All Together Now

So here's the nursery.  I'm really pleased with how it all turned out, from when I first decided to redecorate it after being inspired by Laura Normandin's doll, donated to the auction to benefit the family of James Kim.  Because this room is attached to our master bedroom, I wanted it to be a space the whole family felt comfortable in, girlish without being frilly.  I pictured myself reading to my children on this low bed, and I secretly hope that some day my kids curl up here together.  I have already started making doll clothes for the little clothesline, and there will be boy clothes along with the girl clothes with this goal in mind.

I'll try and give you a proper tour now, with hopes you'll see how the small parts fit together.  I'll put all the links to projects together at the bottom. 

The photo above shows the wall along the side of my house, where the bed and chair are.  The empty clothesline is up there (just waiting for doll clothes), the decoupaged side table next to the bed, and the little pillow is there on the chair.  The angel, unaltered as yet, is above the chair.  The curtains were the first project I did for this room, made from muslin and bits of an Urban Outfitters bedspread.

Now this view is the front wall of my house, if you were to hop over to my room, you would see three more of these windows also on the front of my house.  Between the windows are the mary jane shadow boxes, the orange table I picked up at an estate sale way before I had kids, and I painted it this color for Elliot's nursery. His nursery was almost this exact color of blue- Benjamin Moore "Early Morning" but the color in this room was part of Martha Stewart's now discontinued line from Sherwin Williams- "Skyline."  On the floor, the lamb chair was a gift from Babystyle.com.  The front of the dresser is just to the right of the lamb.  See here?

This wall has Lucie's dresser, the smock I sewed hanging above it and the butterfly lamp. The doll I commissioned from Laura Normandin is also on the dresser.  See this photo?  That is the door into my room (hello unmade bed), which I have to tell you I absolutely love.  I prefer to have my kids near me at night, so I loved opening the door between the rooms when this room was Elliot's.  The door on the right is the closet, which you can see here. I had the builders put in shelves figuring a single rod is useless for a babies room, and I thought this room might someday be a sewing room for me.  The shelves just lift out if I decide to put a rod in later.

And now we're sort of back where we started, here is the door to the hallway, see the foot of the bed down there?  The clothesline also runs along the side wall of the bed.  This wall jogs in about 18", so the mattress fits pretty perfectly, it makes it feel a bit more cozy to me.  Below this shadowbox is a hook that could eventually hold a coat or bookbag, but for now displays this adorable little dress I picked up last week at the Oliebollen warehouse sale.  I had to, it matched her room.  Below is a little crunch hamper, I love those.

And to reference all of the old posts which have detailed photos-
Inspiration
Curtains
Mary Janes
Mary Jane Shadowboxes
Laura Normandin Doll 
Bedside Table
Tiny Pillow
Bedding and Clothesline
Butterfly Mobile (which didn't make the cut)
The Angel
Smock
Butterfly Lamp and Finished Smock

and a link to the whole flickr set

Update: I have gotten a ton of questions about a few things-

a) the smock pattern is from Ebay- McCall's #7629 c.1981

b) the toy bar was purchased on sale from Babystyle when I was pregnant with Elliot (2003).  It was part of a toy line designed by Josie Bissett, 'cause I think TV stars design the best toys;)  It was ridiculously cheap (maybe $15) and has been a favorite of both of my kids.  The dangly parts are a sun, moon, and little puppy.  It would be pretty easy to make if you are so inclined, and there are some available for a decent amount of money like this one.

Comments

[erin]

courtney, you should be so proud of all you have done to make this nursery so lovely. it is like a little slice of heaven - i don't know anyone who wouldn't feel calm and comforted by it! congrats on a job well done.

[Michelle]

You have done an amazing job. I'm sure there will be some wonderful family moments in that room.

[Jodi Renshaw]

So lovely!

[Mama Urchin]

It looks wonderful and like a place where everyone will gather. Congrats on creating a great space.

[Amy]

You are such an inspiration! That is such a light-filled, beautiful & sweet little haven.
I could go on & on about all of the charming details, but I'll just let you know that the curtains, colour scheme, & the lovely Oliebollen dress are what capture my heart most!
Congrats!
I know your whole family must love it, not just for the look, but for the care & work that you've put into it! Go make more of those sweet memories together. :-D

[kate1976]

This is just a beatuiful room. Would it sound stalker-ish to say I want to live in your house? :)

[susaninfrance]

just lovely!!

[molly]

courtney it's beautiful!! and I love seeing lucie there on the bed, kicking under her toy, because that is exactly what elizabeth is doing right now, too. where's your "arch" from? it looks so nice.
i love your vision of the kids snuggled up on the bed together someday...i love thinking ahead to little pleasures like that, too!

[Anina]

What a very beautiful and peaceful room.

[sarah]

what an amazing space you've created, courtney.
thanks for the guided tour!

[Wendy]

The word that comes to mind is 'serene'. You've really created that mood perfectly. I want to come and take a nap there.

I just wanted to say thanks for posting this, I've been meaning to do a post on using Feng Shui in kids' rooms, and this tipped the scales.

I have one suggestion for this room (which is about as close to perfect as anybody could get- seriously). In an area that the kids see each night as they go to sleep, put up a photo of them surrounded by their loving family. That image will forever embed itself into their subconscious mind.

[kathy]

Everything is absolutely lovely. It felt peaceful just looking at your photos and reading your narrative. I'm always inspired by the beauty you create in your home. Thanks for sharing.

ps the first photo made me teary, I love that stage before they can roll off a bed :), special days.

[pamela]

I wish I could move in.
:)

[Shannon]

So adorable! I love the curtains you made.

[Molly Irwin]

So lovely and completely unique. What a source of comfort for you and your little one. Molly

[kate]

little did you know I've been dreaming about that room for years! just kidding, but pretty close really. You have amazing taste and coordination in decorating, you are amazing!!

[Veronique]

Just perfect! I'll have to take more pictures of Maggie's doll clothes for you -- she's got some great pieces from my cousin.

[Heidi]

Beautiful and inviting...lots of good space to curl up and read. Well done!

[Ana]

What a lovely nursery! I LOVE the smock! Did you use a pattern for it? I tried looking at previous posts, but didn't see reference to a pattern. Did you make it up yourself?

[margot]

That's a gorgeous room ... so peaceful and cool. Well done!

[Di]

The nursery looks great! I am amazed how much light there is in the room and I love the washing line idea! It looks like a very inviting family room!!

[Bev Schweigert]

How absolutely adorable! I love your blog... I could spend hours reading through all your posts! Your pictures are gorgeous!

I've added you to my easycrafts4fun.com blogroll and would love to be added to yours...

Bev

[Kimi]

Lucie's nursery looks wonderful - so clean and pretty. I love the colours and especially like the doll clothesline.

[Tami]

Really beautiful. Did you make the wooden toy bar (that the baby is playing with on the bed?) I love it.

[blossom]

just gorgeous, and refreshing! i love your design philosophy. thanks for sharing!

[Tish]

Coutney:

The nursery is lovely. Just thought you might be interested to know that you are the Seank Peak on Design Sponge's blog - designsponge.blogspot.com
Lucy's room was a hit.

[Lei]

I agree, that dress had to be aprt of the room! And it will get worn eventually. :)

Everything is darling.

[mojo]

let me join the crowds wanting to know more about the toy bar!

[Joanne]

It is gorgeous! Thanks for posting all the pieces together. Very inspirational. It really has me thinking about how I want to redecorate our nursery for the next baby.

[Molly Irwin]

courtney: it's great to see the whole thing together after watching the bits and peices. Also, and not an aside, your post is featured on design sponge today. Here's the link:
http://designsponge.blogspot.com/2007/07/sneak-peek-turn-this-doll-into-room.html

Molly

[Patricia]

What a lovely room. It's such a reflection of the love you have for your new child! I hope you spend many many happy times in there.

[Amy]

And now I want blue walls and white doors in my bedroom. Thank you for the inspiration!

[molly h]

weirdest coincidence. i read this post just yesterday and on my way from work i stopped at this teeny thrift store and found that baby bar/gym thing for 3 dollars! couldn't pass it up - don't have a baby yet, but it'll be put away for a future time.

[Mefuza]

What a calming room for the baby. I am enjoying reading your blog. Lots of great ideas.

[nomayne]

dream rooms do come true, don't they! i love it, the windows are beautiful and the fact that it adjoins your room, even more fantastic! your little one is very very lucky!

[skt]

where did you buy the cute white knit baskets in elliot's closet?