fabric for curtains. crib bedding. frame. frame. crib. rug. rug. kids rocker. rocker.
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, today’s nursery began with the Serena & Lily ‘Marlo’ crib bedding inspired by Mexican folk art. I love gray as a backdrop for any room because the color is chic, sophisticated, contemporary and warm all at once. One of the biggest misconceptions in designing a room for a child (especially a nursery) is that the design has to be ‘dumbed down’. In reality, balancing a sophisticated room with the playful aspects of childhood serve to create a much more beautiful finished space. You’ll rarely find baby animals or alphabet motifs in one of my rooms but if you do, rest assured they wont be used traditionally!
A constant theme in rooms I love comes from mixing handmade artisinal and ethnic pieces from the world over with clean, unfussy elements (currently I am completely pre-occupied with mid-century modern). A pop of yellow against a gray backdrop mixing a variety of textures and patterns strikes perfect balance with the contemporary lines of the furniture (like the Oeuf Sparrow Crib, a current favorite in the nursery design community).
Some of my favorite inspirations can be found in the homes of my grandparents who have circled the globe in their travels more than a dozen times, each return bringing another fabulous treasure from a far-off place. Every carving, statue, woven textile, and piece of art is a story – not only about the place from which it came, but the memories of the travels that brought it home. Designing a space isn’t simply about the pieces that fill the room, it is also about telling the story of your family – where you’ve been, where you’re going, and the unique experiences along the way.
