Sophisticated Vintage Inspired Nursery

by Rachel Borden
(Indianapolis, IN)

I wanted a nursery that was sophisticated and relaxing. My main focus was to design a space that both Xander and I could relax in on those lonnng nights together. It was also important to me to do a budget-friendly room. With all the new expenses that come from having a new baby, we wanted to do the room as least expensive as possible and save as much as we could, all while designing a beautiful nursery without feeling like we cut corners.


What brand and color of paint did you use?
We used Valspar paint, in colonial cobblestone.


What brand of crib did you buy? Where from?
I bought a Jenny Lind Crib from CSNbaby.com for $100.00 and free shipping, around $100 less than all the baby stores for the same crib.


What brand of furniture did you choose? Where did you buy it?
I really love vintage inspired furniture and so much of the new baby furniture lacks character, in my opinion. We found the antique dresser/changing table on craigslist for $100, and refinished it and painted it black to match the crib. The chair side table we also refinished and painted, I loved the shape of it and the detail in the legs, I also saved on it by buying it from a yardsale for $25.00.


What bedding set did you use? Where did you buy it?
After searching and searching online and in-store and only finding character bedding or choosing something that 1,000's of others were choosing, I decided to go another route. I wanted something with a more "grown-up" feel, something that I could even pass down to my children once they are grown, but couldn't find anything that matched that description, so..I decided to design the bedding myself. I headed out to JoAnne Fabrics to purchase all the fabric for the bedding and the curtains. I bought it all for about $280.00.


Tell us about your window treatments, lighting, rugs, wall decor and accessories. Where did you buy them - were any handmade?
The Window Treatments were handmade, with a latte color silk dupioni fabric( that matches the bed skirt) turned on the wrong side with double panels for each window separated by a sheer, ivory, and soft circled fabric to let the light shine through in the mornings.

The crystal vintage chandelier was originally $299.00 and was won on ebay for

$42.00. I looked forever for a soft, plush rug and finally found one to tie the entire look together at Target for $150.00.

Both of the pictures above the shelves were purchased at Hobby Lobby along with coordinating drawer pulls that replaced old ones on the changing table, in a light blue with old king crowns in the center.

One of my favorite things in the room is the hand-made paper mache vintage balloons above the crib, a new twist instead of a baby mobile. Xander loves to watch them sway back and forth above him.


How did you store all your baby goodies? In baskets, on shelves?
I have most of the baby goodies stored away in fabric totes with lids under the crib and in the closet. It is a great way to hide all the extra blankets and toys that aren't used everyday.


How long did it take you? Was it easy, fun, difficult? What was your favorite part?
It didn't take long to design it, the longest and hardest part was getting my husband motivated enough to paint the room since I was pregnant and not allowed to help. I love decorating and knew I always wanted something a little different when it came to the nursery. It was so fun, one of my favorite parts was with my sister, we love decorating together and she helped me narrow down the selections for the bedding.


Did you do the entire nursery on your own or did someone help you? Who? What did they do?
I did design the entire nursery on my own. My husband painted the room, and my mother in law sewed my design for the bedding, but they were all my ideas. My husband doubted my color for the room at first and kept telling me it was going to be bland, but when I got finished with all the decor, he sheepishly told me he was wrong and how much he truly loved the room.


What do you love most about your little one's finished room?
I love that my vision was actually carried out and it is one sophisticated, relaxing, vintage inspired space that was done on a budget, but doesn't look like it! I feel the room looks regal and elegant and its a place where we all like to sit and spend time together as a family.

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