Ivy Says

I’m not going to lie, designing my Luca’s nursery was a lot of fun, but not just quite as exciting as designing a little piece of princess heaven for my Baby Sienna, truth is I’ve always dreamt of having a baby girl, and all the special girly things I would do for her.

The second time around however, I knew exactly what I needed and did not need in a nursery, and although aesthetics are a priority, they would have to take a back seat this time around to functionality. With Luca, I had naively bought an entire room set, on display in a store, the wardrobe and changing table and everything in between. But after never using the changing table once, thanks to the ideal one we had set up in the washroom, or the mattress in his room, and realizing that a tiny wardrobe in the room, would only take up space rather than actually make space, I knew the pieces of furniture for the new nursery would have to serve multi-purposes. And so I embarked on this new project, with those things in mind.

The Theme

Parisian, Pink, and Vintage, Chic, were the words that come to mind. A cozy traditional setting space that felt both serene and sweet, just like my baby girl. I wanted pieces that weren’t matchy matchy, but rather a collection of items, that work together harmoniously.

The Color Palette

I know boho-earthy nurseries are a hit this year with unusual color palettes, hot air balloons, dream catchers and what not. But I couldn’t help but be immediately drawn to a cotton candy pink. And so, instead of a bleach white, I paired it with a soft creme and a beige. I thought adding more of a saturated tone would calm the room, and dim it to give it a sleep-friendly ambiance. To me bedrooms are a place for children to sleep not play. I fell in love with this stunning wall paper from Skaff, polka dots gave the room a the Parisian chic feel I was looking for, and if you would look a little closer you would notice that the dots had a playful hint of gold glitter on them. As for the textile, I also chose two kinds, a cotton candy velour and a creme suede also from Skaff. The curtains are linen material soft beige from Wardeh which blocked just the right amount of light from the room- something I had also learned the hard way.

The Furniture

Like I said, each piece had to be different but somehow fit into the overall theme. First the crib, I searched high and low for a one-of-a-kind crib, something that resembled the kind of cribs you would see in your favorite fairytale movie fit for a little princess, a crib that was NOT white, or modern. And so I fell on this gorgeous one, a rocking chabby chic crib with a soft worn out creme wood and engraved florals and a tulle classic canopy. I found it as a last piece sold separately at Alina’s in Kfarhbeb, they have the wonderful selection of unique Italian/European high-end baby furniture that I haven’t found elsewhere in Lebanon.

As for the Rocking chair, comfort was everything, I had rocked my Baby Luca for over 11 months on an Ikea chair with wooden arms, and let me tell you, it can get painful both for you and baby. Nothing impressed me in my search, so I had my carpenter custom-make me this one, with the creme suede textile from Skaff along with a leg rest. And let me tell you that thing is one comfortable rocking chair, both baby and I can sink in and cuddle up together and at times even nap. Of course I use a throw-over because, well, suede and baby aren’t the best combo. I found the perfect side table at BHV Home that looked like it had come with the bed.

Next, the day bed and night bed. This one I’m the most proud of for coming up with. I had my carpenter also build a bed for me, that would also serve as a huge chest inside, having learned just how much baby things baby will need and just so little storage space you’ll be left with. The top part where the mattress sits simply opens from one side to reveal a big box. I asked him to do it quite high, so that it can also serve as a changing area for baby, without being annoying on the back. And during the day it transforms into a day-bed surrounded by cushions and at night, a bed for whomever is sleeping with baby. But to give it a less boxy-feel I sent it to an upholsterer to cover the entire area with the pink velour material I had ordered from Skaff. The reason I wanted it upholstered is to make it more baby proof, if Little Luca was monkeying around as I changed Baby Sienna, he can either rest his back comfortably and not hit his head on a hard surface. I’m not going to lie, it also made it all the more prettier.

The Linens

Pottery Barn was a no brainer for this. But when I found out international wedding dress designer Monique Lhullier was teaming up with them for a collection, I knew I had to have it and it didn’t disappoint, in fact it was love at first sight. The designs were everything you would expect from this bridal gown expert, handcrafted tulle, fairytale hues, satin soft beddings that added a dreamy romantic ambiance to the nursery. I went for the full set, from the gorgeous blush pink tulle bed skirt with Butterly appliqués, the sateen butterfly bed sheet, the soft all-round bumper with pretty ribbons, and the sateen quilt. I even threw in that gorgeous cushion case which I placed on the rocking chair. It complemented the crib perfectly.This had to be my favorite thing about this nursery.

The Accessories

The baskets I found at Zara Home, which I adore as well as all the cushion covers on the day bed. I used one right by the changing mat as a diaper supply box and another for all her pretty little shoes. I got an extra one for her burp clothes and to keep an extra supply of linen clothes on hand. The pink storage boxes that match the throw over on the leg rest, I found at H&M Home along with the cute little pink frame on the side table. As for the flowers and the fluffy white carpet, from Carpet Plus, although VERY overpriced, I have to say they have some of the best fake flowers in the country, so they’re definitely worth the investment.

Baby Sienna is six months young already, and I have to say, there is not a single item in this nursery that wasn’t useful to date. It’s a welcoming warm and loving space which is not only sweet and inviting but even little Luca enjoys the occasional cuddle in here. I’m very happy with the outcome and it’s quickly become a favorite hang out spot in our home. I hope it inspires you. Baby Sienna’s Baptism is coming up next months (can’t believe only last year I had Luca’s Baptism) and I can’t wait to show you all the lovely things I have planned. Follow me on both Snapchat (ivy says) and Instagram to keep up with all the fun preparations @IvySays.