Maxwell’s Mix of Old & New
Name: Maxwell
Location: Austin, Texas
Room Size: 200 square feet
My favorite nurseries include a mix of old and new, handmade pieces and family heirlooms. Baby Maxwell’s nursery is a perfect example. With a trendy triangle accent wall, a classic Jenny Lind crib, vintage dresser/changing table, and loads of DIY projects throughout the space, the space feels like it was put together over time rather than lifted from a showroom floor.
How would you describe the look and feel of this room?
Happy!
What is your favorite piece or element?
I love that the nursery is full of handmade art and heirlooms from the crafty women in my life. My great-grandmother crocheted the black afghan on the back of the glider for my mom when she was a little girl. And all four of the cross-stitches on the gallery wall were made by my mom for my nursery when I was a baby. My mom also made the adorable stick horse in the corner behind the glider. For me, Maxwell’s room is a perfect mix of handmade crafts and functional design. I just hope he enjoys his room as much as I do one day!
What was the biggest challenge decorating this room?
The biggest challenge was what to do with the windows. I love that room has great light and four large windows. On one hand, curtains would be nice to keep light out and allow the baby to sleep, but curtains are also expensive, get dusty, and the long window over the bench would be awkward with curtains. I ended up deciding to go with just two valances on the crib wall to make it more of a focal point. The blinds keep enough light out for Max to sleep comfortably during the day.
What do your friends say about the room?
When my friends with kids come over, this is usually where we hang out! Kids seem to really enjoy this room. The rocking chair is a big hit and the books are easy access for little ones. The bench is great extra seating and the large rug is perfect for kiddos to hang out.
Do you have any advice for parents creating a room for their child?
I love the idea of making a nursery that the baby can grow into. A room that isn’t too baby-ish. In the end, make sure you love the room because you spend a lot of time in there! Oh and splurge on a super cozy rocker/ glider. You won’t regret it!
As far as crib safety goes, the pillows are just props for prettier pictures. Maxwell does not sleep with pillows in his crib. And the ten pound mirror is hung with two 30 pound picture hangers. We might rethink the mirror when Maxwell is old enough to stand up and grab it. Lots more on the mirror drama here.
If money were no object, what’s your dream source?
Oh fun question! If money and time were no object, I’d probably travel around the world, scouring vintage shops and talking to wood workers to make us one of kind pieces!
Source List:
- Rug: Home Goods
- Crib: Wayfair.com
- Crib sheets: Handmade by Grammy
- Glider: West Elm
- Benches: The old version of the IKEA EXPEDIT shelves
- Bench cushions: Handmade
- Book ledges: Handmade by Dad
- Mirror: Hobby Lobby
- Wall color: Igloo by Dunn Edwards
- Pillows: Handmade, IKEA, and World Market
- Rocking horse: Repainted Craigslist find
- Valances: Handmade out of insulation
- Artwork: Handmade by Grammy and Mom
- Changing table: Craigslist find
- Timeout chair: Wisteria
Thanks, Jamie! Readers, you can see more of Jamie by visiting her blog, C.R.A.F.T. (Creating Really Awesome Free Things).
• MORE KIDS’ ROOMS ON APARTMENT THERAPY
• SUBMIT A BABY OR KID’S SPACE