Trees and Birds Baby Nursery

by Suzzette James
(Arlington, Virginia)

I love being outside and the idea of simple movement. This led me to think of trees and birds--flying and flowing in the breeze. We live in a small apartment in the city, and I wanted to keep clean, modern lines while still having a bright, fun and stimulating room. I also wanted to do a gender neutral nursery for future kids, but added highlights of pink for my daughter!


What brand and color of paint did you use?
Pittsburg Paints:

-A Cappella
-Al Fresco Spring Palette


If you added stripes, polka dots or other paint effects, tell us how you did it.
My mom and I painted the nursery together when I was 7 months pregnant. I used various sized circles to make the "leaves" and I free handed the trunks and bird.


What brand of crib did you buy? Where from?
I bought a used crib from craiglist--Oeuf.


What brand of furniture did you choose? Where did you buy it?
Bought the set used. I also owned one piece of IKEA that matched (white & birch).


What bedding set did you use? Where did you buy it?
Pottery Barn Kids (mixed the Birds with the Penelope Set)


Tell us about your window treatments, lighting, rugs, wall decor and accessories. Where did you buy them - were any handmade?
Used on craigslist. Various vendors--Pottery Barn Kids, IKEA


How did you store all your baby goodies? In baskets, on shelves?
Shelves and baskets from IKEA.


How long did it take you? Was it easy, fun, difficult? What was your favorite part?
It took me a few months to finish details of my vision. It took a while to get all the furniture pieces, since I was looking to get them used. My favorite part was painting because the room really popped when the walls were finished. It was just so fun dreaming and imagining holding my baby in the rocker and looking around in the room. It truly was a special experience!


Did you do the entire nursery on your own or did someone help you? Who? What did they do?
My mama and I painted together.


What do you love most about your little one's finished room?
The single pink bird on the tree. The finishing touch was to make a 3D tail out of kite boarding string because that is my husband's favorite hobby. I wanted to think of him when I was in the room and this was a simple reminder of how much he has helped me and our family.