Daniel's Vintage Airplane Nursery

by Michelle T.
(Austin, TX)

We wanted something classic and fun, but not too babyish so that Daniel could enjoy the room for years. We found the vintage airplane mobile at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child and drew our inspiration from there. I love the classic colors and vintage feel of the room, but also love the crisp lines and modern style.


What brand and color of paint did you use?

We used all Sherwin Williams paints. The wall color is Whole Wheat in a satin finish and we used the Harmony Collection which is zero VOC and odorless. All the woodwork was painted bright white in a semi-gloss finish.


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

We didn't use any paint effects...just A LOT of paint!!


What brand of crib did you buy? Where from?

Our crib and dresser are from Pottery Barn Kids in the Brookfield collection.


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

The glider and ottoman were purchased from JC Penney. The brand is Best Chair and the model is called Jacob.


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

The bedding is from the Harper & Max collection at Pottery Barn Kids.


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

The window panels, train toy box, rug, airplane pictures, star bins, and wall book racks are all from Pottery Barn Kids. The pillow, airplane mobile, stuffed lion and elephant, letters, crates, and canvas bins are all from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child. The forged iron curtain rod, globe, and rustic shelf are from Pottery Barn. The ceiling fan is from the Minka Aire Concept line. Other accessories were primarily purchased from Hobby Lobby, World Market, and The Learning Express.

A very special piece in the room is an original piece of art made by my nieces and nephew (ages 11, 8 and 6) especially for baby Daniel. It is hung above the book shelves as they are all avid readers. I also hand painted the ABC blocks. And the wardrobe, bench, and wainscoting were all handcrafted by the daddy-to-be!

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

The room is a very small 11x11, so it was important for us to create a lot of storage space. We made space for storage bins under the dresser, the bench, and the wardrobe to hold toys, diapers, blankets, etc. Additionally, the wardrobe was designed with 3 spots for hanging clothes, 3 shelves for shoes, 3 large drawers, two large cubbies, 3 shelves for storing decorative items, hooks for hats, and a large storage space on top in order to maximize storage space.


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

This was truly a DIY project, and neither my husband nor I had much experience with carpentry. Therefore, planning, acquiring materials and tools, building/installing the wainscoting, bench, wardrobe, and painting took us about three months. It took roughly another month to set up all the furniture and finish decorating. We had a great time with this project, but it was very challenging to say the least. However, we are ecstatic with the way it turned out and hope baby Daniel loves it too!


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

Yes, we completed this project on our own.


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

I really love the whole room. I think it might be the nicest room in our house now! However, my favorite part is probably the rocking chair. It fits me perfectly (I am petite) and is super comfy. I can't wait to rock my little baby in that chair!

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