I can’t help but smile as I write this… I’ve been dreaming about designing my very own nursery for so many years, in every house I’ve lived in for the past decade. This is finally where my baby comes home. It feels surreal, mixed with equal parts excitement and gratitude.
My dream nursery design has evolved over the years, and most recently has been influenced by our travels and the inspiration used to build our Heights House.
It’s not a very large room, measuring just over 10’x12′. We opted to divide the closet into two sections, creating an open nook perfectly sized for a changing table—best decision ever. I also ordered these custom 2’x7′ Chateau closet doors from Simpson Door Company.
That gives us one wall of closet/dresser space, one wall of windows, and two empty walls to work with.
I’ve been stockpiling inspiration on Pinterest and came up with this vision: a calming garden sanctuary mixed with classic French architecture, soft putty pink alongside creamy whites and golds, natural woven textures next to delicate flowers and bows, sprinkled with vintage details and charm.
It’s a whole lot of styles and character wrapped into one little room, which I’m dubbing French Country Forest…
When coming up with the design plan, there were a few things I immediately knew I wanted, and others I’ve gone back and forth on (and still haven’t figured out completely, to be honest!)
The very first thing I chose many months ago is what sparked the entire vision for the room—this forest wall mural from Rocky Mountain Decals:
Is this not what garden dreams are made of? It’s as if it was designed to float above a crib. This will be installed on the back wall where her crib will sit (eventually) and I’m over the moon excited to see how it looks in person.
Speaking of crib, that’s one item I haven’t found the perfect match for yet. Baby will sleep in our room in a bassinet for the first six months or so, and I’ve decided to take my time and shop around. In the meantime, I found this gorgeous macrame hanging bassinet (under $50!) that will likely just hold her toys for the time being. At that price, I couldn’t pass it up.
The chandelier is another decision I’m still debating on. I have it narrowed down to three options… this aged white candelabra style:
This elegant and slightly more modern gold style:
And this one which is simpler but almost 1/3 the price of the other two:
I’m completely torn! A gold finish is my preference but I do love the more traditional/aged look of the other two. #1 is so pretty but #3 is crazy inexpensive and I love a good bargain. Do you have a favorite?
Another design element I was sure about from the beginning was using a soft blush pink as the primary room color.
The winner was pretty clear—I found my match with Sherwin Williams Malted Milk. It’s subdued and elegant, the perfect shade of putty pink.
The trim, doors, window wall and left accent wall will all be painted Malted Milk (with everything else in SW Alabaster). The back wall of the open nook and inside of the closet will also have a stripe accent—you may have caught the process last weekend in my Instagram stories if you follow me there!
In the next nursery post I’ll share all about these DIY stripes and closet setup, stay tuned 🙂
Speaking of accent walls, molding will be a major feature in this room. I’ve partnered with Ekena Millwork once again and am excited to incorporate a variety of traditional moldings on the walls and ceiling:
If you’ve been following my work for the past year or two, you know that moldings and trim have become a staple in my designs—they’re what’s going to take the sophistication of this room to the next level. Just imagine the prettiest wainscoting details in blush pink… sigh.
I’ll make sure to do a separate blog post with all the DIY install details—apart from the mural (or maybe tied with?) I predict this will be my favorite feature of the room.
To soften the room, I’ll hang floor to ceiling off-white linen drapes. I haven’t ordered these yet, but am in the process of narrowing down swatches from Barn & Willow (I worked with them to design my reading nook roman shade which was top notch quality). A little inspiration…
To add softness and texture to the floors, I found this 8′ woven rug from Wayfair:
It’s perfectly neutral with an unique varied weave that should be great to hide stains and spills.
Next up: the glider! This was one of the more challenging items to find, as most (at least the ones I liked) are surprisingly expensive. I searched high and low to find something stylish and comfortable for under $500, and think I’ve exhausted every option on the internet (any fellow mamas-to-be want a blog post with all of my findings?)
In the end, I landed on this swivel glider for $399:
Right now they only have gray listed, but according to their website they’ll have more ivory back in stock soon (fingers crossed, as I’m waiting to purchase!) I chose this option not only for the price and style, but also the bonus storage ottoman that will be perfect for storing nursing supplies.
Moving right along to the last section: the changing nook! Days of searching secondhand online paid off, and I snagged this vintage dresser that happened to be just the perfect size:
I’ll be coating it with Maison Blanche’s Printemps French lime paint, a light sage green (the same color used here in my apothecary nightstand makeover):
Sorry wood purists, not changing my mind! 😉 One of my favorite features is the original marble top, which will be easy to wipe clean and adds another layer of color and texture.
Speaking of texture… I couldn’t pass up this darling seagrass changing basket:
A little pricey for what it is, but it’s one of those details that won’t go unnoticed in the room.
On the wall behind the dresser, we’ll be DIYing a hidden storage shelf/caddy for all of our changing supplies—definitely one of our best a-ha moments! Looking forward to sharing a tutorial with you soon.
And on the wall above the dresser, I’m on the hunt for a pretty gold vintage mirror. This classic style with a bow is currently in the lead:
But I’m also considering this unique shape for under $100…
And I’ve still got my eye out for antique mirrors secondhand locally, so we’ll see what ends up there!
The last piece of the puzzle is a DIY flower mobile I’ll hang above the changing table to give baby something pretty to look at 6-8 times/day…
My own version will look a bit different, as I have a stash of florals in storage I’ll be pulling from as well as adding a few more. This is the fun, stress-free kind of DIY project I could do all day long 🙂
And there you have it, my dream nursery! There will be a few more details like artwork, hooks, hardware etc that will come together later and of course I’ll share all the sources during the final reveal. Hoping to get this room completed within the next month, and that means baby girl had better stay put until her due date (7 weeks to go, ahhh!)
Happy days ahead…
Joanna B says
Gah, this is going to be so gorgeous Jenna, I cannot wait to see it come together.
That malted milk paint is perfection, I love it! I am dying over the vintage dresser you found… and the mirror with the bow is my fave pick! As far as chandeliers, I did like the middle gold one, but would probably vote for the last one for price, plus it’s still really pretty and would fit in nicely.
Angela says
Just beautiful! I am glad I am not the only one who started the nursery with less than 2 months to go. All the big stuff got done and the details after week 6 week because he has to sleep in the nursery as our bedroom is so small and right next to the nursery. My only two cents is curtains that block the light easier time getting them to fall asleep once they figure it out. Love your designs! I can’t wait to continue to follow along.
Mindy says
I’m so happy for you! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Soak up every second. ? I like the 1st or the 3rd chandelier. Can’t wait to see this room evolve!
Kaitlin M says
Absolutely gorgeous!! Can’t wait to see the final product….although I do hope you have all of your time left to complete 😉 So happy for you that you are finally able to design a nursery after all these years!!
leslie says
Hi Jenna, My room growing up was blush pink and sage green so I cannot wait to see how it comes out. A few thoughts – with my first I had a beautiful glider in the nursery and all my nursing supplies set up there. But I was stuck in that room so much. For my second, third, and fourth kids I put the glider in the family room and set up a nursing/changing station there. It wasn’t as cute but it was far more practical for keeping an eye on the other kids and being able to hang out with my hubby at night while feeding. Just something to keep in mind for the future. Also, make sure you have a spot for a water bottle/snacks for yourself near the glider. Once baby is fast asleep sometimes you don’t want to get up. 🙂
Also, here are my tips for design with kids (which you seem to already be doing, but someone else reading these comments might benefit from them):
1. Hidden storage, baskets to corral toys, and hooks down at preschool level for things like coats. If they can learn to clean up themselves it’ll save you so much time in the future. When they get to preschool age- label everything with clear letters around the house and they will be reading before you know it.
2. Set up the closet so that it can grow as the kids clothes grow. It happens truly so fast. If you have room- make a bin for the grown out clothes so that you can toss them in easily and then donate or store for the next child. A bin for slightly larger clothes is a good idea too, they grow overnight sometimes. 😉
3. Machine washable fabrics. Prints hide stains better.
4. Stick to the basics- kids really are happier with less. Buy less but higher quality items where possible. With our first baby we had everything brand new and with our fourth we bought almost everything secondhand. Toys and gadgets will come and go with the seasons so it’s better to save money then to get a preferred color. Only splurge on the items you truly can see keeping a long time.
5. I agree with the other comment. Ceiling fans are pretty useful. But I do love a good chandelier so I understand why you would want one.
6. Make sure the drapes can block out light for daytime naps and a sound machine can help for daytime napping (when you are in another room DIYing with power tools).
7. Ottomans are much safer than coffee tables with sharp corners and glass tops. It doesn’t matter how cute the coffee table is, once your kid falls and hits it with their head you’ll wish you hadn’t bought it. (says every mom whose kid ended up with a large goose egg from falling on the corner of the coffee table)
8. This last tip is less design related- but enjoy the moments and don’t try to impress anyone. When your kid becomes a teenager, you won’t care as much what their room looked like when they were babies. You’ll remember the moments that had nothing to do with design.
Sooo happy for your family. This room will be beautiful!
Leslie @hyatthouserevival
Brittany says
Love the ideas on teaching words with every day items, and yes yes yes to putting things on their level! Already with our 18 month old girl she is participating in cleaning up because the bins and drawers are accessible (also trashcan is accessible), and we keep the snacks we are okay with her having at her level so she can grab them and come to us to open.
I’ll weigh in on the fan thing too… We have a fan in our girl’s room, but I rarely turn it on because she is still so little that I worry she’ll get cold in the night (she still kicks off blankets). So it’s nice to have the option, but not essential. Plus you can always get stand up or little table top fans. (Although the one linked was gorgeous!)
Jenna Sue says
Thank you for sharing all those tips, Leslie! I’ve been trying to plan for our future needs as much as possible to stay prepared and avoid any purchasing regrets. I think we’re on the right track so far 😉
Carrie Bishop says
For our 7th baby, my husband built a baby hammock inspired by the design of the the “Happy Hangup” from Australia. ( https://www.happyhangup.com/ ) It was the best thing ever! Our little guy slept in it until he was almost 4 years old, and was finally so heavy that it just sank down to the floor when he climbed in, lol. We wished we’d had it for all our babies. It’s a super easy build, and it’s portable to anywhere you can put an eye-hook in the ceiling, so visits to grandparents, friends, etc, are so much easier, as baby’s familiar bed can just come right along. Just one more option to consider. 🙂
Jenna Sue says
What a unique idea! I love it 🙂
Elly says
It’s going to look beautiful! My favorite chandelier is the third, and not just because it’s the most inexpensive. I think the finish will go nicely with your other natural textures in there. ☺️
Lindsay says
I’m in the early stages of planning a nursery for my baby girl, and this post couldn’t have been more perfect. I’ve been imagining blush pink and shades of green too, inspired by some prints I ordered years ago hoping to one day have a girl (or any baby – we’ve been struggling with infertility for years and finally have our IVF baby coming). I can’t wait to see how yours comes together, and YES, please provide all details about furniture and everything else!
Jenna Sue says
Aw congrats mama! So excited for you <3 I'll start rounding up my gliders!
Sarah B. says
Check Target online for gliders. They are very very similar in style to the one you posted. Is it as good a quality? I don’t know, but let’s get real, we only have it in our life for so long.
Jenna Sue says
I did check there! They didn’t have the style/color I was looking for. Amazon for the win 🙂
Kim says
Target is a good idea. Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace often has gently used items.
Sarah B. says
It’s gonna be gorgeous! I too love painted wood! I hate it when a vintage dealer sells everything refinished. I like to add my own tough, thank you very much. By the way, I love Hobby Lobby for dried and silk flowers on the cheap. Their selection is huge. I hate so much about their company politics but they ship to Puerto Rico so, i suck it up. I also visit the store a million times when in LA. Anyway, just wanted to let you know.
Julie Brown says
oh my word!!!!! I am so excited for this reveal!! its going to be so so gorgeous!!!
Ice Cream and Tequilla says
I have 2 kids, and they both loved ceiling fans. Ceiling fans make eye-catching shadows, cool the room (which studies show help reduce the risk of SIDS), and provide white noise to help sleep. I know ceiling fans aren’t French country forest, but sometimes you have to put function over style.
I don’t know if this option is your style, but the transparent blades make it less obstructive.
https://www.horchow.com/Sonet-Satin-Brass-Ceiling-Fan-with-Acrylic-Blades-/cprod139050011_cat1730732__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat1730732%2526pageSize%253D120%2526Nao%253D0%2526Ns%253Dcat1730732%257C0%257C%257CTREE_SORT_VALUE2%257C1%257C%257CWEB1_SORT%257C%257CWEB2_SORT%257C%257CWEB3_SORT%257C%257CWEB4_SORT%257C%257CSELLABLE_DATE%257C1%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=cprod139050011&cmCat=product
Jenna Sue says
That might be the prettiest fan I’ve ever seen! The chandelier will likely be the only light source, though, so I’d need to make sure just one bulb would be sufficient (it also needs to be dimmable). Definitely worth considering, thanks for sharing!
Leslie Wiesman says
Agreed! Amazing fan!
Liz says
This is going to be so pretty! I say go with the third chandelier. Looking forward to the next post on this sweet French country forest room.
Stephanie says
What a lovely design- I love the wall mural! For the lighting, I’d pick the third and spray paint it gold. : )
Hallie says
I like the first chandelier, but go with the inexpensive and lovely third one, I say.
Fun post! I can’t wait to see your hidden storage idea.