Nursery Update: It is finished... well almost

You have no idea how excited I am to share with you Bradley's nursery. I have been waiting for this day for MONTHS. Literally. I didn't want to show it to you until I received the final piece from my dad... which he delivered this past weekend! YAY!! So... here we go.

Welcome!

I'm going to walk you through each angle of the room and point out why I chose what. And let me warn you, there are a lot of pictures. Like I said- I'm kind of really excited to show you and so I may have gone a little overboard with the picture taking.

In designing Bradley's room, my main goal was to make it transitional. I wanted to choose pieces that grew along with Bradley. This is why we decided to use Bradley's dresser as a changing table rather than get a separate piece of furniture.

I love this area of Bradley's room. Last night, Bradley was having a fussy fit and so I took him upstairs and placed him on his changing pad. Instantly, he grew quiet. Jeremy asked me why I thought that this area calmed him down. I knew the answer immediately. This is has been a place where Bradley and I have truly bonded. We sing here. We laugh here. We talk here. We play games here. We give each other kisses here. I probably spend way too long changing Bradley's diapers, but it is in this place that I have his undivided attention. It can be 2 a.m. or 1 p.m. and Bradley will just stare at me cooing and smiling. I really love it.

These are on the dresser and are really the reason we chose to have a semi-sailboat theme. Jeremy has had these for forever. I thought it was a great way to bring a piece of him into Bradley's space.

Hanging pictures on plaster walls is enough to cause you to want to jump off a cliff. Seriously, it is the worst thing ever. I hate it with a passion. But the outcome is totally worth it.

The Diaper Champ. It is awesome. We chose it over the Diaper Genie because it takes any trash bag.

 

This is a HUGE laundry basket. I got it because I figured when Bradley is older we'd need a big one to hold his bigger clothes. However, even at 23 inches long, he already manages to fill it up about every other day.

 This is a random, fun find at Pottery Barn kids while on vacation. 

 

I wanted to show you a full picture before the close up. This is where we will hang Bradley's art, awards, doctorate degree, etc.

This was one of my BEST finds. Originally priced at $60, I got this wood mobile for merely $18! I was so excited. I searched for weeks for the perfect mobile. And I think I did alright. Oh! And apparently we have plaster ceilings too.... yay!

This is one comfy chair. I mean seriously. It reclines. It's suede. I could live in this chair. Thank you, Jeremy, for convincing me to get it. I love it.

And, of course, no room is complete without a big hippo.

Or a little one.

How fun is a fireplace in a bedroom??

Notice anything about this picture?? I'm all about the little things.

 

I chose to go with a clean look for the sheets. Also, the crib is convertible. It will turn into a toddler bed and then a full size bed as Bradley grows.

First, I must comment on the Pouf. It has changed my life and because of this I will have one in every room of our house. I got it from CB2.

And do you notice the storage bench?? Yes, this is the piece I have been waiting on.

My dad made this. Isn't it gorgeous?? Jeremy said it is definitely an heirloom piece. I couldn't agree more. My dad spent many, many hours contemplating and working on this piece. Every inch of it, he thoughtfully handcrafted.

You see how the back of the drawer is higher than the sides? This will prevent Bradley from pulling out the drawers. How cool??

This detail matches the detail on both the dresser and the crib.

And these knobs were chosen so that when Bradley climbs he won't hurt himself on them. Isn't my dad wonderful??

Designing this room has been so much fun. I still want to get a bench cushion for the storage bench and I'll be getting Bradley's going home outfit and baptism outfit framed to hang over the glider. But I just couldn't wait any longer to show you.

I hope you enjoyed visiting as much as I have enjoyed sharing.

Our next room is the living room. And, Lord, please help us all. It will be a doozy.

Nursery Update: What's in your mood?

Please see the previous posts: My Domino Self and The Paint Job for all the beginnings.

Ah! The mood board. I have been waiting MONTHS to share this with you. I am so exciting. Since starting the decorating process, this is how mine and Jeremy's conversations have gone:

"Do you like this?"
"It's a little girly, don't you think?"
"Naw, I don't think it is. Do you?"
"How much is it?"
"Umm..."
"Yes, it's definitely girly then. Just think, if you really like it than 95% of the time it is going to be girly."
"But I think it could go either way. I mean, Bradley is going to be stylish."
"I like this instead."
"What?! That's completely ugly. Bradley is not going to have an ugly room."
"Well, let's just think about it a little longer."
"I think I'm going to get it."
"Ok. But let's try to make this a boy's room...within our budget."

Throughout the process, Jeremy has been Mr. Doubter of my style sense, but I think I proved him wrong. Actually, I'd be bold enough to say that he's a bit impressed with my mad skills in the decor department. At one point, he even commented how glad he was that I follow so many blogs for ideas. I smiled and gave him a huge kiss. It was the kindest compliment he'd ever given me.

So without further ado!

Here is the mood board:

 

There's no "theme" per say, but we have two hippos, a sailboat mobile, and two sailboats on display in honor of Jeremy's love for them. I can't wait until you see the finished product.You'll go bananas for sure. 

Nursey Update: The Paint Job

To see previous post of my Inspiration Board: **HERE**

I'll never forget the moment.

"Jeremy, we need to paint the baby's room soon!"

"Ok."

"Do you know how to paint indoors?"

"Yeah, it's easy. You just paint up and down."

"Baby, there's a method. I think it's a W."

"I've never heard of that."

"I'm calling my dad immediately."

Yes, I quickly came to realize that as new homeowners, Jeremy and I have little to no experience with anything having to do with home improvements.

And that's where my dad stepped in to save the day.

Now, the minute I asked my dad to come and he agreed, I put the whole thing behind me. I was cool and relaxed. My dad was going to take care of it.

Then, I get this e-mail... 4 days before his arrival:

Hi Sweet Pea,

Your Momma, Rebekah, and I are excited about coming up and seeing you and Jeremy this weekend. We are going to have fun! I can't wait to see your Momma with a paint brush in her hand. Lol. So being an event planner extraordinaire as you are, do you have everything together such as paints, brushes, rollers, trays, plastic sheets, ladder, tape and such? What do I need to bring? I have been playing scenarios in my head figuring out the best method to efficiently paint Bradley's room with all the helpers we will have. I thought if you all had a game plan in mind, we could review it before hand. Just thinking ahead. :-))

Love you,
Daddy 

Apparently, he did not know that my to do list was in the middle of growing legs and arms. Nor did he realize that I have no experience with painting. Which he should because as a kid there were a couple of things off limits to me: mowing the grass and painting. Now, picking up sticks he thought I did exceptionally well. But the others were forbidden.

So I replied:

Hi Dad:

We are excited too!! We really appreciate you all coming to help. You have no idea. I mean, really.

As for supplies and a game plan, yeah... we really don't have either. We went and got a sample of the light blue. It's sitting in our laundry room waiting for Jeremy to put on the wall so that I can look at it. And the dark blue... well... Jeremy still has to pick up a sample. He said he's going by today. I told him it was a must. Especially since his wisdom teeth are coming out on THURSDAY. hahahaha. This could be disastrous.

Jeremy said we'd pick up all the supplies this week. But honestly he nor I have clue what to get, how much to get, or anything about painting inside. So if you could guide us, we'll have everything here upon your arrival! (For instance, do we need a primer?? What is a primer??)

Also, when are you coming? Friday night or Saturday morning?

Love you,
Jessica

And that's when I got a reply e-mail that is way to long to post here. I mean, it was a book. It was overwhelming. I may have cried. Jeremy was to have his wisdom teeth out in 2 days. And so I was going to have to take care of all the paint items. And like I said... I know nothing...

So after I wiped my eyes and expressed my utter concern to Jeremy, we pushed forward. I immediately made a list of all supplies needed (b/c that's what I do best... make lists). Jeremy took off a day from work to do all the shopping and put the samples on the wall for me to review... and then we said a prayer that his wisdom teeth removal would go well and he'd be able to paint.

And when my dad, mom, and sister arrived, the room was taped, supplies laid out, and paint bought! I couldn't believe it. We were ready to go.

Now, obviously in the state I am in, I was unable to participate in the festivities. So in between all this crazy "I have to buy what?!" mess, my mom and I decided that we should go shopping instead. So me, her, and my sister (after she finished painting her 2x2 square ;-)) went out on the town and let the men folk do their thing.

Here's the before:

The room was a light pink. Perfect for a little girl. We are having a boy. So painting was a must. Although I think real men can sleep in a pink room.

 

Another before. The room is tiny. Which is perfect for a boy. He doesn't need the space. Plus, he's right next door to the Man Cave. So technically, he has two rooms. I have all the other 10. They are mine. Stay away stinky boys. Unless you are invited. Then, you can come... but you must leave and return to your two rooms.

The men hard at work. It really only took them half a day to paint the room. They were quick. And it looks so good!! Want to see??

My favorite part: the accent wall!! It's navy blue.

It's hard to see in the picture. It looks really great.

The painters. Rebekah insisted she be a part of the picture. She did paint (one line)... Oh, and she removed one piece of tape.... Let's just say, she's become an only child and it has gone to her head.

Either way, thank you so much for coming and helping us out! It was tremendous!

P.S. We'll let you know when we are ready for the next room. ;-)

My Inner Domino Self

I don't believe in reincarnation. But if I did, I would swear I was Dorothy Draper in a former life. I love anything and everything to do with interior design. I love finding inspiration and bringing it to life. I love thinking outside the box, combining pieces from different genres, and just being able to make something feel like you. I am seriously a nut for it.

So it was only natural that when Jeremy and I decided to buy a house, I immediately started to follow 50 design blogs. Jeremy's one rule was I was only allowed to do one room a year. I could do that room any way I wanted, but I had to stick with that one room. I happily agreed.

First room, living room!

When I graduated from college, I needed furniture for my first apartment. It was just me in a one bedroom so I wasn't really picky. I bought a couch, love seat, coffee table, and side table for a total of $150 from another college student. I was in heaven. The furniture was semi-cute. It had obviously been in the girl's family for years, but was cheap and functional.

Today, nothing is more annoying than coming home to that furniture. The holes are bigger than they once were, the cushions don't really fluff anymore and are constantly falling off the couch, and the lumps have made it just plain uncomfortable.

A new living room was a must!

Then, we got the news. I was pregnant.

This meant my inner domino self would have to refocus all thoughts of a new living room onto a nursery.

So while other new mothers are reading books on pregnancy, motherhood, and babies, I added nursery room decor blogs to my already long list and started scouring through my old Domino magazines. 

(Last night, Jeremy actually asked me if he should be concerned that I haven't read anything and am doing no research. I told him no that we'd be just fine... Although, I might just have a nervous breakdown once the baby comes forth. For now, though, I'm really okay living in ignorance and not having panic attacks every couple hours. Plus, my sister loves google and we have to take classes soon. Yeah, we'll be just fine....Where is that paper bag I had earlier??)

It didn't take long for me to create my first inspiration board. Jeremy's comment: "What if it's a boy?" My response, "I really want a girl. I have girly taste. Plus, some of this is kinda boyish."

Inspiration Board #1

And then it happened. The baby showed us his little wee wee. My first thought was, "Aw! A boy!! He looks like a scary dinosaur!" My second thought was, "Oh no! How do I decorate for a boy???? I'm girly!"

So upon returning to our house, I began trying to get inspired by the thought of all things boy. I began looking at what I had and decided why I had chosen it. I loved the solid colors with pops of bright colors and patterns. I loved the navy and orange. I hated nursery themed rooms. And within 48 hours, I had a new inspiration board. (Like I said, I really like design.)

Inspiration Board #2

Over the next couple of months, I plan on slowly revealing to you how I take this inspiration board and bring it to life. And trust me, it's starting to really come together nicely! We've already gotten in many wonderful pieces and have more on it's way. I'm seriously giddy with excitement!