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…
Teri says
Third chandelier goes the best in this room!
Margery says
My vote is for the pretty and inexpensive #3 chandelier. It appears to blend well. More importantly, because it isn’t pricey, you won’t feel bad when the Florida summer heat forces you to replace it with a ceiling fan!! Lovely, lovely room plan.
Best wishes for smooth birthing.
sweetfe says
The nursery will be gorgeous! I saw this post today and thought of you… https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/farmhouse-on-boone/how-to-tie-a-baby-wrap-moby-wrap-instructions/
Jenna Sue says
Thanks for sharing! We have a wrap and haven’t practiced using it yet 🙂
Kim says
Another vote for the third lighting option! It looks the most French Country to me, with a bit of rustic for the Forest, and the color looks like it will go so well with Malted Milk. Love its simplicity for Baby too. ❤️ Can’t wait to see the finished room!
Patti says
Oh I’m certain that it will be stunning but that vintage dresser would look so stunning left as is. Bring a bit of character, warmth and charm to all that “newness”. Or if it must be painted then use a vintage chandelier!
Mary Zeilinger says
The excitement mounts! Beautiful plan. I vote for inexpensive Chandy and gold paint?. Whatever you pick will be beautiful.
Candy says
I am so excited for you!!
I am going against the rest – I love the first chandelier, she will love it until she leaves home and I think with your colours and your “French” theme it is perfect.
Robyn Milora says
I love this design! Very soft and feminine with amazing attention to detail. Without a doubt, you are my favorite designer. I found you in a One Room Challenge bathroom makeover and have been a faithful fan ever since. All the best to your family as you await the arrival of your little one. Thank you for all the inspiration!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you for your support over the years, Robyn! ?
Gina says
Love this! Cannot wait to see it all finished. I like the 3rd light fixture best.
Kim says
What an exciting time in your lives! You are going to have the best time with this new addition to your family. Savor every moment as they grow up so quickly.
Was wondering what the blue paint color? Am asking because am looking for the perfect shade of blue for the ceiling of our screened porch. Thanks!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Kim! Are you referring to the green paint on the lid? That’s Maison Blanche’s Printemps, which is a soft sage green 🙂
Jennifer says
It’s beautiful: really love the colors and calm feel!
If it’s any help, may I recommend considering what a mischievous 2 year old could get into when designing… we had to modify several things in our design once he got to this stage. My LO loves messing with electrical items so no cute lamps or nightlights are safe. We went with snappower outlet cover to act as a night light he can’t mess with. It https://www.snappower.com/products/the-original-guidelight?variant=12187184496734¤cy=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPHoBRC3ARIsALfx-_LcW3DiaSt7DhkDXt4Qc680Zam1FDXw6HyueeevRJtm6Lnbb7HE6QAaAke8EALw_wcBas a big success thankfully. (there are other companies that have similar items) https://www.snappower.com/products/ lol
Also, our LO is great with not pulling curtains in a downward motion, but he does struggle with closing them (we battle with nap time opening / closing curtains when he’s being stubborn) which puts pressure on the hardware. We used insane sized screws into the studs and heavy duty hardware… he’s still managed to warp the brackets. Thank goodness we did though, otherwise I’m sure the rod would have come down, hitting him on the head by down. Just something to consider. (Side note, I hope the drapes are washable – toddlers are rough on drapes lol)
Congrats and can’t wait to see the finished product!
Jenna Sue says
Great things to keep in mind, thanks Jennifer! <3
Karen says
Lovely plans! #3 chandelier. I would only say if you have room, a) test out and b) splurge on the glider/rocker. I got a neutral Monte Luca glider and 10 years and 3 kids later I still love it for reading to my youngest, just sitting in. Can’t wait to move it to my bedroom. I couldn’t afford the ottoman, so got a cheap one from Target – but an ottoman is key. Best of luck, it will be beautiful!
Jenna Sue says
I’ve heard a lot of people mention how important a comfy glider is, which is why I took so long to choose and have come to terms with the $400 price tag! The storage ottoman is a nice bonus.
Morgan says
Love love love the 3rd chandelier!! I think it goes with your plans the best and doesn’t take away from the room too much but compliments it well.
Kayla Water says
So excited! Agree with a lot of the other suggestions from the other commenters too. Blackout shades/curtains are a must. I also recommend some sort of blue night light for middle of the night changes – so much easier on everyone’s eyes than a regular night light! We had used a “moon in my room” from Amazon for $20 that was perfect for our spaceship themed boys room – I’m sure you can find something similar that goes more with your style (and can be moved from your room and back into the baby’s room once she is ready for her crib!).
Can’t wait to see it all come together!
Jenna Sue says
That’s a very helpful tip, thanks Kayla!
Alyson B says
So excited for you and Lucas. Can’t wait to see the reveal of the room and especially your little girl. I prefer the first chandelier all the way and love the wall decals.