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A Sweet, Serene and Sophisticated Nursery! | One Room Challenge – The REVEAL

May 10, 2017

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For the last six weeks, we’ve been working on a nursery for the little girl we’re expecting this summer and today we’re so excited to share with you what it looks like now! This is our second time participating in the One Room Challenge (last time, we coincidentally tackled a bedroom for our other two daughters) and we’re so grateful Linda invited us to participate again. We actually had the pleasure of talking with her in this week’s podcast episode and we peeled back the curtain on pretty much everything pertaining to the ORC–you can listen right here!

Let’s jump right in. Welcome to our new nursery!:

Overall, we really focused on creating a room that was soft and serene, but sophisticated, too. After all, I’ll be spending almost as much time in here–haha. We added a lot of special, more permanent, touches to the space over the last six weeks; like all the molding from Metrie and the be all, end all cloud wallpaper from Cole & Sons. And then accessorized the room with a few pieces that could transition to a more grown-up space after the baby years are long gone.

Crib | Star Crib Sheet | Kitty Stuffed Animal | Pink Striped Pillow | Blue Pillow | Pom Pom Throw | Tassel Crib Skirt | Mobile | Crib Mattress

The crib is, obviously, the main stage of any nursery. And while there should definitely be no sort of pillows or blankets in the crib when a baby is sleeping, it’s a fun way to “make” a baby’s bed just like you would your own. No one actually sleeps with the throw pillows. Although it’s not a design element per se, we got a new crib mattress (after having the same one for 7 years–eeks!) and I was surprised to see how far they had come. We got this one that is two sided! A firmer side for baby and then you can flip it over when they get older, and it’s a little softer for toddlers.

In lieu of traditional art above the crib, we let the wallpaper add a splash of dreamy pattern behind this beautiful mobile, that doubles as an art installation and makes my heart sing every time it catches the light

Mobile | Overhead Light

Speaking of light, the gold from the mobile is repeated in the simple, but stylish semi-flushmount overhead light that we put on a dimmer switch. It’s often hard to find good flush mounts and semi-flushmounts, but this one takes the cake. And even though it’s on a dimmer, it’s a good rule of thumb to have 2-3 light sources in every room. We added this floor lamp next to the glider and a small table lamp on the changing table–we’ll get there in a sec!

Floor Lamp | Glider (in Dove Gray) | Rug | Pouf | Basket | Side Table | Pink Tassel Pillow | Wooden Rattle

We’ve had this glider for over 3 years now and it was love at first rock. The fabric has wiped up so easily–with just warm water! The back is nice and tall and the sides square in at the perfect width to nod off to sleep while nursing during the night–I can barely wait to rock another baby to sleep in it.

In our last nursery, we had book ledges, but this time around we opted for a simple basket of books    since our girls have a good sized library down in their room. We do purchase a few new books for each baby and must say, Next To You: A Book of Adorableness and Jimmy Fallon’s DADA book are must haves for every nursery!

We tried 3 different side tables before landing on this one–it’s so affordable and wipeable and will likely have a big jug of water on it most of the time.

The fun, super textured pouf is larger enough to prop my feet up to rock and for a little 3 year old or 7 year old to also sit down and chat–we tested it. ;)

Dresser-Changing Table | Striped Changing Pad Cover | Hamper | Round Mirror | Lamp | Ultrasound Print | Acrylic Frame | Vase

The dresser adds much needed storage and moodiness to the room, and the blue hue ties in beautifully to the rest of the color scheme. The best part is the changing table addition can easily come off down the road and we can use the piece as a regular dresser in any room (or entry table! or console!) Or maybe the best part are those round inset knobs?

We picked up the roundness in the mirror we hung above the dresser and added a lamp for late night diaper changes. I ordered the custom ultrasound print of our little one from this Etsy shop (my heart!).

While we still have a few months until she arrives, our babies usually sleep in their own room shortly after they’re born and it feels so wonderful to know that we’re ready for her. Here’s a look back at where this room used to look like (yikes!).

SOURCES

Trim – Metrie | Wallpaper – Cole & Son’s Nuvolette 97/2004 Wallpaper | Overhead Light – Rejuvenation | Area Rug – Rejuvenation | Wool Flannel Blackout Flat Roman Shade in Azure – The Shade Store | Crib – AllModern | Tassel Crib Skirt – PotteryBarn Baby | Crib Sheet – PotteryBarn Baby | Blue Crib Pillow – McGee&Co | Pink Striped Crib Pillow – McGee&Co | Cat Stuffed Animal – PotteryBarn Baby | Light Blue Pom Pom Throw – Annie Selke | Mobile – West Elm | Floor Lamp – AllModern | Pouf – AllModern | Graham Glider – West Elm | Pink Tassel Pillow – Urban Outfitters | Side Table – Target | Book Basket – Target | Wooden Rattle – Target | Dresser – The Land of Nod | Table Lamp – Target | Custom Ultrasound Print – Baby Blue Print | Acrylic Frame – Crate & Barrel | Vase – Jill Rosenwald | Hamper – Serena & Lily | Mirror – Target | Burt’s Bees Striped Changing Pad Cover – Amazon

 

We’re so grateful for the motivation and fun we had putting this nursery together for the One Room Challenge. To Linda for inviting us to participate. To all the fabulous sponsors of the challenge, who were such a pleasure to work with and provided materials for the nursery including Metrie, Jill Rosenwald, AllModern, AnnieSelke, and The Shade Store.  And to the other participants for keeping us going–we have loved following along with the progress of their rooms throughout these 6 weeks and encourage you to check out their final spaces through the links below!

Centsational Girl | Christine Dovey | Dwell With Dignity | The English Room

Glitter Guide | House of Brinson | House Updated  | J+J Design Group | Lark & Linen | Abby Manchesky

Nesting Place | Old Brand New | Old Home Love | The Pink Pagoda | Rambling Renovators

Erica Reitman | Sketch 42 | Suburban B’s | Erin Williamson  Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by CIH

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What do you think?

  1. Ashley says:

    I’m not sure if you see comments on old posts :) I LOVE this glider. Did you guys not mind it not being able to recline? So many moms are telling me I’ll want one that can lay all the way back, however, I’m having a hard time finding one tall enough for me that reclines. This one is so beautiful and tempting, and maybe the wingback on the side provides a place to rest your head if needed? :)

  2. Beige says:

    Beautiful!!! My only question is which lap is it? The link you provided has 800 lamps, what the name of this exact one, I love it! Can you please provide that link?

  3. The mobile is no longer available at West Elm! Any info on if its coming back? So sad. I’m due around you : )

  4. […] round of the One Room Challenge did not disappoint. Some of our favorites were this pretty nursery from Chris Loves Julia and this stunning bathroom from Bre […]

  5. Angie RS says:

    This room looks so beautiful and relaxing. Your newest little one is going to sleep soundly in that environment. I want to take a luxurious nap just looking at it.

  6. […] closet, a moody room, a master bathroom (props to Brit for doing marble herringbone!), a sweet nursery for baby girl, and Bre’s bathroom.  Do you guys have any other favorite […]

  7. […] serene, yet sophisticated gender neutral nursery room by chris loves julia is another fave. It was designed for her baby girl-to-be, but I think would work for a boy too. The […]

  8. Ardith says:

    You two have created a gorgeous nursery for your newest family member. It will be a magical place for all of you. Cheers, Ardith

  9. Katie says:

    The room is beautiful! However, as a long time reader, your “before” photos are very misleading. That blue room hasn’t existed for a long time and it’s like you’re trying to hide that this room was already a beautiful nursery. I understand that using the blue pictures makes for a better before and after, but it’s also dishonest. This would have been a better “before”.
    https://www.chrislovesjulia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/nursery-after-682×1024.jpg

    • Julia says:

      We included the way before and a photo of the room right before we started side by side and linked to Faye’s nursery in the post. I think that’s pretty transparent.

  10. Ola says:

    Visiting from callingithome.com as a guest participant. Great job on creating such a serene room. It couldn’t be more perfect!

  11. Such a beautiful nursery! I love how uncluttered and functional it is, as well as that STUNNING wallpaper! I just got all caught up on your podcast and heard all about this room, but it looks even more amazing in pictures! I also revealed my ORC this week, and as a first time participant I found it to be an amazing experience! http://www.thevanderveenhouse.com/hall-makeover

  12. This turned out absolutely stunning. Love love how you mixed the pink and blues together. It is so elegant and yet so calming. Very Pretty!

  13. Bre says:

    I love how peaceful and sophisticated this space is while still being perfect for a babe! Definitely a room she can grow into! Love it!

  14. Karin says:

    What a soothing, timeless, stylish room! All of your design choices are spot on! Glider chairs have come a long way since my boys were born. Never did care for the granny look they used to have. Good luck with your new arrival, she is a lucky girl to be living in such ultra stylish digs!

  15. Amanda says:

    Beautiful! So great to see pieces that can transition and be used in other spaces down the road.

  16. lu says:

    Loving the tassel crib skirt… Beautiful transformation!

  17. what a serene, elegant, yet fashion forward nursery! so this is what sleeping on the clouds like and I wish this is my room! thanks for sharing with us your room story and hope to see more projects by you really soon!

  18. Stacy G. says:

    What a beautiful nursery! It is sweet and simple. It is a perfectly peaceful room where your new baby will sleep and play. I’m crossing my fingers that you get a good sleeper. Ha!

  19. It’s such a sweet, serene space. I can’t get over that mobile – it’s stunning. She’s already a very lucky little lady! I loved the podcast this week too – so fun to learn more about the behind-the-scenes ORC from Linda – I listened as I was finishing up/freaking out about potentially not finishing up our ORC space (also a room for my daughter, which I did finish in the end!)

  20. Love that mobile! And the cloud wallpaper is one of my favorites. A pretty, serene space.

  21. Kris says:

    I absolutely love everything about this room! I have been waiting to hear about the flooring but cannot find anything about them. I would love to know what type of hard flooring you installed under the rug (the brand and color). We are in the process of picking out new flooring and this color looks like it would be perfect for my home. Thanks for any information you can provide!

  22. Corine says:

    Just picked my jaw up from the floor after looking at these STUNNING photos. Chris and Julia, you guys are so incredible. Everything down to the crib skirt is so perfectly detailed and thought out. But when I see the room as a whole it’s just efffortless. Nothing competing or screaming. Everything complementing and playing off each other.

  23. Wow, it is so beautiful. Love all the neutral colors combined. This is a nice way to welcome your newborn and a comfortable area to fall asleep. Thank you for having me on your podcast. It was fun chatting with you.

  24. Sara says:

    Oh my goodness. I almost never write comments, but just had to chime in to say the room is incredible. What a peaceful, serene and beautiful space. I am using this room as a template to redo our guest room. Thank you for the inspiration!

  25. Dabito says:

    What a chic nursery! Love the brass mobile!

  26. Such a gorgeous space for a baby girl! You never cease to amaze me. I love how you used so much blue and gray, yet it still looks lovely and feminine. :)

    I revealed my nursery today for my little girl who should be here by the weekend!!

    http://dahliasanddimes.com/2017/05/10/neutral-boho-nursery-reveal-one-room-challenge-week-6/

  27. Myquillyn says:

    This is absolutely lovely. A breath of fresh air, I always look forward to what you two will come up with, and this is understated with a ton of style–which takes so much talent–well done!!

  28. Beautifully done!! I love how the rug, window shade, wallpaper and light wood tones coordinate to create a collected, whimsical space. And I always love a room with white wainscoting! Awesome job and congrats on the baby!:-)

  29. Dominique says:

    Wow. I’m so impressed. I LOVE all the texture you added in. I feel like you also CRUSHED using pattern.

  30. You hit it out of the park! Absolutely beautiful! Love every element! What a lucky baby girl!!

  31. Erin says:

    You guys this is just beautiful! I can only imagine how excited you are to rock your newborn to sleep in such a lovely space! I love it all!

  32. Jennifer says:

    It’s absolutely perfect! It is peaceful, serene, cozy, beautiful…..everything a nursery should be. The tassels on the bedskirt, the sweet pillow in the chair, the rug, all so gorgeous!

    I also love the story about helping your daughter let go of it as her room. What a wonderful and loving solution to a parenting challenge, plus, perhaps you’ve also inspired your daughter to love design!

    So fun to follow along the past six weeks!!!

  33. This room is beautiful, peaceful, and serene – everything you want in a nursery! Love the wallpaper and that dresser. They’re classic elements that will transition well as your little one gets older.

  34. emily says:

    Oh, it’s just lovely! So peaceful and sophisticated, but sweet as can be. What a special room to bring your new one into!

  35. This is awesome! I think I’m going to copy so.many.things. from this room in our next nursery. Ha, I spotted the DADA book (we read it almost every night) and I really like the idea of a basket for books. Congrats on another room finished, now just have to wait for baby :)

  36. Renee says:

    This turned out so beautiful! I was thinking how sweet and sophisticated it looked and the next paragraph said that’s what you were going for so I would say you achieved it!

  37. Morgan says:

    I just listened to your podcast last night and was really touched by what you (maybe Chris?) said about making this space a new room for the baby and to help your older daughters move on to their new space. I really do think that you did a fabulous job of totally transforming this space – it is a whole new room! Your use of neutrals is different from the “typical” bright pink or blue nursery and I think that it will really age well with you sweet babe!

    I am a guest participant in the ORC and also ran my reveal today. I’d love for you or fellow ORC lovers to check it out! :) http://www.charlestoncrafted.com/2017/05/10/orc-reveal-fully-diy-remodeled-walk-master-closet/

  38. Debbie C says:

    I’ve so been looking forward to ORC reveal day! Wow, this room is so gorgeous and dreamy! Sigh…lucky girl…

  39. Absolutely gorgeous! So excited for Baby #3!

  40. Brooke says:

    That is GORGEOUS! you are so good at making each room it’s own but also making the whole house flow together. Your new little babe will love it.
    p.s I met your sister, and I just love her! She has been helping us with our lighting for our new build.

  41. Jackie says:

    Absolutely incredible. I think my favourite part is the moulding. It’s so beautiful!!!! That lamp, the mobile, glider, the rug and change table… fantastic choices. The big round mirror will make that room feel so BIG and bright. Great job guys! Love the blog and your podcast.

  42. Erin says:

    STUNNING STUNNING STUNNING!!!! Quick question, did you have to do anything in the closet? I’m in the process of working on my 3rd’s nursery (due a week before you!). I have the room design down but still looking for inspiration for closets.

  43. […] Girl | Chris Loves Julia | Christine Dovey | Dwell With Dignity | The English Room | Glitter Guide | House of […]

  44. Jessica says:

    It’s so pretty, guys! So creative in its simplicity and the way every detail stands out. Baby girl will love her new space! I wonder if there’s a name hint in that book showing… ? Thanks for sharing this beautiful room!

  45. it’s gorgeous! i love the blush and blue combo… what a fantastic space to bring a baby into!

  46. That mobile, the floor lamp, the rug….wow! Everything is stunning you did a great job. Your little darling is so lucky to have such a pretty room to come home to. :)

  47. Such a pretty nursery! I love that glider and the dresser. The area rug looks so luxurious :).

  48. Tanja says:

    Congratulations on finishing this beautiful room. It makes me want to have another baby so I could copy it. The photos are beautiful Julia – you had nothing to worry about.

  49. What a serene space! Everything turned out beautifully! Loving that crib skirt!

  50. Oh, we have nearly an identical layout in our nursery – except ours is (much) smaller, and right behind the chair we have a closet. I just noticed that there’s no closet in this room…. No wonder you need an extra large, gorgeous dresser! Storage is a must! Overall though, such a peaceful and serene room, makes me want to lounge on that chair and just take it all in. Can’t wait to share ours tomorrow. And now, the exciting part… waiting for baby girl to arrive! :)

    Oh, I did have a question about photography – any tips for shooting against the window? That’s one thing I’ve struggled with consistently, no matter how many tutorials I read and times I try. I use a Nikon D90 with the standard 18-105mm lens and a tripod. Any help would be much appreciated!

    • Julia says:

      I’m no expert and I’d definitely love to get better at that. But I have found using a tripod with a lower shutter speed and lower ISO, with a higher Fstop really helps. Also, the lens makes the biggest difference. I shot with a 50mm and a standard lens in here and the 50 has much more true colors and lighting. The standard needed a lot of adjusting. I’m getting ready to buy a new lens!

  51. Erin B says:

    This is so peaceful and cozy – I love it!

  52. LOVE it ALL!! Fantastic job- I’ve loved following along!

  53. it turned out beautifully! I love the mobile with the dark dresser.

  54. This is so serene. And that mobile!!! I want it too! Bravo in surviving the One Room Challenge and a stunning reveal.

  55. […] Girl | Chris Loves Julia | Christine Dovey | Dwell With Dignity | Glitter Guide | House of Brinson | House […]

  56. What a dreamy and amazing space for you to spend time with your daughter in. I love the mobile. It’s so gorgeous with that amazing wallpaper mural. I’m impressed that you accomplished this while pregnant with two little ones already in the picture!! I have none of that going on and am racing to my ORC finish line tomorrow – we will see! Look forward to seeing pics of that little one in this amazing nursery!

  57. Hayley says:

    I’ve been looking forwards to today just to see this finished room! There are so many lovely ideas in here, and the overall room is so serene. I’m expecting my first baby and you’ve given me so much to think about as I plan our own nursery. Lovely work, and beautiful photos!

  58. Jenn says:

    So, so beautiful!!

  59. Thank you so much for including Charlotte The Scientist in your book basket! What a lucky baby to have such a beautiful space. That mobile is amazing and I love how you captured it in the pictures through the mirror. So lovely.

  60. […] Girl | Chris Loves Julia Christine Dovey | Dwell With Dignity The English Room | Glitter Guide  House of Brinson | […]

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