Monkey Chic Nursery

by Marilyn Simpson
(Okinawa, Japan)

Before we found out the sex of our baby, hubby and I decided that we wanted monkey, sage and browns. Our inspiration... our little monkey kicking and moving inside us!


What brand and color of paint did you use?

Glidden Professional- color: Bellcourt castle and Basketry. We got it from a hardware store here on a military installation in Japan, (where we are stationed) There is really only one brand for everyone.


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

We added thick, vertical stripes on the wall where her crib is. We didn't want to over-do it because in 2 and half years when we leave Japan, we have to paint over it. (yay for military housing!)


What brand of crib did you buy? Where from?

Pallisades Crib- We purchased it from our local military base Exchange.


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

Same as the crib. The book shelf is government furniture.


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

The nursery bedding is JoJo Designs Monkey crib bedding.


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

We purchased most of our items here on out military base Exchange store. Some items came from the navy Fleet shop where they purchase items from the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea and China directly. We go to the store after they receive their shipment and purchase a lot of the handmade items from those countries. The lamp was from Amazon.com - IKEA.


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

Both, we store them on bookshelves, baskets, closet.


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

About 4 months. It was fun! I walk in there everyday because it's the best room in the house. My favorite part was getting the stripes complete and hanging the pictures on the wall after that!


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

My husband helped me of course! He hung the pictures, shelves, and did the paint.


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

my favorite is the striped wall with the frames above her crib that read "Emma" and on both sides has pictures frames of her daddy and I with her inside me.