Alright, are you all ready to see my plans for the nursery?

Let me say, it is hard to nail down a plan. I have a folder on our home computer labeled "Nursery Inspiration" with over 50 images in it. It's been difficult to commit to one or two specific ideas, especially when the inspiration images I have run from all white nurseries to nurseries that are a complete explosion of bright colors. What to choose? But I think I've got it figured out.

First, let's look at the room that is going to be the nursery. I'm really not looking forward to showing you these pictures. This room was formerly our "office", but in reality, it's always been just a catchall room. And it's always been a total mess. The computer isn't even in there anymore - we moved it into the living room this week (pictures soon) knowing that room was going to be the nursery.

Anyway...







As you can see, the room is small. It's also the room with the biggest closet. Lucky kid. This summer, Chad and I will be doing a huge clean out of our basement and getting it organized. Then we are going to create a sort of man land down there and I hope we can move the dog crates down as well. We'll see...the dogs don't like the steps, so I'm not sure that will work. The file cabinet and the dresser is also going to go downstairs along with all the clothes in that closet (all of which are mine). We've got a huge clothes rack in the basement that can store out of season stuff, so I'll just have to get in the habit of rotating my clothes in the smaller closet in the guest bedroom. As far as all the books and the bookcase, we'll probably just get rid of the bookcase because it's ridiculously old and falling apart. And the books...who knows. Maybe box them up? It's not like we regularly grab books off of there. Maybe even get rid of a lot of them.

Now, on to my inspiration pictures.

This first nursery is from Absolutely Beautiful Things. The writer of this blog is an interior designer and does beautiful work. This nursery is one that she designed:






Things I love about this nursery - it's very neutral (almost all white and cream), it's very soothing, and I love her use of the vintage style stuffed animals. I also love the glider that doesn't look like a glider.

The second nursery is from design inc.






Things I love about this nursery - again, lots and lots of white, but with a lot of pops of color. I love the retro fabric used throughout the nursery and again, the glider that doesn't look like a glider is amazing.

So how am I going to translate that into our nursery?

First, I'm going to start with a very neutral background. The walls are either going to be all cream, a color similar to This Young House's living room:


Or cream and white striped, like This Young House's bathroom:


All the furniture will be white - since the room is small, we'll just have a crib, a long and low dresser that will double as a changing station, and a tall thin bookcase for baby books and a few picture frames.


We'll also have a glider in the room, and luckily, I've found a few online that aren't crazy expensive but are still the style I like. The glider will most likely be cream and I want to have a throw pillow on it similar to this one from Etsy seller White Twig.

On to the bedding...more of the same! Lots of white, with a little cream thrown in. I don't plan on buying a bedding set, I'll just mix and match with the pieces I want/need. It just makes more sense for us, especially since I don't want a bumper. So white fitted sheets, a few neutral receiving blankets, and a couple of heavier blankets.


Next, wall art. Above the changing table/dresser, I plan on putting up either these:


or these:


I actually prefer the flowers, and while I'm absolutely convinced I'm having a girl...what if it's a boy? I'm not too keen on flowers for a boys room.

On the wall above the crib, I plan on hanging three prints. I love Lalu429's prints, specifically these three that I hope to buy and hang in white frames with large mats:


Now, what about those pops of color I talked about? The first place that is going to come into play is the mobile. I found the most perfect, most amazing mobile on Spearmint Baby.


I'm seriously obsessed with it and cannot wait to make it. My mom, my grandma and I are going to get together to make it later this summer and I'm just so excited about it. I've even already bought the fabric for the birdies. I really liked the retro fabric in my second inspiration nursery, so I was thrilled when I found some retro style fabric on Etsy.



The other place I plan on bringing in some color is through stuffed animals. As I said above, I really like the vintage style stuffed animals in the first inspiration nursery, and wouldn't you know, Etsy has a ton of perfect ones. Of course a sock monkey is required:


And my search for sock monkey turned up a ton of other sock animals that are just too cute:

[clockwise from the top left corner, you can find them here, here, here, here, here, and here.]

I also love this one from Blabla. Not necessarily vintage looking, but I love that it's a little weird.


Whew! And I think that covers everything I've planned so far. I didn't expect this post to get so long...

So, what do you think? I'd love to hear any feedback, suggestions, criticisms...lay it on me!

Came across your blog somehow...i've been lurking a little because i like your photos...and i'm from the STL. anyways, just a few suggestions (i have a 7-month old little guy). Be sure to order the crib as soon as possible. We had to change our plans a few times because things were backordered 4 months! And, as far as hanging things about the crib, you might want to reconsider...everything i've read says to stay away from this, safety reasons and what not. (sorry if that's too forward). Good luck in this new journey - being a mom is awesome!

My favorite place for nursery inspiration: ohdeedoh.com

Looks good, Kristal. Honestly, I am a little surprised that you are going to have such a neutral room. For some reason, I pictured you doing a nursery with bright colors and orange walls or something. That being said, I LOVE the idea of neutrals and the fabrics that you chose are AMAZING! Maybe use leftovers on a pillow or something!?? I am about to do a post on nurseries too!

What a GREAT plan!!! LOVE it. So much.

I'll be sending you a little happy that I picked up for you recently. Of course I'll probably send another gift later (I'm just a gift person) but this will be a start :o)

The thing I love about nurseries is that they can be so different with each child. I'll probably do a completely different style with my next baby(ies).

I love that you're going with creams and whites. I don't think I've ever see anyone do that - they always try to pick a color. I'm not a big "bird" person but the mobile is cute and gender neutral. I like the flower wall art also, but you're right that it wouldn't be as neat with a boy. And the comfy glider chair? Genius!

Before tossing all those books, list some on Paperbackswap.com. You'll get credits for books you want to read (baby books?!) I'm addicted.

I love all of your ideas. It will be such a peaceful space and with all of the neutrals, easily transition into a child's room when they've outgrown the nursery. Can't wait to see the final result!

Kristal, I love it! I love how you've laid everything out and planned it one by one, or at least that is how it seems!

I CANNOT wait to see it all come together! It's going to look fabulous!

While it is very sleek, I just don't see it as a nursery. IMO nurseries should be colorful and playful. This comes off very bland and not inviting to a little one. The look is great if it was for a grownup bedroom in the house but not for a baby. At least reconsider the wall pictures to make them more colorful.

I love that you have it all planned out so far in advance! Looks great but be careful...we all saw how you did at your wedding and then at least two of us had you help with our weddings so if you do the same with nurseries guess what? You'll be helping decorate ours!!!

Ha! Anonymous... tell us how you really feel! :)
Moving on...
I could not wait for this post!
I adore that first inspiration room. I love a white/cream nursery, and the vintage stuffed animals are fantastic!
While I'm not a huge fan of the second nursery (I think it's all the red), I can see where you're going with it.
I think the stripes would look gorgeous, and make the room appear bigger.
Although I also love the idea of just white/cream, with some gray, like the bird pillow you posted, then the animals.
And the mobile... oh my gosh... too perfect!
I can't wait to see the end result.

I disagree w/ Anonymous about it being bland. A nursery is more for the parents (esp. in the first few months of life) anyway, isn't it? Your vision is soothing, serene, and you ARE bringing in pops of color thru the mobile (I freaking ADORE it!) and stuffed animals.

Plus if the walls are neutral like you're envisioning, this room could absolutely grow w/ the little one as baby gets older until he/she can pick out a favorite color.

I could also see a few floating ledges (out of baby's way and at a safe height of course) where you can display colorful/vintage children's books, to play off the vintage stuffed animals! Ooh and a whimsical lamp or ceiling light!

Yay! =]

While I don't agree with Anon that a nursery HAS to be full of color, I'm just too much of a color gal to go all neutral anywhere....but I do like it for it's soothing and clean look. Especially that freaking mobile. I love that baby and want to make one to hang above my own bed. Is that odd? And yeah for Chelsea's prints!

What fun stuff! I cannot imagine how many great ideas are out there to inspire...the thought alone kind of overwhelms me and yet, I'm not surprised that you have it all nailed down already in the first tri:)

I love it!! I love the vintage touches you have planned....and that mobile!! =-) I agree with Christy with the idea of using paperbackswap.com to get rid of your books and maybe get some new baby/children's books in return! I think cutesy nurseries are....well cute!...I LOVE the idea of a more neutral/grown-up nursery. It's a space you're going to spend a lot of time in and you might as well enjoy it too! Good luck with your creation...I know it will turn out amazing!!

About the glider - before you order one online, go to stores and try out the different styles. I was convinced I wanted the chair type glider, but when I sat in one I knew it was totally not going to work for me and breastfeeding, because I need a lot of back support. I'm partial to color myself, but you've seen my crazy nursery!

Oh my gosh.. I love the plan. Seriously, all of it. Especially the vintage stuffed animals! And you have no idea how flattered I am that you want my prints in there... seriously, I think that's just about the best compliment in the entire world! :)

Hi, Kristal! It's Neely aka mr.andmrs.smith from the old STLWed board (haven't been on there in well over a year). I've never commented on your blog, but I do still follow you on Google Reader and I just wanted to say congratulations! And I love all your ideas...especially the mobile! Good luck with everything!

P.S. And now I feel a little less stalker-ish! :)

I am so happy you are getting to use your design folder! I love Speramint Baby; she always has the best mobiles. You will have to tell us how it goes when you make it. Congratulations again!

How fun Kristal! Love it, it is going to come together just nicely. Have you considered a crib skirt?

Very pretty! I also went for a more adult feel to our nursery and opted out of a mobile because none of them went with my room. I ended up caving and buying a cheesy baby friend mobile after the baby was born and he loves it, even though it clashes with my decor. Just something to think about, I know they don't really go with anything but the kid loves the thing. Also, invest in the Baby Bargains book, you will not regret it!

Good Luck!!!

Thank you everyone for all your input!

Hood - welcome to my blog! As far as thing hanging around the crib, you're absolutely right, it can be dangerous. But really, it will only be the prints and I plan on securely attaching them to the wall. The mobile is not going to hang over the crib...it's really going to only be for decorative purposes.

LC - good thought on the pillows...we may do that!

Christy - I will definitely check out paperbackswap. Thanks for the tip!

Freckles - there WILL be floating ledges, I just forgot to mention them. As always, you're right on. :)

Sherry - thank you so much for that tip. I'll absolutely check a few gliders out in person before I commit.

Neely!!! Hi! You should come back to STLWed. :)

Mindy - I will be getting a crib skirt, but I want a solid white one and not one that is ruffled...and I haven't found one yet.

This is a prime example of all the different opinions, thoughts, and comments you'll get from EVERYONE during your pregnancy... just fore-warning you. :) Anyway, I love the simplistic feel of it - and just as someone mentioned, the nursery is for the parents the first few months of the baby's life anyway, and once the baby gets older you can always add more color or "things" to make it more applealing to a toddler, if you wanted to. I love it. Have a great 4th!

I like it! I can't wait to see it finished. I know it will look great!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the vintage fabric!!! The little sock animals are adorable :)

What a clever way to create a gender nuetral nursery! I fell victim to going green with ours and while I still like the way it turned out, your ideas are much more "outside the box". My only advice is similar to Sherry's in that you want a comfortable glider with good back and arm support. A comfortable glider would be the one thing that I would sacrifice style for, but hopefully you won't have to.

I think a neutral palette with colorful accents is the way to go. It's easier to change out accessories if you get sick of them than it would be to change a bright pink or green wall. I absolutely LOVE the retro fabrics you found on Etsy. I didn't even know you could buy fabric on there! You inspired me to look for some fabric to cover our dining room chairs. I can't wait to see it all come together!

And I see how it is-human baby comes into the picture and your canine babies are relegated to the basement. So it begins;)

It's going to be gorgeous! I can't wait to see it all put together. Love that first inspiration nursery. Your little bean is going to be stylin'!

I love your ideas, and that mobile!!! You are going to have so much fun putting this all together! :-)

I like it a lot, especially if you're not going to find out the sex of the baby. Then you can add punches of appropriate colors after if you like! And the monkey is too cute!

Wow… you are so creative!! Do you have any ideas for little boy rooms?!?! I’m taking my 21month old out of his nursery and putting him in a big boy room. I just don’t have any great ideas! Maybe you can pass them by my way!! Thanks!

Very exciting! I love nursery decorating posts, can't wait to see what you decide and how it all comes together!

Hi there! All of your pics + the nursery pics are gorgeous! I especially love the cream & retro print one..I was honestly thinking of starting a nursery inspo file today...and I'm not even pregnant...yikes. Anyway, thanks for a good start! and Congrats!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bump :) I sort of (let me reiterate...SORT OF) want one for myself....without all the sickness and exhaustion of course :) I plan to call mine a bean :) You most definitely need a name for the 'little guy' :)
I can't wait to see him living it up in Vero!