Animal Carnival Nursery

by Carrie Murtha
(Lexington KY)

Ice Cream Cart Changing Table

Window Treatment with Owls and Bunting Banner

Vintage Locker Unit for storage

My Nursery was inspired by a painting by Alison Jay and my love of animals.

What brand and color of paint did you use?

We used Mythic paint in Aqueduct, Waterfall, Twist of Lemon and Stop...but all were custom mixed to get exactly the right shades.

If you added stripes, polka dots or other paint effects, tell us how you did it.

My friend painted the stripes, frames around the windows and the ceiling sky. She is a talented faux finish painter so she used glazing to get the gradated effects. I added the accents....stars, butterflies, a kite, a moon and an airplane.

What brand of crib did you buy? Where from?

Kalon Caravan Crib. I ordered it unfinished and then painted it to match the nursery. Added chalkboard paint to the bottom so that I can change out the quotes. I also added the red wheels.

What brand of nursery furniture did you choose? Where did you buy it?

I found items at Goodwill, flea markets, etc. and refinished/repainted everything.

What nursery bedding set did you use? Where did you buy it?

I ordered simple organic crib sheets and then had my mom create custom pillows and a skirt.

Tell us about your window treatments, nursery lighting, rugs, wall decor and accessories. Where did you buy them - were any handmade?

I bought

simple, inexpensive sheers and curtains from Ikea. I painted an unfinished wooden curtain rod to match the color scheme.

For embellishments, I found kitschy owls from a local vintage store and repainted them, and I ordered a bunting banner from Etsy to hang between the owls.

How did you store all your baby goodies? In baskets, on shelves?

I rescued an amazing, colorful 1970s locker unit on a loading dock headed to the dumpster! It is perfect for storing clothes and supplies. I got vintage locker baskets to put on top of it for toy storage. For blankets and burp cloths, I refurbished a $45 Goodwill dresser.

How long did it take you? Was it easy, fun, difficult? What was your favorite part?

I worked on our nursery for about 2 months. It was the most fun creative project ever!!!! The best part was pondering all of the details and seeing them become a reality.

Did you do the entire nursery on your own or did someone help you? Who? What did they do?

My wonderful friend painted the walls and ceiling, and I did the rest.

What do you love most about your little one's finished baby room?

The whimsy and pure joy you feel when you sit in it. It is relaxing and calm yet colorful and fun at the same time.

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