Miss Emma is going to be one lucky girl. She has a big brother who cannot wait to share his life with her, a daddy who would hang the moon and stars for her, and a mama who cannot wait to welcome her into our family. As I’m sure every mother would attest, words can simply not describe the way I already love our 2nd (and last) child.
After 3 months of planning, work, and stringing you along, I’m finally ready to reveal her serene nursery to you. It was truly a labor of love – and we honestly saw blood (Tom’s), sweat (Tom’s), and tears (mine) throughout the process. The room has turned out so perfectly, though, that we wouldn’t have had it any other way. Be warned that this post is very picture heavy, but I knew that’s what you’d want. 😉
You may remember the inspiration photo that triggered my entire vision. I still don’t know who is responsible for this photo, but I’d like to kiss their ring!
I absolutely fell in love with the beige and whites in this photo. Since I was having my one and only girl, though, I wanted to add a touch of pink into the room. I found this sweet, powder pink Angel Toile fabric, and the vision of my room was set into motion. I sketched out my plan for the room months ago, and I’m overjoyed to say that the final room turned out so much like my original vision!
I’ve never claimed to be an artist, but at least it got me headed in the right direction!
Introducing, Emma’s nursery:
The view when you walk into her bedroom.
The Piece de Resistance – a bed crown made from an antique fireplace mantle.
I found this mantle at a local antique shop. It was already painted this shade of cream, which is a perfect match to the rest of the room.
Another view of the crib. Tom, who lovingly over-engineers everything, did a fantastic job securing the crown to the wall. He said she could do gymnastics on it and it wouldn’t come down. I’m going to put together a tutorial on how to turn a vintage wood piece into a bed crown. It’s a lot easier than it looks!
Have no fear, the curtains are tied back to the walls, so Emma won’t be able to pull them into the crib.
The three tiered, ruffled cribskirt was made from vintage bed linens. It was really easy to put together. I’ll do a tutorial for this, too.
The changing table, with my chalkboard fabric labels, sits on the wall to the left of the crib.
I framed some family heirlooms, and they hang above the changing table. From left to right, my old Easter bonnet, my mother’s baby dress and newborn shoes, my old toddler shoes, and Tom’s baby bib.
My Easter dress, from when I was 5 years old, adorns my child-sized dress form.
Continuing to the left, you’ll find my slipcovered rocking chair. Won’t this be a lovely place to rock a new baby?
You can also see part of the angled wall/ceiling we were dealing with when putting up the crown molding. It was a difficult task, but Tom mastered it and it came out beautifully. He did such a great job!
On the next wall is an Ikea cabinet that used to be in my sewing/craft room.
The shelves are filled with a mix of old and new – some of my stuffed animals, some of Zack’s stuffed animals, my favorite baby picture of Zack, my first Pointe shoes.
On the wall between the bedroom door and closet, I hung this shelf I picked up at Goodwill. On the top, you’ll see an antique oval frame (which will soon be filled with something very special), my sister’s toddler shoes, and a photo of Tom’s grandmother (who we recently lost) and his father as a baby. On the hooks, the white dresses were my mother’s baby dresses. The pink dress will be what Emma will wear home from the hospital, and will then she’ll be able to pass it on to her own daughter.
I couldn’t forget to picture this little doggie. We let Zack pick out the first thing we ever bought for Emma, and he picked this dog the day he found out he was having a sister. The little dog’s tag says, “Best Friends.” I hope that they are.
Thank you so much for joining me in this little nursery tour. It’s been so hard keeping this all a secret from my readers for so many months, but I wanted to reveal it all at one time, instead of in little, unfinished pieces. I hope you think it was worth the wait. I do!
Okay, let’s look at it one more time.
Yay! Just 10 more weeks and the room will have it’s finishing touch – it’s very own princess.
Suzan says
Absolutely lovely!
Paula says
You did a fantastic job of making a beautiful nursery for your daughter. I love the idea of using a mantel for bed crown – so creative! Using vintage shoes and clothes adds the perfect touch to this room. Great job!
Andréann says
This is a very very lovely and charming nursery!! everything looks so great togheter… I love the heirloom wall!!
Anna says
it looks beautiful, I love all the family pieces and photos you included in the room
Carla says
How pretty! I want MY bedroom to look like that. You did a fabulous job. All the room needs now is that precious baby girl.
Kathryn says
Beautiful! ♥
Julie says
Stunning! You need to get this published!! LOVE every single one of your touches!
Shelley in SC says
Absolutely dreamy. I love the serenity and can picture you rocking in that beautifully slipcovered chair, enjoying Emma!! Love the fabrics!!
Brandi says
Oh Lindsay! It’s a room fit for a princess for sure!! The nice thing is that it can grow with her and won’t be too “babyish” in a year or two. Very well done to you (and Tom 🙂 Oh, and I looove the slipcovered rocking chair. Did you sew that? I have a glider that needs a slipcover but I wouldn’t dare attempt it myself.
Southern Gal says
It’s beautiful. My daughter’s baby is due on Friday. The nursery is complete with white eyelet and touches of pink. Ballet is her theme and she has pointe shoes and wall art with a ballerina. I love the unit from Ikea.
How did you frame the clothing? It looks like it’s not enclosed in glass. The tie from the bonnet is hanging over the frame. How did you attach it to whatever is in the frames? I have so many pieces of clothing from myself and Rebekah that I would love to display in my home as well as Rebekah’s. Thanks.
Lindsay says
It was very easy (once I figured it out!). I covered the glass from the frames in a layer of batting and then fabric (here, I used linen). Then, I just secured the items with t-pins that I was able to hide under layers of fabric. I wanted to actually put them under the glass, but there was no way to do that with the shoes other than shadow boxes, which I didn’t want to do.
Southern Gal says
Thanks! I’ll have to give it a try.
Ashley says
It’s absolutely gorgeous! And the story about the little dog made me tear up a bit.
heather says
Oh my goodness!!! SO lovely! It’s delicate, soft, romantic and feminine. She IS a lucky girl!
Turley Times says
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! You gave me some amazing inspiration I hope to be able to use someday! 🙂 It looks perfect for a little princess and I love how your son picked out that doggie for his new baby sister.
Hannah
Sandy says
such a nice mix of new and nostalgia. She’s one lucky little girl!
Lindsey Barkel says
This turned out beautiful, Lindsay! I am 34 weeks pregnant and I don’t know the sex so I’m jealous that you’re able to properly ‘nest’! Beautiful…!
Lindsey Barkel says
Oh and I hope everything goes well for the remainder of your (last) pregnancy. God Bless!
Jenny says
Oh, Lindsay! The room is so perfect. I’m thrilled for you!!
Felicia Kramer says
OMG – I don’t have enough words to say how wonderful this room is! What a lucky little girl! And it is so fantastic that your families had the presence of mind to save so many mementos from your childhoods. What I wouldn’t give to have some things like that. (Although in our large family probably everything was passed down so much it was in rags by the end! LOL!)
Congratulations on a stunning and tasteful design!
Nikki says
what a great relaxing room….
Kelly@TearingUpHouses says
I like how you framed the heirlooms. Very special!
Kelly
Ami says
What a stunning nursery! I cried at the story of the stuffed puppy picked out by big brother… we have a 5 year old boy and a 1 year old girl, and it is so neat to see their relationship. 🙂
Tomi Ann Hill says
WOW! It’s just beautiful, and so full of personal meaning and special touches. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Amanda Eck says
precious!!!! so sweet. and with those colors you can go into toddler, little girl and teen! But knowing you- you will have something more amazing for each phase of childhood. 🙂 Enjoy your little girl! They are sooooooooooo much fun!
Nadir@hodgepodge says
Oh this nursery is just darling! I love that everything in it has special meaning & was put together w/ such love & care. What a beautiful job you guys did. 🙂
Katie Kregel says
LOVE it. Especially love the curtains over the crib and all the heirloom touches!
Cara @ I love my sheets says
Oh Lindsay, This is sooooo pretty, soft and elegant. Maybe the soft and serene touches will help her sleep through the night:)) Hope these last 10 weeks go by quickly for you!
Brianna says
what a beautiful nursery, you did a fantastic job with it!
Chelsea says
It’s absolutely beautiful. I LOVE it, great work!! (And Congratulations!!!)
Rachael @ Mrs-Adventure says
Wow so french…. so chic…. wow wow and wow great job!
Haley says
It’s beautiful! I literally got tears in my eyes as I read your post. I hope your kids are best friends, too; siblings are the greatest 🙂
Hope your delivery is smooth! What a beautiful place you’ll have to come home to 🙂
L.Duncan says
I took a break to come see Baby Emma’s nursery and I’m glad I did! It is soooo pretty Lindsay. How sweet is it to have a little boy and a little princess!
Congrats again hun!
Kristen says
It is just beautiful!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cindy says
I love it sooo much! I adore all the vintage touches. It’s absolutely beautiful. If I were to ever have a girl (not happening though) this is what I would want her nusery to look like. Great job!
Lauren says
Simply Beautiful!
Rondell says
Just beautiful…what a lucky baby girl!
Rondell
Jen @ Canadian Rhapsody says
You did a great job Lindsay! I’ve been slowly working on our baby’s nursery myself for the past little while (my hubby’s been in Afghanistan), and I think it’s finally starting to come together. I’m hoping I can do a full reveal of ours in July, which will be just in time to welcome our baby (due in 8 weeks).
Enjoy your beautiful room with your little one!
Anne says
I love every single thing about that room! It’s just stunning, all the way down to the little details. I really can’t even tell you how much I love it!
mrs.g from ourgrowinggarden says
Absolutely lovely!
Heather says
Just gorgeous, well done!
Emily says
Wow! This is just stunning. I have a little baby Emma too. 🙂
Great job on the nursery. I think it will show up in magazines soon!!
cassie says
lindsay, this room is gorgeous, and so relaxing! what a lucky little girl to have such abeautiful room and a mommy and daddy that put that much love and care into her room. well done!
B Ochs says
Were you going to hang the ribbon and bird chandelier in the room or did you decide not to?
It is a gorgeous room. I love all the family heirlooms everywhere. Makes it so special.
Congrats and good luck with the last leg!
Lindsay says
You know, I haven’t actually hung it yet. I was thinking it would go over where the rocking chair is, but I’m not sure. So, right now it’s hanging on my son’s closet rod (and he actually really loves it there and wants to keep it – LOL). I just don’t want to hang it before I know exactly where I want it.
Thanks for the sweet comments!
nell ann says
Everything looks absolutely perfect — my favorite project of yours, I think! I’ve never seen a bumper like that … and I can’t believe how nice it looks with your beautiful crib bedding. I just love the bedskirts. : )
Can’t wait to see that last finishing touch!
the BLAH BLAH BLAHger says
I was really touched by all the heirlooms, but mostly by Zack’s present for Emma!
Roberta says
So sweet Lindsay 😀 I’m a grown woman and I’m going to use some of these ideas for my bedroom…mainly the children’s clothing…I have my original dress from when I was a little girl in Africa and want to put it out for display and love the hangers and hooks as well as the manequin….just don’t have that much room here at the Love Shack! But you have inspired me and so love the dust ruffles on the crib…can’t wait to see your bundle of joy, fondly, Roberta
haley davis says
How superfabulous!! I love how the room isn’t “baby-ish” and still very stylish!! Oh how I can’t wait to have a baby! Wait- I need to be married first! LOL You did a great job!!
Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds says
So beautiful! I love all of the special touches and heirlooms you incorporated.
DigitalScrapbookingTeacher says
I LOVE this! Are those your old point shoes? Now I know what to do with mine. My daughter is a girlie girl all the way and my old pointe shoes would look perfect in her room (besides she’s in her 5th year of dance). You know what would look cute between those amazing curtains over her crib is a vinyl letter (first initial) or a vinyl cutout silhouette of something like a bunny or ballet shoes or puppy or something sentimental to you. Thanks for sharing! Love your design work.
Lindsay says
They are my old ponite shoes! My very first ones in fact. 🙂
I thought about doing a vinyl in between the curtains, but I’m not sure yet. I’m going to live with it for a few weeks and see if I decide that I “need” something there. I always overdo it, so I’m trying to err on the side of caution! LOL
heidi @ wonder woman wannabe says
Serene is the perfect word to describe the lovely way you’ve put the room together ! Great job! Now you can sit back, relax and get as much sleep as possible and hope that your little princess will LOVE to sleep in there too!
Arlene Grasman says
My favorite projects are nurseries! My niece was just born this weekend and we are having so much fun looking for inspiration.
Did a post on it today! Nursery Love
Carolynn says
Love, love, love! Beautiful!
Kara says
Oh my goodness, I totally love it. Every single detail is just perfect. I think your room is much prettier than the inspiration picture you used. Absolute perfection!
Yanira DelValle says
It’s gorgeous. She is one lucky princess. Many blessings to you and your family always!
Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy says
My favourite part are the framed heirloom pieces above the change table. So beautiful!
Bridget says
Wow, that room is amazing! My little girl (also due in 10 weeks) is just getting her brother’s nursery with a few girly touches. I mean, blue walls and everything (my hubby painted a lovely tree mural he refused to paint over). I so admire your vision and execution, what a lucky little girl!
elz says
GORGEOUS! You’ve outdone yourself. it is truly lovely.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
It’s lovely, Lindsay. 🙂 I love how you incorporated family “heirlooms” into the room. I did that too! The crib skirt is just divine!
Paige Price says
Love it! I used the same pink/khaki fabric in my daughter’s nursery 3 years ago. It’s timeless, and I did like you, pulled in khaki and white with pink accents…..2 thumbs up!
Ivy Smith says
LOVE IT! Im still waiting on my Dad to finish baby Paisley’s crib and then I can finish putting her room together! I only have 8 weeks to go so he better get on it:)
Jennifer says
Gorgeous room! Where did you end up hanging your beautiful bird and ribbon chandelier?
Lindsay says
You know, I haven’t actually hung it yet. I was thinking it would go over where the rocking chair is, but I’m not sure. So, right now it’s hanging on my son’s closet rod (and he actually really loves it there and wants to keep it – LOL). I just don’t want to hang it before I know exactly where I want it.
Kimmy says
Wow, I love it all!! It is simply gorgeous! I love all the heirloom touches you added to the room. She is one lucky little girl 🙂
Brenna says
What a beautiful room! Your daughter is going to love growing up in it. I know I would!
Ann says
Oh WOW!!!
Now this is why I am dying for a baby girl! Well, not entirely, but it does mildly drive me to adopt a girl by images and dreams of feminine rooms like this! 😉
Jen says
Simply lovely! We have two daughters and I can promise you they are every bit as fun and special as you can imagine. Enjoy!
sarah says
simply stunning. The payoff of seeing this was totally worth the wait. Would you expand upon how to frame items like you did above the changing table? All of your heirlooms lay so flat! I would love to know how to do that!
Sarah says
You were so right in choosing the toile fabric. It brings the whole thing together and all the dusty, soft colors are absolutely gorgeous. What a lucky baby girl!
Heather says
Beautiful from the first vision to the completed room–great job, both of you.
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
Wow! It is beautiful! I love the crib skirt and the crown! SOOOO lovely!
Alex @alexcampbell11 says
It’s beautiful! Your husband did a great job and you did a reat job designing and supervising 🙂
Tina says
Lindsay – it’s been so long! I’m so glad that I came back to see how everyone is doing! I’m so excited for you and your family as you get ready to welcome your newest addition…. Emma is a lucky little lady….
You may have already blogged about it, (and I’ll have to go back and read all of the posts I missed), but it looks like you have the same crib that we have for Molly. It’s a Graco Ashleigh Dropside…. and it’s on the recall list. If you haven’t already read it, be sure to check it out. No biggie – just needs some hardware to disable the dropside. Just wanted to make sure you knew!
Hope you’re feeling well – you’re almost there!
Lindsay says
Hi Tina!
My crib is actually a fixed-side crib – it’s the Rockland Caden crib from JC Penney. Thanks so much for the heads up, though! All of these crib recalls are certainly scary. We had a drop-side crib that we used with our son, but we decided not to use it because of all of the drop-side crib warnings to date (even though that one hasn’t actually been recalled). Oh, and that crib was a natural color and I decided that I would die if I didn’t have a white one for this baby. LOL
Tina says
Awesome! Sorry to be such a downer – that totally wasn’t my intention! =) Our crib is white too – so cute. I have to post some pictures of our nursery. It’s certainly not as polished as yours, but it’s still my favorite room in the house!
Lori W. says
You did a beautiful job!
Laurel says
This is fantastic – I can’t say enough about it! I love it!
april says
this is so beautiful! I just went crazy over it right now! I wish we had baby clothes like that, because I would recreate this in a heartbeat! What a lucky little princess!
Chelsea says
It is absolutely perfect! I love all of the details and the colors are super soothing. She will love her room for sure!
Chelsea
Beth says
It’s absolutely precious!!!
How did you hang the baby shoes, bonnet, etc. I’m stealing this idea and putting it in my twins nursery. Of course after you tell me how to hang them 😉
Nikita says
I wish I was her…. Its such a beautiful room… You are awesome!! 🙂
BJ_Mama says
How Classically Beautiful! I love all the heirlooms!
Amys blah, blah, blogging says
Wow! That is one fabulous nursery!
Tracey says
It is serene indeed–beautiful details.
Jennifer balino says
VERY PRETTY ROOM. I LOVE EVERYTHING. I WAS WONDERING WHERE THE MOBILE WITH THE BIRDS WENT. I THOUGHT THAT WAS FOR THE ROOM AS WELL. CONGRATS
teresa says
ditto – so many of those LOVE comments. You may have answered this already – what color are the paints? This will be perfect in my long wide hallway.
Danielle says
Totally gorgeous…the thing I love the most is that you can feel the love coming from everything you put in the room! Emma will be one lucky little girl!
Denise says
Dear Lindsay, The nursery is so very beautiful!! I can see your pictures in a magazine for sure. I love how you have so many sentimental touches around the room. My absolute favorite item is that triple layer crib skirt! You are amazing! Can’t wait to see the precious little one.
Heather says
GORGEOUS! Absolutely stunning!
Please, please, do be careful of the long flowy curtains above the crib! my youngest started pulling on the curtains so the crib had to be moved away from the window…
Truly a gorgeous nursery!
Nancy Ellison says
I have never seen a prettier nursery. Just so polished!
xoxo,
nancy
Tammy says
That is so beautiful!! Thanks for sharing.
Kimm at REINVENTED says
Oh my, so beautiful, just like I’d imagined it!!! I sooo love all of the vintage and personal touches in the room, you’ve got me tearing up, girl!
Nancy LeB says
I love the whole place – what a fabulous job. I would love to know how you went about framing the bonnet, dress, etc. – thanks for sharing with all of us
Danielle @ Three Men and a Little Lady says
Oh. My. Word. This nursery is SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I love how light it is! The bed crown, curtains, and the crib skirt are gorgeous – they make the room look like a million bucks. 🙂 And the heirlooms make it so personal! Congratulations on a beautiful room to bring your little girl home to!
Allison says
That is beautiful! She is a lucky girl to have a gorgeous room like that!
Kelly@40istheNew30 says
Lindsay, I haven’t stopped by your blog in a while, but I’m so glad I did tonight. Emma’s nursery is just beautiful! It looks so soft, airy, and comfortable – I love the little pink dog your son picked out for his new sister. I also love all of the family heirlooms you’ve included. The room is so personal and unique to your family. Emma is a lucky little girl!
Heldy says
Wow! That is precious. I love the muted tones with a touch of blush for the little Princess.
Vera Lauterbach says
I love the little ones new room…a princess will love it..I would love for you to show us how to do the 3 layer bed skirt you did on her bed. I am so wanting to do this for one of the grandchilds room…thanks for all of your insperations…Vera
Lindsay says
I sure will! I have that tutorial planned for next Monday!
Megan {Honey We're Home} says
That nursery is perfection. You guys did a great job- and blessings on the rest of your pregnancy:)
Erika says
Beautiful room…so serene and perfect! I think a perfect touch to the room would be a round carpet something that can bring the colors of the crib and curtains all together to the floor. Again, great job!
Angela Rockstad says
Wow beautiful job!!
Jenny@Simcoe Street says
I am doing a feature on nurseries and want to include this! I’ve been a long time reader and Emma’s nursery is one of my favourites. It will of course include links to your fabulous blog! Hope that’s ok
Jenny
Jennifer Morrow says
I love it! I especially love the canopy.
Sherman Unkefer says
Your nursery is gorgeous! Well done
Taylor says
I love the curtains and mantle. what did you do to hold the curtains behind the mantle? I have been debating on buying something already made up on etsy but I love this so much more!!
Lindsay Ballard says
Thanks, Taylor! Here’s my tutorial on the bed crown: http://makelyhome.com/how-to-create-a-bed-crown/
Suzy Sholar :) says
I think my favorite touch is the family photos and heirlooms. So nice to have them on display rather than gathering dust in storage somewhere!
Sonya says
The inspiration drapes over the crib could have been done with a shower curtain rod. They sell round curtain rods. I have seen them (pricey) but a look at a reuse it store you could find them.
Amazon is about $25. I would suggest looking again tuesday-thursday when I see some price drops.
http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-Products-Adjustable-Single-Curved/dp/B004VLVU7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397843394&sr=8-1&keywords=curved+shower+rod