Designing Brooklynn’s Dream Nursery: A Whimsical Journey to a Perfectly Girly Haven
Embarking on the journey of decorating a baby’s nursery is a unique blend of excitement, anticipation, and creative expression. For us, the arrival of our precious Brooklynn presented an especially delightful challenge: transforming a temporary, boy-themed space into a beautifully feminine and utterly enchanting haven. Join us for an exclusive peek inside Brooklynn’s bedroom, a space crafted with immense love, a touch of indulgence, and an abundance of girly charm.
From Boyish Beginnings to Girly Splendor: The Nursery Transformation
Before Brooklynn graced our lives, we opted for a gender-neutral approach, or rather, a “boy-ready” one, given our previous experiences! We already had two wonderful boys, so the odds of welcoming another were 50/50. Consequently, the initial nursery setup was practical and convenient, utilizing items we already had on hand. My incredibly supportive sister even helped put together a sweet, albeit somewhat boyish, room with existing decor. I truly wish I had “before” photos to showcase its charm, but rest assured, it was functional and cozy, just waiting for its true identity to be revealed.
The moment Brooklynn arrived, a wave of inspiration (and perhaps a touch of “last baby, only girl” enthusiasm) washed over me. I knew it was time to infuse the space with unapologetically feminine touches. This realization led to several delightful (and slightly extravagant, my husband Brandon might add!) trips to local baby boutiques, Target, Hobby Lobby, and countless hours browsing Etsy. Brandon often returned home to find a new adorable addition, shaking his head with a knowing smile. But what can I say? Our little girl deserves a space as special and unique as she is!
Now, our little Brookie is ready to take you on a personal tour. In her own words, “Welcome to my crib!”
Sweet Dreams: Brooklynn’s Crib and Artistic Inspiration
For Brooklynn’s primary sleeping area, we cleverly repurposed one of the twins’ mini cribs. This choice was not just practical but also essential for our bustling household, allowing us to utilize the room as a versatile guest bedroom when needed – a true testament to making every square foot count in a “full house”! To add a unique, personalized touch, I commissioned beautiful custom mini crib sheets through Etsy, ensuring a perfect fit and a delightful aesthetic.
The centerpiece above her crib is a captivating canvas wall art piece titled “The Gang Celebrates.” I discovered this gem at a local Dallas baby boutique, Baby Bliss, even before Brooklynn was born. Its subtle girly undertones resonated with me, but I wisely waited for her arrival to confirm the gender before making the purchase. Once she was here, the vibrant colors and joyful theme of the canvas became the perfect inspiration, setting the entire color scheme and whimsical tone for her room.
The Charming Changing Station: Functionality Meets Whimsy
The changing area is undoubtedly one of my favorite spots in Brooklynn’s room, and it seems she agrees! She loves gazing at the delightful wall decor and playful elements above her during diaper changes, turning a routine task into a moment of engagement and joy. This area truly exemplifies how practical spaces can be both beautiful and stimulating for a baby.
The incredibly soft and perfectly fitting Oh Joy! changing pad cover from Target adds a playful yet comfortable foundation. The surrounding decor is a curated collection of charming pieces. The elegant metal letter ‘B’, a rustic wooden rack, a crisp white metal bowl filled with an array of adorable bows, and the heartwarming “So in love with you” wall art were all discovered at Hobby Lobby. This store, while a treasure trove for decorators, can be quite “dangerous” – in the best possible way! I made several strategic trips, always ensuring my purchases aligned with their fantastic weekly sales. Anyone who frequents Hobby Lobby knows that patience pays off, as nearly everything eventually goes on a 50% off rotation.
Adding another layer of inspiration to this special corner is the “She believed she could so she did” wooden wall art, a beautiful find from Nordstrom, instilling a message of empowerment from her earliest days.
Accessorizing with Love: Headbands, Books, and a Soothing Mobile
No girly room is complete without a delightful collection of headbands! Brooklynn’s array of hanging headbands are primarily from Baby Bling Bows, a brand we absolutely adore. They are incredibly soft and comfortable, making them our go-to choice. We’ve amassed quite the collection, with one in nearly every color, either gifted by friends and family or personally selected from Nordstrom.
To foster a love for reading from an early age, I carefully selected a collection of cute and inspirational books from Amazon. These are displayed artfully on the wooden rack and a charming table positioned near the room’s entrance, inviting curiosity and quiet moments. Our little library includes beloved titles such as: Happy!, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, If I Could Keep You Little…, The Biggest Kiss, The Wonderful Things You Will Be, I Wish You More, Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA, Moo Baa La La La!, and The Daring Book for Girls. A sweet, colorful striped bunny from Baby Gap also adds a touch of playful softness to this reading nook.
Above her crib, the beautiful Merry Go Round mobile from Petit Pehr captivates Brooklynn’s attention. She absolutely adores watching its gentle rotation, providing a soothing and engaging focal point during her quiet moments.
Exploring the Other Side: A Multifunctional & Playful Space
Venturing to the other side of Brooklynn’s room reveals another thoughtful arrangement, balancing charm with practicality. This area functions not only as a delightful space for her but also integrates features that make it a welcoming guest room when family and friends visit.
Continuing our successful shopping at Hobby Lobby, I discovered a charming colorful antique drawer organizer and a festive tassel banner, both adding character and a pop of color to the room. Above Brooklynn’s closet door hangs a sweet wooden wall sign that reads, “A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear.” It’s an absolutely perfect sentiment for our little smiley Brookie, serving as a daily reminder of her joyful spirit. On the opposite door, a lovely white bird overdoor rack from The Container Store provides a convenient spot for hanging towels and hoodies.
A Cozy Reading & Play Nook
In one corner, I designed a dedicated reading and play area, complete with a cozy round bath rug from Target, perfect for Brooklynn to comfortably sit and explore. A stylish round table and an elegant aqua lamp base, both from Target, adorn this space. The coordinating lamp shade, a thoughtful addition from Hobby Lobby, completes the inviting ambiance. The room is softly illuminated by beautiful coral curtains, also a Target find, adding warmth and privacy.
Brookie absolutely adores her soft and comfortable silver shaggy area rug. It’s the perfect spot for her to lay, roll, and play, adding a luxurious and inviting texture to her personal play zone.
Personalized Touches & Guest-Ready Comfort
To infuse a deeply personal touch, I had three of Brooklynn’s precious newborn pictures printed on canvases, which now beautifully adorn the wall beside the guest bed. They turned out absolutely stunning and were an incredible bargain, ordered at 75% off through Photobucket.
The guest bed itself is enhanced by thoughtful details. A charming little antique table at its end, another delightful find from Hobby Lobby, provides a convenient surface. The cozy throw pillows and a soft knit blanket on the bed are both sourced from Target, adding layers of comfort and style. Above the head of the bed, a cluster of small round mirrors, also from Target, creates an interesting visual element, reflecting light and adding depth. Completing this inviting space are subtle gray triangle wall decals, another budget-friendly yet impactful decorative touch from Hobby Lobby.
Tips for Creating Your Own Dream Nursery
Decorating Brooklynn’s room was an absolute joy, and I hope it sparks inspiration for your own nursery project. Here are a few key takeaways from my experience:
- Start with Inspiration: Find one piece you truly love, like our “The Gang Celebrates” canvas, and let it guide your color scheme and theme. This provides a cohesive starting point.
- Repurpose and Reignite: Don’t shy away from using existing furniture or pieces from older siblings. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or creative accessories can completely transform them.
- Shop Smart & Save: Retailers like Hobby Lobby offer incredible sales cycles. Plan your purchases, browse weekly ads, and be patient to maximize your budget without compromising on style.
- Personalize with Photos: Newborn or baby photos printed on canvases create truly unique and sentimental wall art. Look for online deals from photo printing services.
- Create Zones: Even in a small room, designated areas for sleeping, changing, reading, and playing can make the space more functional and organized.
- Think Dual-Purpose: If space is a premium, consider how the nursery can serve other functions, such as a guest room. Convertible cribs and thoughtful furniture choices are key.
- Layer Textures: Incorporate soft rugs, cozy blankets, and varied fabrics to add warmth, comfort, and visual interest to the room.
- Incorporate Educational Elements: A small library of age-appropriate books not only looks charming but encourages early literacy.
A Special Space for Our Special Girl
Creating Brooklynn’s room was an immensely fulfilling project, one that I poured my heart into. My hope is that she will cherish this special space for many years to come, or at least until she develops her own strong opinions on room decor – which, knowing her, will probably be sooner than I expect! Watching her explore and enjoy every corner of her nursery makes every detail worthwhile.
If you’re a parent of a little girl searching for charming and practical nursery ideas, I sincerely hope Brooklynn’s room provides plenty of inspiration for designing a beautiful and memorable space for your own daughter.
xoxo,
Maegan