When I was pregnant one of the most frequent questions I was asked was, “What’s the nursery theme?” I would begin by answering with my general color scheme. But I would almost always get puzzled looks. Maybe it’s because I wasn’t saying “Blue! With whales!” or “Grey and white. With chevron!” So I started saying with a smile, “The theme is that there isn’t a theme.” Then I would usually get something along the lines of “Oh. I’m sure it’ll look great!”
I decorated Owen’s nursery solely on what I liked because I knew I would be spending a good amount of time in this room. And let’s be honest, this is the short amount of time in his life when I can dictate almost all of his choices for him.
In terms of furniture, I couldn’t go crazy because the nursery is a rather small bedroom. 10 ft. by 11 ft. to be exact. (I use a special lens to fit the room into photos, like the one below, so the room appears larger than it actually is in some photos.) So the main pieces in the room are the crib, dresser, and glider. I can’t tell you how many times I measured out the space and put down painters tape to map out where I would fit the furniture.
I didn’t really know where to start with planning out the nursery because I didn’t have anything I was working around like a piece of artwork. I did know that I wanted to paint the room a shade of blue. After purchasing approximately 10 samples during a Sherwin-Williams 40% off sale, I settled on Tidewater. It’s a gorgeous light blue color with a hint of green in certain light. And I’m thankful Sherwin-Williams was willing to gift us the paint.
Want to know where I got a specific item in the nursery? Check out the source list here!
Want to know why I had to wait so long to reveal the nursery? This guy right here– the glider.
I ordered the glider/recliner from Buy Buy Baby, as a gift from my parents. Well, when it came time to deliver the chair it had magically disappeared. The manufacturer said it had delivered it to the BBB store. BBB had no record of the delivery. So BBB had to rush order another glider for me, which still took 7 weeks. The manager at BBB handled the situation well. She had a loaner glider delivered for me to use until mine arrived, and she offered to refund half the price of my glider for my troubles. There was a minor issue with them charging my debit card instead of refunding the $300+, but they cleared that up after I brought it to their attention. Oof.
I knew I wanted to put up book ledges because, as a former teacher, I love children’s books. For my baby shower, my mom asked guests to bring a book in lieu of a card. I think this is a brilliant idea. Instantly build your baby’s library.
I must have looked at 500 white cribs before I decided on this one from The Land of Nod. I wanted one that had clean lines, not a lot of fancy business going on, and could convert to a toddler bed. Success. And I’m so thankful that The Land of Nod wanted to partner with me on some of the nursery items.
Deciding on bedding was tortuous. I ended up going with a yellow and white striped crib sheet. The yellow matches the yellow in the curtains almost perfectly.
I was going to make a crib skirt but then I gave birth. But I think the crib looks good without a skirt.
Disclaimer: Owen doesn’t currently sleep in his crib. I’m well aware that babies aren’t supposed to sleep with anything in their cribs. These pillows are purely for decorative purposes.
It may not look like it in this photo, but yes, we are able to fully open the closet doors.
I found the artwork above the crib on ebay. My initial plan was to hang a vintage pull down world map above the crib, but I never wanted to pay how much people were asking.
During one of my late night ebay searching sessions I came across these vintage world programs. So I bought a couple lots and picked out the countries I wanted– Ireland, Germany, France, and Italy.
I opened the programs up so the front and back are showing and framed them without destroying the booklets.
Brad and I are both of German and Irish decent. I actually lived in Ireland for 10 weeks my senior of college. While living in Ireland, I was able to travel to France and Italy. So the countries I chose have some meaning to us. Hopefully I’ll be able to drag Brad and Owen over to Europe one day.
I utilized this little area between the bedroom and closet doors by hanging a multi-hook rack for Owen’s bath towel and other miscellaneous items. It’s also the perfect spot for his hamper.
This vintage sheet music cover belonged to my late Grandma June. I found it while going through a box of sheet music in my parents’ basement last year. I actually posted a photo of it, along with two other covers, on Instagram a couple days after finding them, with the caption “Wouldn’t these look awesome framed and hung in a nursery?” Foreshadowing FTW.
I looked it up and this particular sheet music was copyrighted in 1940.
I love how she wrote her name on it. I always loved her handwriting.
I’m so happy there’s a little piece of her in Owen’s nursery. He would have been her first great grandchild, and she would’ve loved him to pieces.
One of my biggest nursery tips: use a dresser as a changing table.
We love the height of this Ikea Hemnes dresser. Brad and I are both tall people so it’s perfect for us.
Since we’re tall people, we had to make sure we put the shelf high enough so we wouldn’t smack our heads on it. So far, so good.
I love mixing old and new, especially if the old is sentimental to us in some way. You probably know this by now if you’re a regular reader.
This apothecary jar is filled with Brad’s Lego creations from his childhood. I actually had some extra space at the top when I was filling it, and Brad was all “I can make more!” So he channeled his inner 8 year old and whipped up a couple more cars. I have a feeling he’s going to love reliving his childhood Lego days with Owen in a few years.
Brad plays guitar so he’s getting excited about teaching Owen one day. We picked out this ukuele for Owen’s first musical instrument. But I’ve already caught Brad scoping out half size guitars.
The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs sheet music cover is another one that belonged to my Grandma June.
I picked up these zinc letters while on our California babymoon. I’m all about bringing back souvenirs that are useful or have some sort of meaning from vacations. (I pass on kitschy sweatshirts and snow globes.) And oddly enough, this was the only souvenir I brought home from California.
Again, with the old and sentimental– this globe was Brad’s growing up.
The miniature brass giraffe was part of a gift given to me from my best friend after I told her I was knocked up.
My lovely mother helped me make these black-out curtains. It’s tradition that she help sew nearly all the curtains in my house.
Choosing a fabric was another painstaking decision. But one day I grew tired of hemming and hawing and pulled the trigger on this fabric. I’m so happy I went with it because I love it. Owen digs it too. I catch him gazing at it while he nurses.
Brad’s dad came up a few months ago and helped us install the ceiling fan.
Another nursery tip: put your main light fixture on a dimmer.
I loved being able to dim the light really low during late night feedings. Who wants a blaring light in their face at 4 AM?
Now I dim it in the morning when Owen wakes up for his feeding and it’s still not very bright outside. We also dim it at night when we get Owen ready for bed.
There you have it. Owen’s bright and colorful nursery!
Want to know where I got a specific item in the nursery? Check out the source list here!
Check out my most popular baby-related posts below!
Caley says
October 20, 2014 at 7:33 AMWhat an adorable nursery – I love that it has no ‘theme’! x
Melissa G says
October 20, 2014 at 8:14 AMADORABLE! My youngest children are 10 1/2 and I love that nowadays people DON’T do themes! The combination of everything you have in here is just lovely!!! I adore the pops of color and those curtains against the blue wall are gorgeous! Owen’s got a great “crib” 😉 Love it!!
Dannyelle @ www.lifeisaparty.ca says
October 20, 2014 at 8:22 AMIt’s so beautiful, love the vintage music sheets framed! So colourful and fun.
Nichole says
October 20, 2014 at 8:53 AMI love Owen’s nursery! I think it’s bright, and fun and playful. Perfect for a baby boy!
Pamela-FromMyFrontPorchToYours says
October 20, 2014 at 9:04 AMOwen’s nursery is just darling! I love the jar full of legos. His bedroom is exactly laid out like the nursery I had for my boys. I had to take a double take. Everything from the closet to the window placement of the room is identical. I painted their room a blue as well. You did a fabulous job with his nursery!
Mandy @ This Girl's Life says
October 20, 2014 at 9:07 AMSuch a great space! It will really grow with him. We had the same dresser for the boys’ nursery and loved it. Now it is in our bedroom!
Brittany B says
October 20, 2014 at 9:11 AMWhat a beautiful nursery! I love all of the sentimental pieces, so perfect.
Abbey says
October 20, 2014 at 10:16 AMYou created such a beautiful space! What a lucky little boy 🙂
Alison S. from Iowa says
October 20, 2014 at 10:42 AMIt looks soooo great Chelsea!! We also have our nursery light on a dimmer and it is by far the easiest and best thing we did for my daughter’s room. I can’t imagine being in there now with the light blaring at 4am!! Love the Target pouf and little garden stool next to the glider!
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says
October 20, 2014 at 10:55 AMI’m glad I’m not the only one that gets the ???????????? look when I say there is no theme in the nursery. We are just not into whales, or elephants, or sports enough to go with an entire theme. Your nursery is perfect! I love the old framed music from your grandma, and LOL at your husband making lego cars for the room. At least he put his touch on the nursery too huh? 🙂
Lisa says
October 20, 2014 at 11:15 AMYou did a wonderful job in the nursery! And I feel you pain on being asked about a nursery “theme” and not having a good answer. Why must there always be a theme?! Good job and I hope my “theme-less” nursery turns out as nice as yours 🙂
Alba says
October 20, 2014 at 11:45 AMI totally love it! And I agree with you, a nursery doesn’t need to be based on a theme. You did a great job!!
Michelle Schneider says
October 20, 2014 at 11:59 AMLOVE your nursery! How cool are those maps? What a fun idea!
Kelley Lively says
October 20, 2014 at 12:30 PMVery cute! I love the artwork. I’m expecting twin girls in December and I get that question all the time about the theme! I have no theme, just girlie?
Ashley T says
October 20, 2014 at 1:01 PMI love this…my baby boy Owen is due in February and I’m not doing a theme either…just gray walls and whatever cute colors/patterns I decide to do. I hope mine turns out half as cute as this! 🙂
Jen Hartz says
October 20, 2014 at 1:10 PMI love it! Good job, momma!
Ceci Bean says
October 20, 2014 at 1:14 PMIt turned out lovely! I am with you– themes are not my style.
Jessica S says
October 20, 2014 at 1:19 PMSuch a cute and fun nursery! I’m expecting our first, and I keep getting the theme question, too! I don’t really want a lot of matchy-matchy stuff, so I hem and haw every time. I’ve also been looking for a glider/rocker and curtains. I’d love to know how you are liking the glider so far!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
October 20, 2014 at 4:59 PMI LOVE this glider. It’s also a recliner– bonus! It doesn’t look that comfy, but it’s so comfortable to sit in. Even Brad approves of it. Plus, the arms a little high so it’s nice for nursing (if you plan on breastfeeding).
Jessica S says
October 22, 2014 at 1:37 PMThanks for the reply!!
Ida says
October 20, 2014 at 4:38 PMThe nursery is perfection! I love how you have so many memories in there for him!
Erin @ How to Nest for Less says
October 20, 2014 at 5:24 PMLOVE ALL OF IT!!! The colors are simply perfect. So glad you stayed away from themes too 🙂
Meg O. says
October 20, 2014 at 5:29 PMI love it, Chelsea! So simple, clean, yet has a lot of meaning. That’s kinda what I wanted for Caroline’s nursery, too. I LOVE the idea of the toys in the apothecary jar!! My husband has TONS of old Star Wars toys he played with as a kid, so if we have another kid and it’s a boy, I’m totally stealing that idea!!!
Hani Shabbir says
October 20, 2014 at 7:06 PMAdorable Chelsea. I love the wall arts and the shelves over the changing table the most!
Meghan says
October 20, 2014 at 8:33 PMI am in love with Owen’s nursery! I love how it doesn’t have a “theme” and many of the items are sentimental!
Megan says
October 20, 2014 at 9:05 PMI love this “themeless” room! The paint color is beautiful and the pops of yellow too!
Kassandra says
October 20, 2014 at 9:17 PMThis is such a beautiful and inspiring nursery! The details and special meanings behind it all complete this room! You did an amazing job! And I agree, using dressers as change tables is the greatest idea!
Thanks for sharing, Owen is on lucky little boy 🙂
[email protected] says
October 20, 2014 at 9:21 PMI love it! I really like that you didn’t do something cliche or too themey. It’s perfect. 🙂
Taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says
October 20, 2014 at 11:22 PMOh Chelsea! This space is so adorable! You did such a wonderful job, I love all the bright colors and the prints are my favorite. 🙂
Aly Brooks says
October 21, 2014 at 11:06 AMI love everything about it… especially that adorable “Owen” blanket!
Michelle says
October 21, 2014 at 1:18 PMI don’t make or take the time to look at people’s blogs or follow links in Facebook – life seems too busy. But whenever I see your posts, they have a calming effect on me! The colors, the content, the recipes (and I don’t cook, but I have been baking your yummy cookies!). I don’t know what it is, but I THANK you! Your posts and blog are such a lovely reprieve in my crazy, busy day. I enjoy seeing little Owen, your beautifully appointed home, the peonies (I’m from the East Coast and that has always been my favorite flower), and your overall photography is great! I’ve downloaded the apps on my iPhone that you suggested and have learned to take some fun shots.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU! for sharing!
Have a FABULOUS day,
Michelle
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
October 29, 2014 at 12:33 AMThank you, Michelle! Your comment made my day! I’m so glad you get joy out of what I put on the blog. Seriously, this is one of the nicest, most sincere comments I’ve received in a long time. Thanks so much!
Diana says
October 21, 2014 at 2:15 PMLove this! So personalized and simple. Totally on board with the no theme theme. I would call our son’s room “stuff we like”.
We have many of the same books too. “Little Blue Truck” (and the second one, “Little Blue Truck Leads the Way”) are currently favorites for my 19 month old!
B says
October 21, 2014 at 7:12 PMI love this! What a beautiful room! I also love the ingenious place for the towel hook and hamper. We have a similar small area between two doors in our little guy’s nursery and that looks like the perfect solution. Great colors and love the sheet music too. 🙂
[email protected] says
October 21, 2014 at 9:58 PMGreat room, crisp clean & fun…enjoy!
jenw says
October 21, 2014 at 11:04 PMLove it! So bright and fresh. And you did a wonderful job picking things that will grow with him. Swap out some artwork and you’re set for a 5yo boy. And it’ll seem like just a few months before he’s there. Enjoy your snuggle time and remember on the hard days and times that they will pass.
Runt says
October 22, 2014 at 11:23 AMHis room turned out great! It reminds of our nursery as far as the space goes. Ours it pretty small too and only has the crib, dresser, and glider. Here’s mine if you wanted to take a peek. :]
http://www.runtspickins.wordpress.com/cabinnurseryreveal
jen Schreiner says
October 25, 2014 at 10:30 PMSuch an adorable room. I love how it looks to tidy and crisp.
RugoLand says
November 2, 2014 at 12:07 PMI love what you did with Owen’s nursery! This is sort of information that can really help. One day I will sure use your input, thank you.
Aimee says
March 26, 2015 at 3:33 PMWhere did you have the blanket made with his name repeated on it?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
March 26, 2015 at 4:37 PMAll the nursery sources and direct links to the items can be found here: https://www.twotwentyone.net/2014/10/nursery-sources/. 🙂
Marci says
April 24, 2015 at 12:20 AMSuch and adorable nursery! I love the vintage + modern mixed together!
Andrea says
May 11, 2015 at 8:53 AMIt’s beautiful. I love the personal touches and not having a theme.
Johanna says
August 5, 2015 at 2:12 PMBeautifully done! I, too, use the non-theme approach! 🙂
Lilliesloveliesbydgt.etsy.com
Kelly M says
August 5, 2015 at 6:06 PMI love how you mixed new and contemporary items with pieces from your own family history – you’ve created a beautiful space! I’m still waiting on my wee one to make his or her entrance – we’re just a few days away now I think – and I had a lot of fun putting together a gender neutral space. I chose grey and white, threw in some polka dots, chevrons, and animal pictures…I was specifically trying to avoid a theme – I think a theme can be very limiting, and who wants that when there are so many adorable things for nurseries?!
Jennie Poole says
August 20, 2015 at 12:00 PMLove the “non theme” look! So adorable and original. It’s a room all about Owen and his roots and that’s so genuine ❤️
Jaysson K. Bay says
October 23, 2015 at 5:28 PMNice room but from what I can see your crib is in the way of maybe 1 closet door. Doesn’t that annoy you or do you just suck it up?
kb8
Stephanie says
January 16, 2016 at 6:16 PMHey! Can I ask where you purchased the side table and towel hook on the wall?? Super cute nursery! This is probably one of my favorites because its not a theme its just simply colorful and cute!
Crystal says
January 17, 2016 at 7:35 PMI love the colors and style of your room! I like that it is not like a typical nursery and is so full of character. Great job!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
January 18, 2016 at 10:13 AMI love it all- too cute! I think I just bought that same blanket (or a very similar one) for my daughter’s nursery that’s currently in the works. Great minds!
Laura B says
January 19, 2016 at 12:50 PMThis is great! I love the color combination! And it all works together perfectly 🙂
Nancy Straughan says
January 21, 2016 at 10:01 AMThis is so lovely, I really like the pops of yellow in the textiles. Just discovered your blog via the Brag-Worthy Thursday link up!
Bobbie says
January 22, 2016 at 10:54 AMI am in love with this! <3
Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods says
January 24, 2016 at 9:29 PMI had to pop over since our oldest son’s name is Owen and oh how I adore the nursery you have created! It is sheer perfections with all the touches of yellow and blues. But the children’s book and the artwork are my favorite pieces! Fabulous job!
Thanks so much for sharing your creativity at the The DIY Collective this week! Please come back next week to show off your latest project!
Alyssa says
May 8, 2017 at 3:36 PMSuch an adorable space. I love the artwork. I wanted to let you know that I am featuring this in a nursery roundup if you don’t mind.
Sarah says
October 20, 2017 at 12:09 AMI’m wondering if now that your son is older and maybe getting himself dressed if you still like the size of this dresser or if you think a “child size” one is better?
Gracie says
February 14, 2018 at 2:38 PMHow did you secure the changing pad to the dresser? I’m planning to do the same and can’t figure it out.