Nursery Reveal
Will is five months old and I am just now showing you his nursery. THE SHAME. Please forgive me. I know not what I do. Please forgive me. I’ll never stop lovin’ you. Totally made up some of the words to the song. And yes, I am a crooner. But the point is clear: I am a loser for not finishing earlier. But now that it is FINISHED (yeah! virtual bootie shake!) I am super pleased to share with you the littlest Bower’s room. So without further ado…our nursery:
You may recall that we were going for a cabin-in-the-woods-meets-modern theme. And every cabin needs log walls, right? Well, instead of chopping down some trees and attaching them to our drywall, we decided that the best way to make it look woodsy without actually harming any woods would be to recycle palletwood and make an rustic accent wall.
You can read all about how we created the accent wall here. I love the texture and rough masculinity it brings to the room. And it perfectly ties in our different wood hues from our furniture and our over-the-bed-sign. Also over the bed is a deer head. At first, I wanted to create a deer mount from paper mache…but after a little brainstorming (and several nightmares where I had near death experiences with giant pools of glue and disappearing life rafts made of newspaper), I realized that there is a simpler solution.
I ordered a faux deer head from ebay and spraypainted it (I’ll show you a before & after sometime soon). Dontcha just love the modern look to it? Especially in contrast to that rough wall…I hate to admit it but I am droolin’ over a deer. Plus, there is no possible way that I could have made a deer that looked that good (while still making me feel that it was secure enough to hang over our babies bed!).
The crib was a craigslist find and even though Will has yet to christen it with his nightly presence (he still sleeps in a pack n play and cosleeps) we know that it will last through all our children. The bedding is actually just a simple white crib sheet and a homemade bedskirt which hides storage bins holding clothing. We also have a few throw pillows in the crib for now…until Will makes the transition which will probably happen when he turns 14 
Over the bed we wanted to a personalized sign…something that would make a large statement (pun intended) and also be something Will would think is cool in fifteen years. Our solution was to make a simple sign out of 1×8′s and handpaint “Watson Creek” with some leftover sample paint. How is this personal? Well, it just so happens that Watson Creek is the place where I did my maternity photos and is a branch of the Yellow River (which runs behind my parent’s house).
After I stained the wood and painted the words, the sign only required a bit of wearing-in. A little sandpaper and a good beating was all it took to make this sucker look worn and old.
Under the window, we stuck a leather ottoman for extra storage and for additional seating. It actually works perfectly for Jeremy to have a seat while I read to Will or nurse him in our rocker.
Next to the crib, on the back wall we have our changing station. The dresser is actually a buffet from Walmart. It works great now as a place to switch out Will’s diapers and later, we will use it as a television console.
Above the changing station we have a round mirror from Ikea that Will LOVES looking at while we wipe his bum. It’s like he’s showing off the goods to that other baby. Cheeky little buggar. And the changing pad got a quick makeover with an easy drawstring style cover that matches our crib skirt (the fabric is from Ikea for those asking).
Above the mirror I created a modern-lodge themed art wall. The gallery of art and photos is perfect for pointing to Will and saying DEER…OWL….and WOOD. And of course, my favorite piece is the twist on the “I’ll love you forever” book. You can read more about the gallery wall here.
The buffet itself is perfect for storing all of our necessary baby gear. It’s amazing how much stuff comes with such a little baby. And I love compartmentalizing all the accessories for easy cleaning, dressing and feeding.
I would be remiss to not show you our little trashcan. I got it at Goodwill for really cheap and I love how the texture is just like the woodsy accent wall. Since we are cloth diapering it really cuts down on the amount of trash we accumulate so really a little trashcan is all we need. Innnit cute?
On the other side of the room is our rocking chair, shelves and wardrobe. This is also a good shot of the light. The pendant light is the crowning jewel in this space. After much debate, I finally decided that I wanted a giant drum shade to make a statement. But I also wanted it to be simple and versatile enough to be used in another space later. This chandelier answered my lighting prayers.
The shelves are actually one of my favorite things in the room because they can be totally personalized. Not only are they ideal for display and storage, but I feel that they can grow with Will as his style changes…like when he is four and collects bugs…this would be the perfect place to put their dead carcasses.
On the top shelf we have this piece of art that my friend Brook painted for me for my birthday. I was thrilled to see it (she actually gave it to me immediately after Will was delivered!) and the owl is something I will cherish for a long time.
On the left side of the owl is a fabric covered W I picked up in the clearance section of HomeGoods the week I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t know it was a boy at the time but I loved the design and obviously we would have a boy named Will at some point (yes we would have kept trying until we had a boy) so I went ahead and spent the $3. Next to that is a little silver hued tin bucket with some stick crayons. I actually picked up these crayons in Peru when I was 24. That was before I met Jeremy. I just knew in my heart that one day I would have a little boy and I NEEDED these woodsy art supplies for him.
Flanking the other side is a little stack of books that were gifts from friends and family topped with a concrete owl I found in Goodwill. Originally it was black…obviously I am addicted to white spraypaint.
The bottom shelf has a framed photography piece as a backdrop to a stack of books (from the collection of Jeremy & mine as children). I actually took the photo and it is stones that were found in Watson Creek. On top of the books is a wooden box (which was a gift box snagged from my old work after the christmas goodies were eaten) that I stuffed full of mini cardboard books – a handmedown from Cousin Cole. Will’s closest cousin also gave him the two ceramic owls as a gift…he told me he picked em because they have nice eyes. Isn’t that the cutest?
The other side has a couple frames and a wooden Goodwill owl as well as a silver teddybear bank. The bank was actually my brother’s as a child so it really is very special to me to have a little bit of him in Will’s room.
Under the shelves was the perfect spot to place momma’s perch…the rocking chair. It actually is an old Lazyboy armchair rocker that desperately needed a makeover. So with a bolt of white linen, a bit of upholstery foam and a whole lotta staples, I was able to recover the entire chair just in time for Will’s birth. Good thing too because I used this chair every couple hours breastfeeding.
Oh and you see that blanket hanging on the back? Yup…that’s actually belonged to Jeremy – his initials are WJB just like Will’s.
And the sidetable next to the chair is the perfect place to put a glass of water and Lansinoh – plus my favorite mommy books and our burpclothes.
Yes, that is a beanie baby owl. Can I get a HOOHOO
The last piece in this room is the wardrobe. I had help making over the cedar beast way back in December and now it is used to hold Will’s clothing. Granted…we never repaired the missing trim piece that goes over the right foot…whoopsie!
The hanging owl was actually a gift from my boyfriend’s mom…it was handmade by an artisan in Chattanooga. That makes our owl count NINE
The inside of the cabinet is the perfect size for Will’s clothing. Obviously his clothes are just for three to six months at a time so we constantly rotate the outgrown ones out and the next size in. We also found two baskets that were the perfect size for sliding in under the hanging rod to contain the onesies and sleepers.
Lastly we have the details from the top of the wardrobe. The globe was at Goodwill for $5…and I love it. I love globes. If I ever had another little boy…I might decorate his room with globes. Every kid deserves the whole world Oh and those little cd boxes? They hold the cards that we received in congratulations of Will’s birth as well as little knick-knacks that didn’t make it into his baby book.
Are you glad that I finally showed you the finished room? Geez Katie it took long enough. Still so sorry about that. But you know…life with a baby can be kinda crazy…and since decorating is a constant evolution – this room was continually changing.
So now that it is done, do you think I nailed the cabin-meets-modern theme? Or was it really off the mark? I love it. I love it so much…and I know that is what counts. Hopefully Will loves it too. He does smile when he is in there. But that could be just gas.
I think you nailed it–just the right mix of soft and hard. I like how the owls are a mix of kid-friendly and adult-friendly, and I really love that one from your mother-in-law–I think it’s the feathers around its neck that are doing it for me. I hope when I finally finish decorating my kids’ rooms that they look half as good as Will’s!
Beautiful! I think the changing area is my favorite. The buffet-as-changing table is most excellent – and has hidden storage! My old traditional-style changing table showed stuff I’d have much rather kept out of sight. The mirror at Will-level is perfect. But I think I like the gallery wall best. Did you create all the artwork yourself?
I just LOVE IT!
Katie, it’s perfect! You absolutely nailed it. I love it, I thought you where crazy when you put that wood on the walls but I was wrong, it is amazing in the finished space. I love that it’s completely unique- not a look that sreames Pottery Barn. Well done, girl! Thanks for sharing.
WHOA! I am thoroughly impressed! I’ve never seen anything like this. AMAZING! Love it!
What a great space Katie! Will is one lucky little boy. I love everything about it, but especially that wall – so very unique and timeless. BTW, My son is almost 2.5yo and I’m still not ready for his room’s big reveal if that makes you feel any better
Wow. Very nice job. Worth the final reveal wait for sure.
You seriously hit the nail on the head. I love the woodsy look and the fact that you managed to avoid furry taxidermy, pine trees, and red plaid. The color combo is perfect and I love that it works with Daddy’s blanket. My favorite part is the art gallery wall and your collection of owls. I have a few of my own I’m trying to infuse into my woodsy guest bedroom/studio… Hope you are all enjoying your new room!
I LOOOVE this room! The walls are perfect and the owls- I could die. Owls are my very favorite. Thanks for the great ideas!
Well I just typed out a long thoughtful comment and apparently it didn’t go through, so all I’ll say is that I love it. You hit the nail on the head. My favorite part is the art gallery and the owl collection and the fact that you managed to get the woodsy feel without resorting to furry taxidermy, red plaid, and pine tree silhouettes…
I love it. It looks fantastic! You did an awesome job!
This post makes me have a new found love for Owls
amazing job! way to go! love all the little owls!
Awesome room – perfect for a little boy and it will grow up with him which is great. I especially love all the owl touches. I had lots of owls in my boys’ nursery too – my favorite part. Let’s hope Will doesn’t get scared of them and force you to put them all away like my boys did (sigh). It is crazy what a 2 year old can be scared of.
I am ridiculously in love with Will’s nursery, just so you know. I hope that when we have kids their rooms look as great as his does! And I’m lusting after the pallet wall. A lot. Must deconstruct pallets after work! Possibly with a rubber mallet to avoid ticking off neighbors.
You did an amazing job – it is unlike anything I have ever seen. Both “in trend” and unique at the same time – something I imagine is hard to pull off!I love the “Owl love you forever” print and the globe on top of the armoire/cabinet. Y’all rocked it out.
Wow!!! I have to be honest, when you first showed off the wood wall I was pretty confused. But the end result is stunning! It seems to be so perfectly you! It has definitely got the cabin meets modern look!
I absolutely love everything about it! You have such great taste. Great job.
The room looks fantastic! The deer looks like he is just watching over the crib, like a little protector for when Will starts using it
Love it!
That accent wall is to die for! It is so smart to design a room that will also work for when they get older! Love it! ~Tracy
Nailed it!
this is amazing. a perfect room for a little one to grow into! will is one lucky little one!
I LOVE his nursery!! Sooo cute! I really like the Watson Creek sign you made and the floating shelves! Oh and the deer head! Every kid needs a little (faux) taxidermy in their life. Adorable.
I am SO in love with this nursery. It is SOOOOOO masculine and not all cutesy baby boyish! It’s really something that will grow with him! And the OWLS! Man, I love owls! SO FREAKING CUTE! You’ve done an amazing job!
Oh my goodness, that is the perfect baby room! I am so tired of all the pastel gingham and lace baby rooms I’ve seen (my sister is planning her own son’s nursery), this one actually looks like it belongs to a little boy!
And, just as a silly little side note, I had a globe in my room growing up, and it was the best toy in the world! My parents got me a cultural geography of the world for little kids, and I would always spin the globe, stop it randomly, and read a new page in the book. I might have been a nerd now that I think about it, but that globe and book combo was some serious fun!
Thanks for finally showing us, Katie! It looks fantastic, so we’ll give you a break. I love the owls, too. We bought a super cute silver owl bank from Target for our little one (who is 2 weeks older than Will).
http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/magazine-artwork/
I love it! I want the accent wall in my little guy’s room. I sent the link to hubby to see what he thought. You should be really proud of this room. It is awesome!
I love, love, love your nursery! So creative and unique, and very personal to your family (which is the best part). Love all the owls.
Katie, you definitely nailed it! This nursery is adorable! What a great space for your handsome little guy!
Katie,
What a wonderful job you did pulling the nursery together – I love all of your little touches and the fact that you shopped good will and re purposed so many items from yours and Jeremy’s childhood. GREAT job – I’m so impressed that you re upholstered that chair! And I love the owl theme!
I think you nailed it.
Everything looks so great! And I was ob.sessed. with Wacky Wednesday when I was little.
I love the “Owl Love You Forever” print and all of the framed artwork in general. It’s so cute!
B. ea. utiful! I love it! I’m working on my nursery now, and will most likely be using some owls. I love them. So wise…
Looks great! Love the Watson Creek sign.
Where did you get your shelves from?! I have a 4 month old baby boy and we are still working on his nursery, this is such great inspiration! Thanks!!
Hi Kim,
The shelves are from Ikea. Here is the link to peruse their shelf section
XO – kb
I’m literally dying for this nursery! So different and so very personal. I can’t even pick a favorite in there. All amazing!
http://thelonelywifeproject.wordpress.com/
Really great, unique and cozy nursery. Well Done! I am obsessed with owls I just blogged about it today
http://styleandcentsability.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/things-i-love-today-owl-accessories/
I absolutely love it – especially all the personal touches!
In the future, will this space be designated as the “nursery” or stay Will’s room? I’m excited to see how it changes in the coming years!
Hi Caitlin,
Good question…I think that if we have a girl next then it will stay Will’s room…but if we have a boy next then we will probably make it stay the nursery and move Will. But then again, Bubby (our nickname for Will) is our little cabin boy in my mind so it would kinda be weird to put him in a different room. I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to wait and see
XO – kb
This room looks incredible! You did a fabulous job!
So, I read your reveal post this morning and loved the colored pencils at the end. A few minutes ago I took a break from work to drool over Etsy stuff and low and behold these were on the main page!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/55278711/colored-pencils-photograph-10x15cm?ref=fp_treasury_8
heehee! Funny how my crayons looked just like those colored pencils
I wonder if the photographer was Peruvian?
XO – Katie
Love it! When you first put up the wood on the wall I wasn’t so sure about it, but it turned out so beautiful! I’m sure Will loves it, too!
So, um, are these older pictures or did you clean up the mess from the other day?
Hi Jenny…
I cleaned up. Although there were a few photos that were taken earlier…like the one on the inside of the changing table…and the one that was the inside of the wardrobe….other than that, I just snapped away after FINALLY cleaning & hanging & arranging the stuff that I had bought ages ago. If you watch the video again, you’ll see the unfinished deer head (how’s that for a little sneak peek!)
XO – Katie
I remember the deer head! I was wondering when watching the video where that would go! How sneaky
Lovely! All of it. Really.
Ok Katie, I have to admit it: I was skeptical about the wood on the wall idea. However, seeing the finished product–I LOVE it! It’s so cute, not disgustingly baby-ish, and definitely something that can grow with Will. I’m very impressed and think you and the BF did a great job! With all the owls in the room, I have to ask, were you a Chi Omega is school? haha! And one more question: was the cabinet already purposed for clothes, or is that a modification you’ve made?
Katie – you’re the best! Will’s room looks great
I would love it some day if you could write about how the heck you re-upholstered that white chair. It looks phenomenal and professional. You have so many talents!
Katie, Will’s nursery is amazing — down to the last detail. Wonderful job mama! We are on the same page right now with nursing and co-sleeping — my little monster is 7 months now. It goes by so fast. Great job with the nursery. I love following your blog. I think this is my first comment, but I’ve been reading for a couple years!
=)
Katie-this room is perfect
I love Will’s room! You did a great job! And I love the owls…reminded me of one of my childrens’ favorite books when they were little…Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, Patrick Benson (Illustrator) .
I’ll I have to say; “Owl love this forever!” I love every single inch of it! You didn’t just nail- so much more than that! That wood wall is magazine worthy for sure. It’s beautiful. Creating a nursery with room for growth is so smart and I think even if you kept this as a nursery and moved your boy into a new room this could work for both a new baby boy or a girl. For a girl maybe a little blue bird/ nesty kind a theme? And for a new boy to change it up and make it personal for him maybe a vintage cowboy or transportation deal? Anyhow- you don’t need any ideas – these are just my random thoughts as I oogle over your nursery reveal. I have 2 kids of my own and was pretty sure I’m done, but this kinda makes me want another. Is decorating a good enough reason to have another?! Probably not -huh?!
The nursery looks so great!! You did a beautiful job!!
Can I ask you a question regarding cloth diapering? We are planning on cloth diapering our little one too but I am stumped on what to put the dirty diapers and cloth wipes in – any suggestions???? Thanks!!