Name: "Bebe Pelanne"
Location: Manhattan, NY

When we found out we were pregnant the search for a larger one bedroom or upgrade to a two bedroom began. However, if anyone has opened up the NY real estate section lately you will find the rent prices have soared. We decided to stay in our one bedroom, and divide the room. The actual space is 6' x10.5', which was surprisingly enough space for a nice nursery.

A gender neutral nursery was a must for us because we opted not to find out the sex of the baby. Most people would find this limiting, but I found this freeing. I could look at this space as a place for fun design without going gender over board. One of the good things about staying in our apartment was that we could keep our view of Central Park. After stalking design blogs, both baby related and not, I was able to make an inspiration board of things I liked that I thought would interest baby, fit into a small space, and not look too "themey".

First, I chose a color palette: green, orange, gray and white. I didn't want the colors to compete with each other. I also didn't want to it to look like I jumped on the gray bandwagon by over using the color. Finding a balance was important to me. Like I said before, the space is small so storage is essential for us. We blocked off the space by using IKEA Pax wardrobes. I painted the double wardrobe in gray and created a chevron pattern on the door panels. The other two wardrobes have orange colored storage containers to compliment the other pops of orange in the nursery. On top of the wardrobes are Aiden Gray storage bins I found on Gilt.com for a fraction of the listing price.

One thing that I found myself drawn to were all the gray cribs on the market. My favorite was the Oeuf sparrow, in you guessed it...gray, but I couldn't justify the price tag. I then found the babyletto Hudson crib for half the price (bonus it included the toddler rail). Also, since we didn't have space for a changing table my dad built the one nestled on top of the crib; also fashioned from the $250 Oeuf changing station.

Above the crib is an Audubon poster which I purchased after doing a Groupon to Art.com, and painted the frame gray to match the rest of the room. Before people comment on the safety of the frame, it is screwed into the wall. My father also made the mobile. We even have a small "Eames" rocker covered in a sheepskin throw, which is tucked into a corner. Even though I know the owl trend is close to being over, I used them throughout the nursery because I was obsessed with the print my husband did when he was 8. I also thought the birds tied into the view of the park. I am also obsessed with carpets and feel that they can make a room. This zebra print rug helps pull all the elements of the room together.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with our nursery and had a ton of fun planning and decorating. Being in the space does not feel cramped, and everything for the baby has its place. I just can't wait for our little one to see it, and hope baby loves it as much as mommy and daddy!

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

(Images: reader submitted)

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