Pretty as a picture
An interior designer might not be in the budget for […]
An interior designer might not be in the budget for every budding mom-to-be, but luckily, we’ve got some pro tips that’ll help you create a dreamy nursery on your own. Interior designer Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25 in Dallas shares how she made this pretty gal’s room such a stunning space.
Serena & Lily La Jolla baskets, from $78
Family Affair
“I have learned that working on a nursery often includes incorpo- rating ideas and pieces from the grandparents. Grandparents often purchase many of the main furniture pieces for the room, so working with everyone to stay within budget and on schedule can be a fun challenge.”
ducduc Savannah dresser, $2,595; Maileg rabbit, $40
“The antique cabinet belonged to our client’s grandmother. We had it painted to match the changing table and dressed up the hardware for a fresh new look.”
On finding your vibe
“We settled on a boho-chic feel for this nursery, which was achieved through classic textures paired with birds and butterflies—a fun way to take the baby from her first steps and into toddlerhood. The classic grey and white palette of the furniture will allow the pieces to grow with the room, and the blush pink walls were just enough to make it girly without taking over. Adding a touch of whimsy with a cozy nook at the window was a perfect way to bring in some adventurous colors while finishing out the space.”
Surya pouf, $135
On making good choices
“Function and durability must come first when designing a nursery because things will be used often and need to be cleaned easily. The best way to strike a balance between form and function is to incorporate pieces like indoor/outdoor fabrics and furniture finishes that can be easily cleaned. Indoor/outdoor fabrics are a must-have in a nursery, as they hold up to spills, stains and multiple washings over time.”
On corralling the clutter
“Plenty of hidden storage is a must. Our client wanted the room to function so that the family could easily access items like diapers and wipes but didn’t want everything on display. In order to keep the clutter to a minimum, we used pieces that could keep up with multiple functions. The changing table is a dresser that keeps all of the frequently used items hidden away yet easy to access. The wall cabinet displays keepsakes while storing extra folded items for a tidy look.”
Little Auggie quilt, $85; Heidi Miller Lowell for Minted framed print, from $31
A smart start
Before diving into your nursery design, take some time to really evaluate what you want and need. In the case of this room, Fenimore says, “[the parents] had been dreaming of a nursery for their new baby for months and came prepared with inspiration images and a color palette from the get-go.” Once you have an idea in mind, it’s time to start shopping—but don’t jump the gun too soon, or you could end up making a lot of returns (or living with a room you don’t totally love).
