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From Bland to Grand: DIY Nursery Makeover from a Designer Mom

From Bland to Grand DIY Nursery Makeover from a Designer Mom hdr

Erin from Elements of Style pulled off a gorgeous nursery makeover for her daughter Emma.

She did it, blending timeless pieces with smart, budget-friendly choices.

She reused several items from her son Henry’s nursery and past guest rooms—like the side table, acrylic book cart, and bookshelf.

Erin proves that investing in pieces you love pays off over time!

From Bland to Grand DIY Nursery Makeover from a Designer Mom before

The wallpaper is a textured grasscloth in Egyptian Blue from Phillip Jeffries, which adds depth without overwhelming the space.

She scored a bamboo chair at a flea market for just $25, and it fits right in with the high/low mix of the room.

From Bland to Grand DIY Nursery Makeover from a Designer Mom shelving

The crib is a RH Baby & Child piece that Erin had reupholstered in leftover Pierre Frey fabric.

She ties it in beautifully with the custom cushion on the scalloped wicker ottoman.

The vintage rug from Linda’s Barn and the Kravet Althea print drapes add warmth and softness.

She also added a personal touch with a custom abstract painting by Kristin Blakeney, incorporating the room’s palette with a hint of blush for future flexibility.

From Bland to Grand DIY Nursery Makeover from a Designer Mom dresser

The caned chest from Frontgate replaced a less functional changer, offering smooth-glide drawers and ample storage.

For more design inspiration and clever reuse ideas, check out Erin’s full post on Elements of Style!

Emma’s Nursery DIY Project Summary

Materials Used

Wallpaper:

Phillip Jeffries grasscloth in Egyptian Blue

Crib:

RH Baby & Child, reupholstered in Pierre Frey fabric

Glider/Recliner:

Comfortable seating paired with a scalloped wicker ottoman featuring a custom cushion

Rug:

Vintage find from Linda’s Barn

Draperies:

Kravet’s Althea print, crafted by Makkas Drapery Workroom

Lighting:

Ceiling fixture and floor lamp from Circa

Artwork:

Abstract painting by Kristin Blakeney and a drawing by Kayce Hughes

Accessories:

Custom pillow in Brunschwig & Fils fabric, rattan stroller from Olli Ella, toile bear from deBuci, acrylic book cart, and bookshelf

Changing Station:

Frontgate caned chest with six drawers and an acrylic/brass organizer from Pottery Barn

Steps Taken

  1. Applied grasscloth wallpaper to create a textured, elegant backdrop.
  2. Reupholstered the crib to coordinate with the room’s color scheme.
  3. Integrated a mix of new and repurposed furniture, including items from a previous nursery and guest room.
  4. Selected a vintage rug to add warmth and character.
  5. Installed custom draperies and coordinated lighting fixtures.
  6. Incorporated personalized artwork and thoughtful accessories to enhance the space.
  7. Optimized storage with a functional and stylish changing station.

Key Tips

Blend high-end pieces with budget-friendly finds for a balanced aesthetic.

Repurpose cherished items to add sentimental value and sustainability.

Invest in quality textiles and custom elements to elevate the design.

Choose a cohesive color palette to unify diverse design elements.

Ensure functionality by selecting furniture with ample storage and comfort!

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