Nursery Design 1.0: The Tiniest Bookshop

Despite being more than fully aware of the calendar these last few months, I was feeling like there was 'plenty of time' until I took a a peak at the calendar. If I factor out December as a lost month (assuming I'll be too busy with Christmas and uncomfortable to get anything done), that leaves just 3 months to get my act together. Gulp! Time to start the nursery! Despite still leaning toward the larger room (see: the great nursery debate), I'm trying to see what could be done in the little room. The one benefit there being a smaller room SHOULD take less time to complete, right? (fatal last words?)

So without further ado, here is a glimpse of what I have worked up in my mind. Please disregard my lack of skills in displaying perspective properly but I think you get the idea.

NurseryDrawingBothViews

To refresh your memory, the room looks like this now:


The color scheme is a toss up between navy + coral or navy+ pink. I really love coral and navy but I know its harder to find just the right shade so I might go with a pink instead. The loose theme (have i mentioned how much I hate the word theme?) is the tiniest bookshop. The space is really small but I still have lots of projects in here including:

1. building display bookshelves (anyone know how I attach shelves securely on a plaster wall???) 2. add picture rail and panel moldings
3. find a vintage dresser that fits the space and repaint it
4. repaint the walls
5. sew or buy new curtains/roman shade and lumbar pillow
6. paint 'bookshelves' on the panels
7. buy crib, chair, rug and changing thingy for the top of the dresser
8. make art, hang over the dresser
9. make bookish mobile
10. find matching bedding
11. stock the room with baby essentials

I'm hyperventilating making this list. If you've been following Brooklyn Limestone for long you know I tend to build rooms slowly - sometimes over years. Mr. Limestone is going to do a lot of the heavy lifting but his time is very limited too. And I know for sure I won't want a half finished nursery once I'm on full baby duty so time is of the essence.

So let's hear it. What do you think? Suggestions for improvement are welcome. I haven't bought or ordered a thing yet so speak now or forever hold your peace.

And what about feasibility? Can I reasonably get this done during my third trimester while still living a normal life?



105 comments:

  1. Casey Elliott8:35 AM

    Love it!!! Maybe you could make some stuff so that you get your coral?? and I think you can totally put pink and coral together

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  2. Don't stress. You can absolutely finish this list.  

    I hired a professional picture hanger to put the shelves into our plaster wall and it was totally worth the minimal fee (he charged $100, I think). 

    I didn't get anything done until my third trimester.

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  3. Danielle Ann Anderson8:51 AM

    Definitely start soon. You never know if the baby may come early. With my second I dragged my feet because we had just moved. Then I went into labor 5 weeks early and was COMPLETELY unprepared. And....go for coral!!!!!!

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  4. Callie Grayson8:57 AM

    I am with Casey. Use navy as the grounding color and use coral and pink for the accent. And maybe a touch of chartreuse or turquoise for the unexpected (just a touch, say a tassel or a throw pillow)
    Love your sketches. It will look amazing.
    Can't wait to see it completed
    Xx
    Callie

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  5. Oh wow! That is so reasonable. You would not believe what people charge here for the most simple jobs.

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  6. I think I'll have to make most of the soft items anyway (my window is an odd shape, my ceilings are high, nothing standard ever fits) but I'm not having the greatest luck finding fabrics I like that incorporate the right color color. Ive found one or two but nothing I really love.

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  7. Ariadna10:16 AM

    Coral and Navy sounds super cute!! And don't worry, I'm 28 weeks today and the baby's bedroom is not even empty enough to start painting and I really don't have a "theme". My husband keeps vetoing my ideas!! As far as I know you are ahead of me in the baby room department, oh and it looks like I'll be working 45-50 hour weeks for the next month so this should be interesting...I'll keep coming back and checking your blog for encouragement, we can do it!!

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  8. You can do it!!!  Your plan sounds so cute!

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  9. Well, this might just be the most perfect little nursery ever. :) Since I'm a book blogger, of COURSE I love it. And I love navy, too, and navy and coral is just one of those classic, lovely combos.

    You can get this done for sure! You've already got a list. Now just get to it. (I know, easier said than done.)

    And please, pretty please, can I feature some of the nursery on my Fridays at Home feature once you make some progress and take some photos? I would love it and so would my readers.

    I also really love your mock ups because they remind me of Eloise. :)

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  10. First of all your 'theme' or non-theme is tremendously creative! You are amazing and I  know this will come together in a flash and be as fab as everything you do!  Your drawing is so chic too, really, you amaze me1

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  11. Alicia Broehl10:58 AM

    Saw this on Spoonflower.com and thought it matched your color palette perfectly! your design concept is adorable and totally doable in the time your have. good luck! http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/947746
     

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  12. Cassie {hi sugarplum}11:00 AM

    That is going to be so fabulous!!! And if it's not done by the time she arrives....that's okay, too...she won't notice if you're wrapping up projects while she naps :)

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  13. how2home11:24 AM

    This is going to be awesome. Can't wait to see more updates :) 

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  14. Wonderful concept! I worry that the dresser is in your way for when you need to use the chair.

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  15. ramblingrenovators12:28 PM

    Oh, I love this scheme! The dark navy walls will be conducive to sleep. A few thoughts:
    - your floating shelves have to be screwed into the studs to be secure. I've heard its difficult to find the studs in plaster & lath walls. Maybe call in the pros for this one?
    - are your books in the molding drawn with chalk? If you do chalkpaint inside the moldings, they could be useful in later years if you change this into a toddler room
    - definitely get your draper blackout lined. You'll want that baby to sleep as long as possible :)
    - you'll need a small side table to hold a little reading lamp, glass of water for mom (breastfeeding makes you thirsty)
    - every light on a dimmer

    You and Mr. Limestone can definitely do this in 3 months. Can't wait to see you make it happen!

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  16. You can definitely get bookshelves to hold securely in plaster but the trick is finding the studs. Your walls are probably a lot like mine - wood studs, covered with lath, covered with plaster. A good stud finder will help but I find it often takes some trial & error to actually find the studs. All the lath & thick plaster make it tough for the stud finder to work properly. Once you find the studs, pre drill your holes.

    If you can't find studs, some heavy duty toggle bolts would work too. Just get them in behind the lath.

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  17. FRECKLES CHICK12:44 PM

    I LOVE YOUR NURSERY PLAN!!  

    Ooh, please hang drapes like these (highly recommend blackout liner, that was my rookie mom mistake to not have any) so I can live vicariously thru you (see how I made this about me?! Ha):http://pinterest.com/pin/100697741638300598/ As for getting it finished, don't worry.  Your nesting instinct will kick in that last trimester & it'll all fall into place before baby comes.  If not, all you need to really get done is paint, crib, window treatment, & stock the closet w/ essentials.  Yes, you'll have NO time to do anything after baby arrives but that's what the Mr. is for. HA =]

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  18. Wrenaria12:48 PM

    How cute! I love the navy + coral plan. So pretty!

    If you end up wanting to go with a coral striped rug similar to your mock-up, I saw one just like your sketch on RugsUSA just the other day: http://bit.ly/MeYCm6. It's also on Wayfair: http://bit.ly/TPOLpU

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  19. Pat Taveras1:07 PM

    I think is the most creative nursery I have ever heard of! I love the idea so much. I think the coral and navy would be fantastic

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  20. Love it!  And personally, the smaller room means less to design.  You can do it.  Once you have your fabrics, the rest will fall into place.  Paint is paint, and you have created world maps on sofa consoles in less than a day, so don't stress.  The mobile sounds adorable.  Perhaps favorite characters from favorite children's book(s).  Female of course!  ;)  As for the shelving, I would spend the $$ on a contractor to do it. (the one you used who is familiar with your home perhaps?).  Worth the money as it will be done right and keep your stress level to a minimum.  We had plaster/lathing in our SF home.  Beyond basic picture hanging, I always called in a pro.  If I didn't, I was bound to have a crater in my  wall.  Besides, look at it this way, your time is worth money too.

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  21. Wrenaria1:33 PM

    Also Caitlin WIlson does a lot of fabrics/pillows in corals and  blues. Please feel free to disregard anything I throw your way. I just recently was looking at these things that happened to be appropriate to your scheme and thought I'd pass them along, haha.

    http://www.caitlinwilsontextiles.com/?home

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  22. harlie1:33 PM

    I'm a big fan of books, so I'm loving the concept.  We moved when I was 7 months pregnant and my husband and I were able to put together our son's nursery in less than two months.  That included painting, assembling a crib, refinishing a dresser, finding a rocker and hanging some (not all) of the art.   It wasn't complete, but we were able to put in the finishing touches after he was born. This is completely doable. Just remember: there's no rush to get the nursery 100% finished.  Baby L will never notice and she's the one that matters.

    To lessen your stress, consider what will be most important in the room.  Here's my suggestion:

    Paint first. This is up to you, but you may want this to be a Mr. Limestone job. Even with no-VOC paint, my husband wouldn't let me in the room because I was 36 weeks pregnant at the time.  If you don't feel pressed for time, go for the mural, but otherwise, just let it go for now. 

    Next, think furniture.  Your big item--that will probably take longer than other items, so start looking now--is the dresser.  You'll want to start refinishing that baby asap (trust me: I was pretty mobile throughout my pregnancy but no matter what, that belly starts to get in the way).  Then find your nursing chair.  Make sure the chair is 100%, no-holds-barred, grade-A comfy.   You should be able to fall asleep in it and not get (too bad of) a neck crick. You'll be sitting there more than you imagine. I think, funny enough, that the crib was probably the easiest.  Mr Limestone should probably assemble it. 

    Then, get bed linens and curtains.  You might want to consider starting out with room darkening curtains or blinds.  We didn't need them for the first couple of months, but then it started to matter and we wound up getting ugly curtains because we were sleep deprived and desperate.  Attractive room-darkening curtains are hard to find. Our son just turned a year old and I still haven't had time to replace those curtains (plus, he still needs the room dark...he won't sleep if he thinks there's still daytime fun to be had).

    The last things we did before I went into labor was hang the mobile and set up a changing station on top of the dresser.

    It sounds like a lot, but it is very doable.

    Other than that, the mural, art, books, rug...that can all go in after the fact.  We got our rug when Lil'Man was a couple of months old (it took me that long to find just the right one).  His art went up a bit at a time over the next 3 months. 

    For hanging the shelves: Since you want to span the whole wall with your shelves, this shouldn't be a problem (no having to mess with toggle bolts, which, IMO, are pain in the butt).  Locate 2 vertical wood studs behind the wall.  You'll use these studs to hang your shelving so the weight isn't all on the plaster.  Once you've determined at what heights you want to hang your shelves, hold your shelf supports over the studs and mark where you'll need to drill.  Once you've marked where the supports will go, slowly drill a small pilot hole through the plaster and into the wooden stud.  Using those holes, screw the shelf supports into place with wood screws (don't over-tighten, or you could damage the plaster).

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  23. harlie1:45 PM

    Yes, yes, yes to the dimmer, if you don't already have it. 

    I love the idea of navy chalkboard paint inside the mouldings.  It would certainly cut down on the time you need to create your mural and you can easily add/switch out titles or items on the "shelves" as time goes on.

    And the small side table is a must (unless you have very deep window sills, like we have in our house). I never needed a reading light, but I suggest getting a large water bottle with a sipping spout instead of just a glass. The hospital gave me one and I'm glad they did.  I never thought much about it, but I drained that sucker several times a day while breastfeeding.  Plus, when you inevitably knock it over, you usually aren't mopping up an entire glass-worth of water because of the lid.

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  24. harlie1:51 PM

    Ooooo...what beautiful patterns.  The Berry Fleur Chinoise pillow looks perfect for this color scheme (someone suggested using both pink and coral and this is  great example of how it would work).   Though, personally, I'm loving those trellis patterned pillows...

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  25. Tracy1:57 PM

    Will her nursery *always* be her bedroom, or would you move her into the larger room at some point? If you see the larger room becoming her "big girl" room, it makes a lot of sense to put her in the little room now, because it will make it easier to redecorate the larger bedroom for her when she's older. On the other hand, if the room she goes into as a baby will always be her room, I'd go ahead and put her in the bigger room now, because that little room would make a charming nursery but it's pretty small to be an actual kid's room.

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  26. This would just be for a year or so. Definitely will need more space as she grows up so we'll move her to the larger room.

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  27. I love the Navy FLEUR CHINOISE FABRIC but at $60/yard its a little pricey to make anything substantial out of. But Ill definitely have to incorporate that somewhere b/c its lovely!

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  28. Im going to look into getting a pro to do it because I dont see how I'll possibly find the studs (there might not even be real studs back there for all i know!) - stud finders don't work in my house.

    I know the baby doesnt care about a finished nursery but I do. I know myself and it will just make me stressed beyond measure to have a lot of unfinished business so Im making it my job to get as much done beforehand as possible.

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  29. I do have a very deep window sill so I could use that as a place to put a drink down. Or I could just put it on the dresser. This room is very small. There really isn't any more room in here for more furniture anyway.

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  30. Congratulations! I've been reading your blog for several years and am thrilled to see that you're expecting a baby. LOVE the navy and coral theme! How do you feel about chevon fabric? Would love to make you a lumbar pillow or a small decorative crib pillow. In fact, I think I have some navy chevron fabric in my stash. E-mail me and we can discuss. LAN2249 AT gmail.com

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  31. Congratulations!  A few thoughts--make sure your art work above changing table and the crib is out of reach for a wiggly toddler.   Also, I spent a ton of time in my nursery rocker.  I ended up getting an ottoman to rest my feet on.  I suggest getting an ottoman with storage for blankets, toys etc. if you can find one you like (and that will fit).  As for a bookish mobile, I saw a beautiful book mobile tutorial on Kara PasIay's blog.  You are so talented--I can't wait to see the finished product!

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  32. Yep, thats the one I attempted to draw (not a great job) but its out of stock. Im sure Ill find something though.

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  33. Love those. Im not sure if my sewing skills are up to that challenge but they look great.

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  34. Ha - to be clear I just like the idea of the bookstore. Im not under any impression it will have some lasting effect on the babys behavior. (Spoken as someone who was a straight A student, watched a ton of TV and never had a nursery.)

    I'm worried about the same thing when it comes to the dresser but I'm not sure what choice I have. I definitely want to have some storage and a spot to change the baby on. Maybe once I get the furniture in there Ill feel like its too much and go right to the large room? Not sure.

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  35. Im sure she won't notice but I will. It would totally stress me out to have a laundry list of to-do items post baby so Im making it my mission to avoid it.

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  36. Wrenaria2:17 PM

    Yeah, it's crazy expensive, but was too pretty not to share. That one is my favorite too.

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  37. If I go with the pink instead of coral, these are pretty adorable. http://www.halfpricedrapes.com/jubilee-silk-taffeta-plaid.html

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  38. I was thinking of using decals for the 'books'. Chalk would be cheaper/easier but the baby is going to be putting her hands on the wall at some point so that could get messy.

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  39. Ewmiguel2:21 PM

    i am not a comment leaver but i just had to this time. i had one baby shower with my little boy and when my mom asked me the theme i wanted it was books. instead of normal baby shower presents we asked everyone to just bring their favorite baby/kids book. (we made invitations look like those old cards that use to be in the front of library books) it was the best decision i have ever made, i now have two kids and we read those books every day.

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  40. I did a lot more DIY when I was pregnant with my first - you will be amazed to look back at how much "free time" you had before baby came along! Try not to bite off more than you can chew, and look to Etsy for people who will do custom work for you. There are lots of crafters who can sew custom bedding for you if you don't find exactly what you want at a regular store. Online shopping has been my best friend during this pregnancy. I have everything I need and just need to put it all in the room! But those painting and DIY projects have definitely been put off due to fatigue. Do your hardest stuff now while you have the energy, or suck it up and hire someone to repaint the furniture. We won't think any less of you. ;-)

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  41. I love your ideas! I have always thought navy and pink/coral would be a stunning nursery combo, so I can't wait to see how it comes out.  This is just a thought, but you could think about incorporating those books with the folded pages (they become like sculptures) into your mobile. You could make them with mini books and I think it would be SO cute. I want to make it right now, actually. Ha! Good luck during this super happy time in your life! Don't stress too much!

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  42. I love points 6. & 9. here.
    I don't want to be a party-pooper, but you really think you can do this in your set time frame?

    But one suggestion. you should let your hubby build the baby's changing table, so you two can make it right for your height.

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  43. Love your plans. I'm using the navy/ pink palette in our playroom using the Caitlin Wilson fabric. It's pricey but you could just use it for a cornice. You definitely want blackout shades and a small side table as the others said. You'll get it all done. When you start to feel panicked just think of me. I'm 33 weeks, sleeping on a couch and am just now starting to get the nursery/ my 3 yr old's room together. You're fine.

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  44. Jeannine5205:11 PM

    I think it's lovely, and I love the idea of coral and navy in a nursery. I've always liked small rooms used as nurseries BUT as a mother of 10 week old twins, I can tell you that she will outgrow this room so quickly and you will be faced with the decorating of the larger room before  you can blink your eyes when you don't have the time or energy to do it.  I'm a minimalist and love a streamlined nursery without all of what I thought were unnecessary, junky type of baby items that you see in most nurseries, so..... I left them out of my design. Big mistake.  My mom tried to warn me that I would need a baby swing in there. I insisted I didn't need or want one.  She also said I'd need a place for more than one person to sit. Why?? Open shelving for toys (infants don't really use toys do they?? And why does the storage need to be open?). Let's just say the idealist in me was faced with reality very quickly.  Trying to retrofit these into my design has the once beautiful room looking not quite as put together as I'd like and has resulted in wasted time,  money and frustration.  I love your style and know you will come up with the perfect solutions. Good luck and I'm very happy for you! 

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  45. Angela5:19 PM

    WOW!!! It’s beautiful!!  You have such good taste. 

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  46. As Ive said, I totally agree with your logic and thus I was definitely in favor of using the bigger room. But sometimes I have to pick my battles.  So I'll move to the bigger room when the time comes.  It might be fun to decorate a bigger girl room vs. a nursery.  (See, thats me looking on the bright side -  heheh)

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  47. Yea thats exactly what I dont want.  Im sure I wont have time post baby to get it done and that is going to drive me up a wall!

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  48. Im not building a changing table at all so that is one thing none of us have to do.  Im going to repurpose a dresser.

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  49. Ive seen those mobiles and they are cool but I dont think they are particularily interesting for baby to look at from underneath.  I was thinking something more whimsical with little felt books and pencils, etc.  its a bit of a loose idea though - but I figure the mobile is one of those things I can do while fully preg b/c it can be done sitting down.

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  50. I would so love to hire someone to do it all for me but I'm too cheap :)  But defiitely with you on having an etsy seller make the bedding or other items when possible. 

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  51. Too high artwork is a pet peeve for me so I plan on hanging the artwork with those velcro command strips at all four corners so they will virtually impossible to push off the wall by baby hands.  But good point just the same. 

    Id love an ottoman but there isn't enough room in here for one so I'll do without.

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  52. Angela5:41 PM

    Attached is a link to some coral irish fabric:

    http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/images/products/NLNCOR_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/linen-fabric/irish-linen-fabric/coral-irish-linen-fabric-.htm&h=354&w=300&sz=37&tbnid=5dOtg3tU-czLyM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=76&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcoral%2Blinen%2Bfabric%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=coral+linen+fabric&usg=__VKwpqbTvpyJrQlwqLkhZGbGBUnA=&docid=WFlUeWn3py3D-M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=O60yULuEJoPg8ATPgIGYCA&ved=0CIIBEPUBMAg&dur=1941

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  53. laura @ the shorehouse7:14 PM

    Have you tried Task Rabbit to find some help (with the shelf hanging, etc.)?  My friend just used (she lives on the UES) and was really happy with the service, and the 'task master' she got connected to.

    Love the navy walls.  Dreamy!

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  54. wendy7:23 PM

    Honestly, you can get away with changing her in her crib and just use a waterproof pad over the bedding.  This would free up your dresser space for other things.  I had a changing "station" and never used it.  Since the room is so small it may be something to look into. 

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  55. Love the theme & the navy/coral color scheme :)

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  56. How have I not heard of this? How genius! I'll check it out. Thanks!

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  57. I'm just planning on using one of those changing trays on top of a dresser - so if I find I'm not using it much, I can just chuck the top and be left with the original dresser. I'm pretty tall so bending over like that to change her in her crib might be murder for my back,

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  58. Emily@Decorchick9:19 PM

    oh my gosh where have I been?? Oh yea, having babies too, but CONGRATULATIONS!!! 

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  59. Jessica at 11 Gray9:41 PM

    I love the idea.  We put up shelves on our plaster walls.  You have to anchor every single screw with toggle bolts.  We did that and I could sit on the shelves they are so strong.  Just pre-drill the holes of course and put in the toggle bolts.  It leaves big holes but you can cover those up later.  Good ideas!  I can't wait to see what you come up with.  

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  60. I love the navy + coral or navy + pink color scheme.  Girly, but not overkill girly.  Don't stress yourself out over it.  You'll get it done.  3 months is enough time.

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  61. Shannon Croley10:20 PM

    Love the nursery idea..you should check out my girlfriend's blog - inthelittleyellowhouse.blogspot.com - she has the tiniest nursery every and it works!!  They even installed custom made bookshelves themselves (and they have plaster walls too!).  LOVING the pink & navy theme - we did pale pink & pale blue since we didn't know what we were having!

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  62. I am due about two weeks after you and I am realizing that I need to take things off my plate. Have you considered a muralist for the trompe l'oeil bookcases? Or bookcase wallpaper so you just have to paint or build the frame? I know a big project like that would drive me mad striving for perfection and I am quickly realizing destressing is the name of the game! -Ann thesewallsofwhite.blogspot.com

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  63. Chelsea12:11 AM

    It will be amazing and I am sure you will pull it off in time.  I can't wait to see it finished!  I think only you could make that tiny room look perfect!  It will be the sweetest little nursery.

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  64. Debra Shatto12:29 AM

    I like your vision for the nursery, and especially the bookstore idea. I thought it might be cool to do the wall behind the crib in a navy chalkboard paint, so you could just chalk up the rows of books in the panels. That way you could easily change your ideas/art down the road. This was hard to write without saying the dreaded "theme" word--and I totally agree with finding it offensive. I'm voting coral.

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  65. julie1:12 AM

    You can totally do it in your time frame (and it will be adorable!).  BUT you may have to be flexible about the dresser due to your space constraints.  (I assume you've measured changing pads and checked that a dresser that's deep enough for a changing pad will fit in the space.)  It may not be possible to find a vintage one of the right dimensions in the time available.  You might have to settle for something new (which you can still repaint) -- and don't limit yourself to dressers.  Buffets, console tables, kitchen islands, kitchen cabinets (either wall or base)  -- there's all kinds of possibilities.  You could even have curtained shelves.  You just don't have the luxury of spending endless weekend hours hunting for a vintage find that may never appear. (Not saying you shouldn't look at all -- but you need to give yourself a very strict time limit for looking.  It's really easy to get obsessed with finding the perfect thing.)

    And navy and coral will be fabulous!
     

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  66. Love it! I love that it can grow with the baby and the colors (go for navy and coral) are not typical "baby" colors. You can so do it!

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  67. Oh I really love it, the blue and the coral is really unusual and will look gorgeous.  And you've already had some great comments on here.

    My only advice is watch how low that bottom row of books is, the baby will probably use it to pull up on when she's learning to walk - make sure it's nice and strong :) 

    Enjoy decorating your nursery,  I think doing ours was my favourite room makeover ever xx

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  68. Funny enough Ive already found one used dresser that I think might work well but I dont want to pull the trigger b/c I feel like I should see how the crib and chair fit first. Of course when Im ready im sure Ill never be able to find something suitable again :)

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  69. I love chalkboard paint but I dont think it would last very long if the baby can reach out and touch it. My plan is to use wall decals to make the books rather than paint it on - although if it that becomes too much of a pain, I might just throw a little paint up. I can always paint over it. (The molding around the books will be real - not painted on)

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  70. I dont anticipate the drawing of the books to be a big deal. I can do that pretty easily (famous last words!) so Im not so worried about that part. Its more of the big projects like the bookshelves, molding, making a roman shade, etc. that worries me.

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  71. She did a great job. Ive always loved that woodland wallpaper. Her nursery is a bit larger than mine (Id guess she has two or more feet of width)

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  72. Thanks Jessica. Im a bit worried about using toggles b/c I dont see how that doesn't ruin the plaster. There is a closet on the other side of the wall so maybe I can add some studs back there. I definitely want it to be super secure but i dont want to destroy my house experimenting :)

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  73.  Well, that's good news that you've already had some luck.  Do you have room to get one that's wider than the changing pad, so you can keep diapers, wipes, etc. on the top next to the pad and not have to use drawer space?

    I'm so excited to see this nursery!

    p.s. Do you think if you used a bookrack instead of floating shelves/ledges, it might need less holes in the wall?  Pottery Barn Kids sells some, or you could repurpose a plate rack. 

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  74. Sara Hilton11:03 AM

    You can do it, I felt great in my third trimester!  I love your plan, beautiful.

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  75. Yes I plan to get something as large as reasonable since I'll want as much storage space as I can get (and this is the only storage in there). Im not sure how big I can go without it being overwelming though.

    As for the shelves, I'm going to make something custom for that spot. Nothing premade is the right size for this space and I want it to look built in.

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  76. Katie from Sew Woodsy1:34 PM

    I love your ideas and love the color scheme--just go with the navy and coral. I'm sure it will work out. I think you guys will be able to get the room done if you solidify your plan and stick to it! :) 

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  77. It seems the room is currently painted a light blue color.  I would use the color you already have painted on the walls so you don't have to repaint them.  (the only time saving thing I could think of)

    Other than that - I think this is great and I can't wait to see how it turns out. 

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  78. Desiree2:19 PM

    Well seeing as the hubs and I completely gutted our nursery in just a couple months I say it's completely doable! Here's what we did (to make you feel better about your list): tear down sheetrock, scrape off popcorn ceiling, rewire all electrical, replace sheetrock, mud, sand, paint, replace carpet with hardwoods, put up crown molding, put up wall paper border, add more shelves in closet, paint crib, sew bedding, sew curtains, sew rocking chair pads, paint changing table, frame and hang art, paint dresser, and then actually move all baby things into the room. Did I mention we both work full time?

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  79. Becky2:46 PM

    love the navy and coral idea! and we have a much smaller card catalogue in our daughter's room and it's sooo useful. the plastic, lidded, stacking kids' boxes (with lego like feet) fit perfectly inside to wrangle small pieces

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  80. Its a bummer Ill have to move my big card catalog out of here but Ill be sure to use it for the big girl room I do in a year or two. Thanks for the tip.

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  81. WOW! Im totally impressed. Want to come over and help me :)

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  82. I love this plan! I'm a fan of small rooms with high impact style though. This is fabulous and I hope you do it! I will hop in my car and drive there to help you (and pet your limestone) if needed. (Only about 4 hours away.) Coral and navy sounds lovely, but I like the idea of the pink too. (Hale Navy by Ben Moore is gorgeous...it's a very dark navy.) Also, I didn't know you were expecting so congratulations!

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  83. Blanchegar11:20 PM

    Have you seen these?  Babies love them for the contrast and I'm thinking maybe could be used for the mobile.  Not bookish but practical for when you need the baby to be engaged in something else so you can finally go to the bathroom or eat something.   Loving the colors by the way.
    http://weegallery.com/store/art-cards/ 

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  84. I'll just give her my house keys. Babies seem far more enamored with them then any toy Ive ever seen :)

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  85. Tracy9:31 AM

    I did all of my baby's nursery in my last trimester.  This is the level we completed it to before he was born: http://photobucket.com/LittleBoyNursery  I painted those giraffe spots while 8 months pregnant, standing on a scaffold, while at home by myself.  Probably not the best idea, lol, but it had to be done.  My water broke two weeks early, so I was really glad that we didn't wait any longer than we did.  You absolutely will not feel like doing any DIY after you bring the baby home.  It's so crazy just trying to adjust to everything.  Good luck! Your ideas look awesome.

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  86. I did navy & white and was going to add pink if I had a girl. Thank goodness I had a book 'cause there was no way I'd have the time to add any cute little pink details. My biggest regret was saving anything to finish after he arrived, so yes, I think you probably won't want a half finished nursery. However, I started in September and he arrived on Dec. 14, so I think you're going to be juuuuust fine :)

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  87.  Um a book!?! I had a boy. I do love books though and the bookshop "theme" ;)

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  88. oh, and I just came across this: 
    http://www.voilagallery.com/decorative-objects/custom/book-mobile.html  Could be super cute for a mobile, especially if you use really small books...

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  89. I think you can totally pull it off! Love the color scheme, by the way (and the non-theme : )).

    I haven't read through the other comments, so you may have already seen this, but Premier Prints has a whole line of coral fabrics (chevron prints and other pretty/whimsical options) in home decor weight fabrics at crazy reasonable prices on fabric.com.

    http://www.fabric.com/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=coral+premier+prints&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e

    I'm 35 weeks pregnant with my twins, so the countdown has sort of begun...although I'm trying to avoid thinking of it in those terms since I know I'll be super-disappointed if I expect them to come early and they don't show up for another 5 weeks.

    Hope your last trimester is super productive AND as comfortable as possible!

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  90. Thanks Abbie. Ive seen the chevron and like it but its still a hard color to work with b/c the selection is so much more limited. But I do prefer it to the pink.

    Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy! I cant imagine how much more tired you must feel with two babies. :)

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  91. That is super cute (ouch at the price!) - i was thinking more of a felt mobile than real books but its an option if I can find mini books. A lot easier than what I was thinking :)

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  92. Ha - I was wondering what you meant.

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  93. StudioOneDesign12:36 PM

    In looking at your plan - the basic layout is quite good. The bookshelves are a terrific idea. Please consider adding mini-shelves on either side of the window as well to display stuffed animals, figurines, baby silver, framed photos, etc - and if you are open to the idea of having the curtains cover the window in a very 'fitted' manner (covering only the window and ending at the window sill) or perhaps using a fitted shade onto which you can paint a mural, you can also add shelves under the window and across that entire wall to the floor. The repitition of the shelving at both ends of the room brings an orderly feel to the space - it is effective use of the space - and it enables this room to transition from a nursery into a child's room with the greatest of ease (picture in your mind a set of customized bunk beds centered in this space which includes a little desk, etc).  It is very cost effective to be future-thinking in these matters.

    Navy and coral or navy and pink will be beautiful - consider adding a third color to the mix - someone previously suggested turquoise - this is an excellent idea. This will broaden your ability to make additions to the space.

    Hanging the shelves onto plaster walls - you will need a 'stud finder' in order to secure the shelves into the 'load bearing beams' of your home. You will also need wall 'anchors' which are drilled into the plaster to assist in holding the screws in place. Not to worry - they are cheap ($4-5 per box of more than you will need). You can tackle this shelf-hanging project if you so desire - but there is no shame in hiring this out to someone to have done!

    Since this is a small space, you might consider painting one wall in navy and the remaing three in pink or coral - or perhaps doing a long wall and behind the shelves of either the door or window placed wall in one color and the other two in the second color. This will assist in having the space appear larger. When I design small spaces for clients, I generally advocate using one light to medium color and painting walls AND ceiling in that color. It serves to heighten and expand the sense of space - your room will feel larger.

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  94. Blanchegar10:24 PM

    Those and the tv remote. LOL

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  95. Patti8:51 AM

    Love your bookstore 'theme' and your color choices. I have to say I really am over the chalkboard idea some have suggested. Maybe it's just me, I hate the whole chalkboard craze, I think it's a messy look. Maybe a decal would work better or paint the bookshelves using your mastery of the projector. I also have plaster walls in my old Queens house and we had to make a mess of the wall and drill tons of holes to find the studs to hang shelves, then it was a matter of plastering over the holes and using heavy duty toggle bolts. Good luck, but I'm so confident you'll make it beautiful!

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  96. Anna Moser10:18 AM

    This design is so adorable for an infant. But I gotta say go for the bigger room, especially if it is eventually going to be HER room. You'll want space to play on the floor when she gets bigger and I know I personally wouldn't have the energy to redo a room from scratch with a toddler all over the place. I do love your design though, and look forward to seeing the bookish mobile you come up with. I also envision giant picture book covers on the wall as art.

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  97. I like your theme of books, but to be really honest, I feel it is better for a toddler than an infant. She's not really going to be into books for a couple of years. I love the idea of chalk paint, but I think I'd do maybe butterflies and dragonflies and flowers for now.
    I used a dresser for a changing table and it worked out great. Then you have a nice piece of furniture you can use later. 

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  98. Carrie O.12:55 PM

    I LOVE your design!  

    Instead of worrying about the stability of several bookshelves, can I recommend a hanging book rack?  I purchased one from Pottery Barn when my boys were young, and it is still up and very useful (they are 16, 14, and 12).  The advantage is that you can see all of the books, not just their spines (which is especially good for little ones).  Ours actually held a lot of books, too.  A book rack may be easier to install as well (ours has two hooks at the top and has survived three boys)!  I could not find it on the PB website, but you may find a similar one or someone who no longer needs theirs (Craigslist?)    I tried so hard to post a picture I took with my iPhone, but I can't seem to make it work.  Feel free to email me at carrieokuno@hotmail:twitter 
    .com and I would be happy to email you a photo, if you want.

    Another unique book solution is:  http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2012/06/19/daily-delight-hanging-book-rack/

    Also, have you ever seen the ideal bookshelf (or something similar) on etsy?  I always thought it would be great to do this, but with made up titles that are meaningful for my family.  For example, my oldest plays hockey, so his book would say "Perfect Slapshots" by A. Okuno.  I would include titles for each of our family members, even grandparents!  It could reference where they grew up, went to school, occupations, etc.  

    You are always so creative, I'm sure this special room will be AMAZING!

    Best,
    Carrie O.

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  99. JolieAnne6:06 PM

    I like the color combo you are planning for the nursery.
    I love the floor plan of the room also.  Where is your office going to go?
    I vote for coral and navy!  Wishing you all the best!

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  100. Thanks. This isn't my office - I was just using it as a crafting room since we had the space.

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  101. Cristin :: Simplified Bee2:43 PM

    I am so behind in my blog reading.... I had no idea you were expecting a baby! Congrats!!!! Wishing you a smooth pregnancy. xoxo

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  102. susan starkey12:05 AM

    A bazillion years ago, I had twins. Because of a dire situation before I had conceived them, their nurseries were blank slates until I brought them home.
    Babies don't give a flip about their room decor right away, LOL, that's all for show.
     Don't rush if it's not in your nature to do so. Take your time-all you really need is a comfy chair and a crib. The rest of it should be done with joy and fun, not with a crazy-making deadline. Enjoy!

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  103. Angie7:20 PM

    I love your baby's nursery!  I just saw some fabric from Caitlin Wilson on Four Men and One Lady blog today, and I had to comment.  You can type find the url by typing Caitlin Wilson textiles.com.  Very pretty and lots of navy, coral and peachy-pink!

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