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Two Twenty One

Owen’s Bright and Colorful Nursery

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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!

sherwin williams tidewater

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.

little castle treasure glider

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.

land of nod book ledges

yellow nursery

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.

colorful boy nursery

personalized baby blanket

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.

land of nod pillows

It may not look like it in this photo, but yes, we are able to fully open the closet doors.

land of nod elemental crib

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.

american geographic society around the world books

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.

baby boy nursery

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.

Pinocchio sheet music cover

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.

framed vintage sheet music cover

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.

ikea dresser nursery

baby shoes

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.

eclectic boy nursery

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.

legos in apothecary jar

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.

ukulele nursery

The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs sheet music cover is another one that belonged to my Grandma June.

vintage snow white

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.

boy nursery

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.

brass giraffe

My lovely mother helped me make these black-out curtains. It’s tradition that she help sew nearly all the curtains in my house.

jo jo corn yellow slub curtains

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.

jo jo slub corn yellow

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.

blue and yellow nursery

There you have it. Owen’s bright and colorful nursery!

LOVE this 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!

wood cribEmmett’s Nursery
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Baby Hacks
Baby Car Kit
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Closet organization tips and tricks!Nursery Closet – Organization Tips and Tricks
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What I Packed In My Hospital Bag
What To Steal From The Hospital After Popping Out A Kid & Other Advice

Filed Under: baby, nursery, Owen's nursery, Sherwin-Williams

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Comments

  1. Caley says

    October 20, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    What an adorable nursery – I love that it has no ‘theme’! x

    Reply
  2. Melissa G says

    October 20, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    ADORABLE! 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!!

    Reply
  3. Dannyelle @ www.lifeisaparty.ca says

    October 20, 2014 at 8:22 AM

    It’s so beautiful, love the vintage music sheets framed! So colourful and fun.

    Reply
  4. Nichole says

    October 20, 2014 at 8:53 AM

    I love Owen’s nursery! I think it’s bright, and fun and playful. Perfect for a baby boy!

    Reply
  5. Pamela-FromMyFrontPorchToYours says

    October 20, 2014 at 9:04 AM

    Owen’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!

    Reply
  6. Mandy @ This Girl's Life says

    October 20, 2014 at 9:07 AM

    Such 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!

    Reply
  7. Brittany B says

    October 20, 2014 at 9:11 AM

    What a beautiful nursery! I love all of the sentimental pieces, so perfect.

    Reply
  8. Abbey says

    October 20, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    You created such a beautiful space! What a lucky little boy 🙂

    Reply
  9. Alison S. from Iowa says

    October 20, 2014 at 10:42 AM

    It 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!

    Reply
  10. Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says

    October 20, 2014 at 10:55 AM

    I’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? 🙂

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    October 20, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    You 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 🙂

    Reply
  12. Alba says

    October 20, 2014 at 11:45 AM

    I totally love it! And I agree with you, a nursery doesn’t need to be based on a theme. You did a great job!!

    Reply
  13. Michelle Schneider says

    October 20, 2014 at 11:59 AM

    LOVE your nursery! How cool are those maps? What a fun idea!

    Reply
  14. Kelley Lively says

    October 20, 2014 at 12:30 PM

    Very 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?

    Reply
  15. Ashley T says

    October 20, 2014 at 1:01 PM

    I 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! 🙂

    Reply
  16. Jen Hartz says

    October 20, 2014 at 1:10 PM

    I love it! Good job, momma!

    Reply
  17. Ceci Bean says

    October 20, 2014 at 1:14 PM

    It turned out lovely! I am with you– themes are not my style.

    Reply
  18. Jessica S says

    October 20, 2014 at 1:19 PM

    Such 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!

    Reply
    • Chelsea @ two twenty one says

      October 20, 2014 at 4:59 PM

      I 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).

      Reply
      • Jessica S says

        October 22, 2014 at 1:37 PM

        Thanks for the reply!!

        Reply
  19. Ida says

    October 20, 2014 at 4:38 PM

    The nursery is perfection! I love how you have so many memories in there for him!

    Reply
  20. Erin @ How to Nest for Less says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:24 PM

    LOVE ALL OF IT!!! The colors are simply perfect. So glad you stayed away from themes too 🙂

    Reply
  21. Meg O. says

    October 20, 2014 at 5:29 PM

    I 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!!!

    Reply
  22. Hani Shabbir says

    October 20, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    Adorable Chelsea. I love the wall arts and the shelves over the changing table the most!

    Reply
  23. Meghan says

    October 20, 2014 at 8:33 PM

    I am in love with Owen’s nursery! I love how it doesn’t have a “theme” and many of the items are sentimental!

    Reply
  24. Megan says

    October 20, 2014 at 9:05 PM

    I love this “themeless” room! The paint color is beautiful and the pops of yellow too!

    Reply
  25. Kassandra says

    October 20, 2014 at 9:17 PM

    This 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 🙂

    Reply
  26. [email protected] says

    October 20, 2014 at 9:21 PM

    I love it! I really like that you didn’t do something cliche or too themey. It’s perfect. 🙂

    Reply
  27. Taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says

    October 20, 2014 at 11:22 PM

    Oh Chelsea! This space is so adorable! You did such a wonderful job, I love all the bright colors and the prints are my favorite. 🙂

    Reply
  28. Aly Brooks says

    October 21, 2014 at 11:06 AM

    I love everything about it… especially that adorable “Owen” blanket!

    Reply
  29. Michelle says

    October 21, 2014 at 1:18 PM

    I 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

    Reply
    • Chelsea @ two twenty one says

      October 29, 2014 at 12:33 AM

      Thank 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!

      Reply
  30. Diana says

    October 21, 2014 at 2:15 PM

    Love 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!

    Reply
  31. B says

    October 21, 2014 at 7:12 PM

    I 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. 🙂

    Reply
  32. [email protected] says

    October 21, 2014 at 9:58 PM

    Great room, crisp clean & fun…enjoy!

    Reply
  33. jenw says

    October 21, 2014 at 11:04 PM

    Love 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.

    Reply
  34. Runt says

    October 22, 2014 at 11:23 AM

    His 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

    Reply
  35. jen Schreiner says

    October 25, 2014 at 10:30 PM

    Such an adorable room. I love how it looks to tidy and crisp.

    Reply
  36. RugoLand says

    November 2, 2014 at 12:07 PM

    I 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.

    Reply
  37. Aimee says

    March 26, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    Where did you have the blanket made with his name repeated on it?

    Reply
    • Chelsea @ two twenty one says

      March 26, 2015 at 4:37 PM

      All the nursery sources and direct links to the items can be found here: https://www.twotwentyone.net/2014/10/nursery-sources/. 🙂

      Reply
  38. Marci says

    April 24, 2015 at 12:20 AM

    Such and adorable nursery! I love the vintage + modern mixed together!

    Reply
  39. Andrea says

    May 11, 2015 at 8:53 AM

    It’s beautiful. I love the personal touches and not having a theme.

    Reply
  40. Johanna says

    August 5, 2015 at 2:12 PM

    Beautifully done! I, too, use the non-theme approach! 🙂
    Lilliesloveliesbydgt.etsy.com

    Reply
  41. Kelly M says

    August 5, 2015 at 6:06 PM

    I 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?!

    Reply
  42. Jennie Poole says

    August 20, 2015 at 12:00 PM

    Love the “non theme” look! So adorable and original. It’s a room all about Owen and his roots and that’s so genuine ❤️

    Reply
  43. Jaysson K. Bay says

    October 23, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    Nice 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

    Reply
  44. Stephanie says

    January 16, 2016 at 6:16 PM

    Hey! 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!

    Reply
  45. Crystal says

    January 17, 2016 at 7:35 PM

    I 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!

    Reply
  46. Jessy @ The Life Jolie says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:13 AM

    I 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!

    Reply
  47. Laura B says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:50 PM

    This is great! I love the color combination! And it all works together perfectly 🙂

    Reply
  48. Nancy Straughan says

    January 21, 2016 at 10:01 AM

    This is so lovely, I really like the pops of yellow in the textiles. Just discovered your blog via the Brag-Worthy Thursday link up!

    Reply
  49. Bobbie says

    January 22, 2016 at 10:54 AM

    I am in love with this! <3

    Reply
  50. Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods says

    January 24, 2016 at 9:29 PM

    I 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!

    Reply
  51. Alyssa says

    May 8, 2017 at 3:36 PM

    Such 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.

    Reply
  52. Sarah says

    October 20, 2017 at 12:09 AM

    I’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?

    Reply
  53. Gracie says

    February 14, 2018 at 2:38 PM

    How did you secure the changing pad to the dresser? I’m planning to do the same and can’t figure it out.

    Reply

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