DESIGNING OUR DAUGHTER A pretty & pink TODDLER NURSERY, FULL OF personal touches AND future heirlooms.

We officially have a threenager. And with a growing toddler, comes evolving opinions and a developing sense of taste and preferences. With my 3 year old, Amalia, no opinion is left unexpressed. Especially ones that come from the heart. So when I began brainstorming and moodboarding for Amalia’s big girl room upgrade, I made sure to consult with her from start to finish. She had one request that stood at the forefront of all of my selections for her room — the room had to be…pretty and pink.

So our mission began on Phase 1 of her big girl nursery makeover.

SMALL CHANGES WITH BIG IMPACT:

With the intention of bringing pretty and pink to life, I began sourcing items and repurposing pieces from her existing nursery. The furniture would all work in this upgrade, with the key changes being the patterns, decor and textiles used in the space. I repurposed a large patterned jute rug from our playroom in our old home, which served as the ideal foundation for the busy patterns and colors I had planned to incorporate.

Amalia’s big girl upgrade included an unexpected surprise. With our former dining room chandelier no longer usable in our new dining room (due to the height and scale), she inherited the stunning fixture, and her enthusiasm made it all worth it.

The infusion of prints and textures happened quite organically, with Amalia at the helm of every selection. Throughout the process, we incorporated pink block prints and florals, green gingham and pops of purples, blues and pastels. Knowing that this was only Phase 1 of her bedroom makeover with a new bed and wallpaper installation soon underway, we focused on less permanent selections such as blankets, throws, homemade wall art, a printed dollhouse from Pottery Barn Kids and more.

HOMEMADE TOUCHES FOR AN HEIRLOOM FEEL:

We knew we wanted to incorporate precious items in Amalia’s room, which included small objects that have been passed down for generations to homemade wall art with vintage and antique European frames that could serve as an heirloom for future generations. Using gingham fabric and an antique French gilded frame, I made Amalia her very own board where she can pin her memories for years to come. I took two more vintage frames I sourced from France to make custom art to hang above her crib.

Finally and most precious to me, Seth stitched a custom ruffled French linen lamp shade just for Amalia and her reading corner. Our very own Belle who always has her nose in a book, this little touch meant the most. A timeless design that will forever be in style, I can’t wait to sit next to Amalia when she’s a teenager and remind her to turn off that very lamp before bed, knowing that shade was stitched by the best man we know. 

THE NEXT PHASE: 

Now that the foundation is set for Amalia’s pretty and pink nursery, we are eager to upgrade her room in its next phase with a big girl bed conversion and stunning wallpaper that ties it all together. Stay tuned for updates on her space as well as her sissy’s room makeover, which Amalia describes as “sweet and blue.”

Onward the adventure!