INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNITURE GUIDE

BABY FURNITURE IDEAS

Shabby Chic Nursery for a Baby Girl

March 8th, 2010

When deciding on a style or theme for a nursery for a baby girl, shabby chic is a very popular choice for several reasons. While it possesses a traditional flavor, it has a soft, romantic feel that is charming and whimsical, yet comfortable and relaxed. It is also an economical way to decorate a nursery because you can choose new-to-you furniture that has a vintage feel, new baby furniture that is designed to look vintage or combine both new and flea market pieces together. And because your nursery furniture doesn’t have to match (unless you want it to), shabby chic style allows you to indulge in those special finds that might not be included when you purchase matched pieces, either individually or in a set. It also gives you the freedom to create a nursery for your baby girl that is unique to her.

Shabby Chic Palette

Shabby chic wall colors from Sherwin-Williams) are typically neutral and muted, mainly whites, creams and light beiges. Walls can also be painted in soft pastel shades of pink, blue and green. Deeper shades of the pastel colors can also be used as paint accent colors or the primary color in wallpaper or border pattern.

The Status Furniture Somerset Baby Nursery Dresser, while it possesses a traditional flavor, it includes a popular shabby chic motif. The floral carvings give the crib a hand-crafted appearance, adding charm and whimsy to the overall design.

If you choose to go the matched furniture route, the Status Furniture Somerset collection includes a delightful armoire that possesses definite shabby chic qualities. With its enchanting air and timeless charm, it has scalloped detailing, soft curves and framed door and drawer fronts.

The Caden Lane Modern Vintage Ava Bedding Set has flowers in spades. The different sizes of flowers in four unique patterns will make the crib the focal point of the room. Vintage floral designs are evident in the paisley-like flower motif of the crib bumpers.

Don’t forget to make room for a comfy place to sit while you are feeding baby. The Dutailier The Comfort Recliner with High Leg definitely is a candidate for a baby girl shabby chic nursery. The rounded back and deep seat cushion give it a relaxed look but the lovely curving angles of the arms add a touch chic vintage style.

By placing the Lea Emma’s Treasures Cabinet Nightstand next to the recliner, you’ve made a cozy corner for yourself, making the chair more functional when you’re feeding or reading to your baby. When she moves from crib to bed, you’ll have one less piece of bedroom furniture to worry about.

It’s not just the pieces themselves that don’t have to match; you can also mix it up regarding finishes. The Lea Spring Garden Nightstand has the look of an heirloom treasure hiding out in a countryside cottage – exactly the look you want for a shabby chic nursery. The yellow finish perfectly complements the crib bedding and the other baby furniture chosen. When choosing to mix and match finishes, you can also opt for darker wood finishes as well, such espresso, coffee or cherry.

Share this Post[?]
        

Vintage Style Nursery for a Baby Boy

February 16th, 2010

Shabby chic or vintage style is often associated with girl nurseries but this vintage look can work just as well in a boy nursery. While it does possess elements of romanticism, vintage style also possesses a casual old world charm that, even with its traditional heritage, it still is informally elegant. Shabby chic or vintage style is well-known for its floral patterns, but it also incorporates stripes and retro geometric shapes that have interesting lines and sweet, whimsical contours. Choose “boy” colors, vintage baby furniture and nostalgic wall art and other accessories, and you will have a vintage style nursery that will be a welcoming place for your baby.

Vintage style nursery baby furniture typically has decorative or structural design elements of a bygone era like Victorian, turn-of-the-century and the 1950s. A vintage style crib might have a white-washed or distressed finish; a change table could have wrought iron accents; a dresser may have hand-painted stencils or motifs. Another great thing about creating a vintage style boy nursery is that furniture pieces don’t have to match – in fact, it’s more “vintage” if they don’t.

Blue Palette

Predominate colors (from Behr) in shabby chic or vintage décor are pure white, cream and soft pastels like soft yellows, blues and greens. These particular color choices are designed to complement two specific crib bedding sets.

Just like in an adult bedroom where the bed is the focal point of the room, the crib you choose for your vintage style nursery will be center stage. To help create that vintage look, select a crib with inlay accents like the Bratt Decor Chelsea Lifetime Convertible Crib in Espresso.

Or if you prefer a crib in classic white, the Bratt Decor Dick Crib in White is the perfect choice. What makes this crib vintage are the simple lines and handcrafted appearance.

The first crib bedding set, the Caden Lane Modern Vintage Sean Bedding Set displays classic vintage floral designs but with a “boy style” flair. By pairing soft earth toned neutrals with a bright accent blue, this crib set possesses true vintage charm.

On the other hand, the Caden Lane Classic Blue Jack Baby Crib Bedding Set successfully combines vintage stripes with retro circles and polka dots.

The vintage style of the DaVinci Jenny Lind Wood Changing Table in Ebony is evident in its turned spindles. The turned spindles have the classic appearance a bed found in grandmother’s house.

Accessories for a vintage style boy nursery should have the look and feel of prized family heirlooms. Sepia photographs in burnished metal or cast iron frames would be one option for vintage style wall art. Or how about replicas or reprints of 1920s children’s books cover art featuring the popular bunny or fox stories of that era in wood frames with a distressed finish? Lamps will have scrolled metal bases with small checks, stripes or damask patterned shades. Any decorative accessory that has cherished, old world charm will be ideal for a vintage style nursery.

Share this Post[?]