. The red treatments I purchased at Target and then lined with some fabric I ordered from fabric.com. This window has tan contrasting fabric that says, "When you wish upon a star" in a repeating, small font. I pictured being on the water and looking up at the sky, where the stars shine so brightly. It's actually a Pincochicco fabric, trimmed out with a bleached rope detail, and pillow batting on the inside to add some weight. It was pretty easy to do.
This is the other window treatment, across the room on the khaki wall. For it, I used navy polka-dot fabric to match the contrast wall. I lined it and used the same rope trim. I feel like it's a good combination of colors and patterns without being too Americana.
This wire shark is a PB Teen purchase. It's 4-feet long and takes up a large portion of the wall across from the crib. This is also the wall I'm planning a map treatment for. I think it's going to look awesome as soon as I get the time to actually get it up. In the meantime, the shark by itself is fun. I like how he sticks out from the wall. Again, all boy.
I like this detail photo for a couple of reasons. First of all, you can see the basket of books on the side table. It's filled with my favorites, waiting for his arrival. The basket is a sea grass with a terry liner. The textures worked. But I especially love the piece the basket is sitting on. It was built from reclaimed wood by a local artist, who then painted it in a delicious variety of colors and was roughed up. I love, love, love it. (And the guy who built it is awesome, too, which helps.) Shonn and I bought it at an annual art show in town, called Bohemia, held at an old factory that has been converted into an artists' community center. Charlie also made an appearance in this photo. He could definitey survive on a rough ship.
We ended up painting the back wall a deep navy that I love. I was really scared when we first put it on the wall because it was so dark. I'm really, really happy with the effect. Also since this picture was taken, we've added a little table and stools under the window, which Shonn's grandpa (Beckett's great-grandpa) made by hand from Hackberry trees taken from the family farm. This sentimental value only adds to the asthetic - it looks great and feels great in Beckett's room. (I'll add a pic later.)
This is on the other side of the window. (below) It's a mossy-colored shelf for the video monitor, which was on the bassinet at the time of the photo. The image on the shelf was the first picture taken of Beckett after his hospital bath. Such a sweet little face. The red lantern is a camping lantern Mom and I got at a camping store for the baby shower.
Above are pictures of the other piece of furniture Shonn's Grandpa Hild built: his crib. It's lovely and will convert into a toddler and then twin bed, so Beckett will be sleeping in an object made of love for several years to come. As for the less-meaningful decor on that wall, remember the PB Oars I mentioned? Since they were sold out, I decided to make my own and personalize them for Beckett. I bought two wooden oars at Ace Hardware in Sullivan along with some painter's tape, spray paint, and stencils. After distressing both oars with nails, a hammer, a wire brush, and sandpaper, I put tape over sections I wanted to leave natural wood-tone, and then spray painted with a variety of colors, added tape and stencils for the design I wanted, and then added another layer. I don't think Shonn had much faith in this idea, but he ended up loving the outcome. I'm really happy with it, too. I especially like that the one oar has lettering similar to a boat's alpha-numeric identification tag, but is actually his initials and birthdate. You can also (kinda) see one of Beckett's favorite pieces: his First Anywhere Chair. It's featured in his monthly birthday shoots and is from PB Kids.
As for the bedding (above), the skirt, and bumper were part of the set I talked about earlier. I wanted a red gingham fitted sheet to go with it, so I got this one from PB kids. I couldn't find a pillow exactly like I wanted, so I bought tent-type fabric from fabric.com (free shipping with $35 purchase!) and some rope trim and made this one.
Let's talk about the other furniture in the room next, including the changing table and dresser in the closet. (I need to take some closet pics, because this kid has a closet most adolescent girls would die for.) The furniture was built by a local Amishman and it is so beautiful. It is the same stain color as the crib (and unpictured table set), so this will be a group Beckett can use forever. The drawers are dovetail-fit and the pieces are all wood. My mom and dad purchased the changing table, and Shonn and I got the dresser. I absolutely love it. (Yoder's Cabinetry in Sullivan, Illinois. They completely customize and make amazing pies. Call them! 217-728-2166)
The letters above the table came from Hobby Lobby, but look so much cooler than Hobby Lobby. (I'm not saying anything bad about HL - I'm a huge fan! But these look like something I found in a junk shop.) Actually, the letters were the first purchase that committed us to Beckett's name. (The subsequent items were quickly ordered and monogrammed by the good folks at PB.) The anchor was also from HL. The little buoy to the left of the changer I found at a little boutique in Champaign - it's all wood and really heavy! The lamp on the table is the PB Fisherman's Lamp, and although a little more expensive, it totally adds to the room and is a very heavy, nice piece. I think it looks really boy-ish, too, and will be able to transition when this theme isn't B's favorite. (Or his mom is ready to redecorate.)
Here's a peek into the closet, where a clock hangs in direct sight from the rocker. I love this clock; my mom got it for me for Christmas and it matches the colors and feel of the room perfectly. (It's like weathered and worn coloring.) The closet walls are painted half rustic red, half khaki with a white chairrail dividing the sections. I love the look in a small area because it makes a bigger impact and doesn't feel too stuffy. It's kind of fun to think of a chairrail in an informal space because it's unexpected. This feels kind of like the capitan's quarters on an old ship. (I'd also like to point out the little guy hanging out near the closet - he's actually Sherlock Holmes, but looks oh-so-much like I picture an old craggy fisherman with the pipe and his worn face. Shonn and I picked him up at an antique shop on our way home from NC one year. We stopped at every antique shop along a 200-mile stretch. It was so much fun.)
Here's the top part of the dresser we got to go with the changing table - this isn't a great pic, but you get the idea. The baskets are from TJ MAXX.
There is more, but I'm exhausted...
I hope you enjoyed the tour! Updates to come!
