Caitlin's Cozy Nursery

Hello my dear readers! I'm temporarily surfacing from diaper changes and feedings to bring you the much awaited pictures of my daughter Caitlin's nursery...

My main objective was to create a space that would bring a sense of happiness to both Caitlin and myself. I hope to spend many hours together in her room- nursing, reading and playing with her as she grows from infancy through early childhood. I knew right away I had lots of different elements I wanted to include, so instead of choosing a single theme, I used color as my inspiration. I choose a calming sea blue for the walls and fabrics in soft pinks and cheerful yellow to brighten up the simple white furniture.

The majority of the toys and books in the bookcase are vintage items from my own childhood, as is the white wood toy chest in the corner and the small white wood rocking chair. It's wonderful to be able to re-use these items and share them with another generation, and as an added bonus it saved on the cost of decorating! Owls and elephants are my favorite animals and they are featured throughout the room as symbols of wisdom & strength.

I was concerned about hanging a glass framed picture above the crib (unfortunately, we have earthquakes to consider) so I decided on a simple white monogram decal that sticks directly to the wall. I also created a stencil in the same font and used it to paint the lettering on the lid of the toy chest. Even with the monogram, the crib wall felt a little bare, so I used extra scraps of fabric from the window valances and other sewing projects to create a string of bunting. It turned out to be the perfect solution, adding a bit of color and a celebratory feel to the room.

Of course, I also had to include a picture of Miss Caitlin herself. This was on her first day home from the hospital and in 3 short weeks she has already grown and changed quite a bit. Amazing! Motherhood is both an adventure and a challenge, but it's getting easier with each passing day. I'm going to take the rest of July to settle into our new routine, but I should be back to a semi-regular posting schedule in August. Until then... I hope you're enjoying the guest posts and having a happy summer!

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Resources:
Paint color: Wind Surfing by Dutch Boy
Crib, Rocker, Bedding, Elephant Lamp: Pottery Barn Kids
Dresser, Bookshelf, Mosaic Mirror: Ikea
Shag Rug: World Market
Changing Table Topper & Book Bin: Land of Nod
Window Valances & Closet Curtain: handmade with fabric from Ikea
Bunting: handmade
This is Happiness print: Love Sugar
Girl & Bird print: Nan Lawson
Girl & Bunny print: Trafalgars Square
Wall Monogram: Decal Farm
Toy Chest & Child's Rocking Chair: vintage & hand painted