Baby's Name: Vivien Charles Lay (7 months)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Room Size: 12’ x 14’

"It makes me happy to know Vivi sleeps and plays in a space I poured a lot of love into. I have spent countless hours in that room over the past seven months, so having a space I love makes me happy to be in there as well!"

Before starting on this space Joni knew she wanted her baby's room to be bright and imaginative without being juvenile; polished but with a vintage-glamour sort of look. And she wanted it to include an homage to her family that she could share with her baby everyday. But first things first — she created an inspiration board — want to have a peak? Take the full tour to see it, as well as many more photos of this bold and beautiful space.

What is your favorite element in the room?
The collection of photos framed over the changing table. I really wanted to have a space dedicated to our family, and the heritage we are passing on to Vivi. Some of those sweet faces didn’t get to know her, but she gets to look at them every day, and we tell her their stories so she knows where she comes from. It makes me so happy every time I look at it, and I love being able to tell her the names of those who love her the most.

How is the room similar or different from the rest of the house?
The rest of our house has a very eclectic and vintage feel (and it’s bright – every room is a different color!). I have lived by the idea that if I find something I just love, I will get it if I can and find a way to make it work. For Vivi’s room, though, it was a much more intentional process. Without a doubt, her space received the most thought and attention and so it has a more cohesive look than the rest of the house.

Were there any surprises? Good or bad?
I was surprised to have so much black in the room. I rarely go for black, and it certainly wasn’t top of mind when thinking of designing a nursery, but it just seemed to really work in the space. I was trying to decide whether the black and white chevron rug would do, and when I came across the black chest, that sealed the deal. The Jason Munn posters played a part in that inspiration as well, with their black and gold color scheme. My husband originally bought them for his office, but I convinced him they were just perfect for Vivi’s room.

My other good surprise was the Jenny Lind crib. I had been drooling over gorgeous designs, and thinking I was going to have to spend half my budget on a crib, when I went into a boutique baby store up the road with a friend and saw the white Jenny Lind. I loved it instantly, and couldn’t believe the $150 price tag – I was convinced there was something wrong with it because all the other cribs were 800+ dollars but I brought my husband back with me the next day and we bought it. Originally, I wanted something more modern, but you just can’t beat the price, and the style is perfect for Vivi’s room!

What was your proudest DIY?
I think the valances are my proudest DIY. Not that they took much time or effort, but I finished them the day before Vivi arrived, and I think they were the last minute touch the room needed. I just love how they turned out, and I’m glad I was able to get that done!

What was your biggest indulgence?
I would say getting the room painted. Formerly, the room was a light green, and our dining room was a bright persimmon color. After debating for what felt like forever on a room color, we ended up having the room, the ceiling, and the dining room and dining room ceiling repainted, because it was too crazy to have that bright persimmon close to the aqua (along with all the other colors in our house!). So what was going to be a small paint job ended up being a bit more of a splurge. (The dining room is now cream with a light blue ceiling, if you are curious.)

Any advice for other people starting this process?
Take your time. We started early and really enjoyed thoughtfully considering each new addition to the room, which invariably effected previous decisions made on other items; the crib changed the walls, some of the art changed position around, and the valances became a last minute addition just to name a few examples..

If money was no object, what would your dream source be?
I would LOVE a Madeline Weinrib rug (the color options are so gorgeous!) and my favorite crib is the Dwell Studio Century crib and, I know this is three, but I would love a Stray Dog Designs lamp or light fixture.

Resources:
• Black chest and gray changing table: Livi & Co., Albany, GA
• White Jenny Lind Crib: Precious Cargo Furniture, Smyrna, GA
• Chevron Rug: RugsUSA
• Gold frames: FrameUSA (great resource if you need a lot of custom sizes on a budget!)
• White Lamp: Home Depot
• Glider: New Baby Products, Atlanta, GA
• White bookcase: IKEA
• White mantel (shelf) and gold angel wings: Scott’s Antique Market
• Gold Chandelier: One Kings Lane
• Pillow Fabric, valance trim, and fabric for Louis XV style chair: Lewis & Sheron
• Louis XV style chair: flea market in South GA
• Flight of the Conchords Posters: Jason Munn
• Typewriter: Redefined Home Boutique
• Gilded Letter Blocks: Cabin7
• Dwell Studio Crib sheet, and BlaBla mobiles: the Seed Factory, Atlanta, GA
• Paint: Valspar. Wall color: Aqua Glow. Ceiling: Grand Hotel Mackinac Blue.

Thank you for sharing your Vivi's happy space, Joni! Readers, you can find Joni blogging at Lay Baby Lay and Chocolate Butter Bean. Pop over and say hi.

(Images: Joni Lay)