We’re happy to introduce guest blogger Kim Johnson, who has helped many new mom’s create their dream nursery with Salt Lake City Baby Boutique Babinski Baby.
We hope you enjoy Kim’s personal story of finding joy while decorating her very own first-time nursery—and enjoy her pro-tips!
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve waited and how much you’ve dreamed about having a baby and creating the perfect nursery… when the time comes, it’s all a little overwhelming. In my case, I’m a thirtysomething who has waited, wished and dreamed for a LONG time. I have been working in the “baby business” for the past 3 ½ years, educating new parents and selling them all of the essentials for their most precious babies. I assumed I was a true expert and would know exactly what I wanted when my turn finally came along. {Insert laugh here}.
It’s amazing… blame it on the hormones, the pregnancy brain, my cankles, everyone’s unsolicited advice or just the fact that all the sudden it was my money having to buy all this stuff, instead of someone else’s and I found myself a basket case. All of the things and brands and products that I was previously so sure of, I was suddenly questioning and feeling overwhelmed. Quite frankly, everything about this whole baby process is as overwhelming as it is magical and wonderful. We need to eliminate the “overwhelmed” part and focus on just what an incredible and magical journey it really is.
Here are a few tips that might be helpful to consider, as someone who helps people prepare for baby’s needs, as well as someone who is anxiously awaiting and preparing for baby’s needs …
There is no right or wrong. What may be right for one, might not be right for you. Politely consider all of the advice that you get and then do what YOU want, considering YOUR lifestyle. The amazing fully-suspended jogging stroller that Betty down the street swears by isn’t worth the money if you’ve never jogged a day in your life and hate even walking to the mailbox and back. Same thing with diaper bags, bassinettes, co-sleepers, cloth diapers vs disposable etc. etc. etc. Everyone has an opinion, but there are so many fantastic options out there now, do your research and consider what’s best for you… your lifestyle, your budget and your sanity. There is not one “right” product. Period.
Remember that there are no rules when it comes to nursery décor. Some of the most amazing nurseries that I have seen are mismatched and eclectic. Decide what you want to spend the money on and look for other bargains or pieces that you might already have that can be re-purposed. You can do incredible things with a can of paint or some interesting fun, new hardware. Figure out where you can save a little money to spend elsewhere.
I highly recommend a great nursery glider. Of all the things that I have spent money on, it is currently my wisest purchase! My littlemiss isn’t even here yet and it’s already my favorite place to sit in the middle of the night. (You know, third trimester insomnia…between sleeping with a watermelon attached to your abdomen, having to pee every 37 minutes, the leg cramps and the sudden thirst and hunger pangs… you’re bound to have some sleepless nights and that’s before there’s even a crying baby in the picture… help!)
Don’t be paralyzed by color or “baby themes”. Gone are the days of strictly pink for girls, blue for boys or yellow for you die-hards that don’t find out. There are some amazing modern and contemporary nurseries out there that don’t utilize traditional colors. One of the most popular colors I have seen this last year used in nursery bedding is steel grey, mixed with all kinds of amazing non-traditional nursery colors. Who would have thought and who cares what your mom or grandma says (“Well, this is interesting. It sure is *ahem* different than what we did in MY day”), it’s YOU that will be spending all your time in there, eating up that precious baby. Have fun with the art and décor. Play with fun, funky lighting. Remember, you don’t have to do teddy bear décor, just because it’s a baby’s room (unless you want to, of course). They won’t know the difference anyway.
I chose to go with very non-traditional baby girl nursery colors and I LOVE it. I used slate grays, browns, yellows and a splash of avocado. Yep, you heard me… an entire baby girl’s nursery without pink (don’t worry… I may incorporate a bit in here and there). It’s totally feminine, yet modern and most of all it feels calming and comfortable for me as well as hopefully her. As a new and first time mom… that calming, comforting feeling is something that I think I’ll be thankful for when she and I are both in tears as we try to figure out our new life together. Besides, I know that starting in about 2 years; it will be all about Disney princesses and sugary, glittery pink tiaras and in the meantime… I get to choose and I didn’t choose pink and that’s okay. I fully stand behind my decision.
In the end, just think outside the box. Don’t stress. Enjoy this amazing journey. Don’t take a minute of it for granted. Take people’s advice and opinions for what they’re worth… then throw them all out and follow your heart and your gut. I hear that the instinct we’ve heard about our whole lives is pretty legit… trust it.
Since this post was originally written, Kim gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Leah.
Kim’s Petite Lemon School Days Alphabet Poster in yellow, lime, gray and avocado was created especially for her nursery. If you’d like to have a Petite Lemon design created in a custom color palette, simply email us at hello@petitelemon.com
We're moms and dads who love designing personalized goods that add style and meaning to your special moments and festivities. Our blog is devoted to inspiring your decor and celebrations. 
Love this. What a cute nursery!
Where is this crib bedding from?? I must find it for my gray and yellow nursery!
It’s called “Maya” by Banana Fish!!
Hey! love the nursery! question. where can i purchase the glider?
The chair is the Hagen made by Best Chairs — it’s part of their Storytime Series.
Where did you find your chair? I am looking for one that is smaller … and it looks like yours fits perfectly in that corner.
The chair is the Hagen made by Best Chairs —it’s part of their Storytime Series.
Dying to know where the bedding came from and HOW TO make the adorable fluffy fabric mobile?! Please, please!
Of course! The fabric balls are made with a 4 or 5 inch styrofoam ball. Take 3 yards of fabric per ball and cut it into as many 6 inch circles as possible. Fold the fabric into quarters and pin all over the ball. Easy, peasy!I Then take a styrofoam wreath form, cover with ribbon and then used ribbon to tie it all together as a mobile. Cheers!
Where did you get the mirror? I have been looking for one like it in round or oval.
That one was found at Home Goods and it was a steal for only $29!
Pingback: Ways to Display Your Petite Lemon Alphabet Poster | Petite Lemon Blog
No kidding, I have the same bedding and the same exact mirror above my daughter’s crib! Now I am tempted to take on that mobile
So cute!
You totally should! Great minds think alike! XO
LOVE the color on the walls! Do you have the name of it?
The paint is Dulux/Glidden and the color is Legend Tan — its the perfect shade of gray! It’s just warm enough! XO
please tell me where you got this bedding!!!
Oh we are so glad you like it! It’s “Maya” by Banana Fish.
I love your nursery! Where did you get your crib from?
We’re so glad you love it! It’s the Newport Cottages Panel Crib. Cheers!
these are the exact colors my daughter is wanting for her nursery….she even has that same mirror. I looked for the bedding on the banana fish website but didn’t see it.. Could you give me some more info? Thanks!!
Hi Melanie — I was not able to find it on their website either, but I did find a seller on Amazon with it:
http://www.amazon.com/Maya-Piece-Bedding-Glenna-Jean/dp/B003UDQY9K
Wondering if they have discontinued it? Hope that helps!! Cheers!
Beautiful! How did you make the mobile?
Hi Mish! It’s pretty simple … the fabric ball mobile is made with a 4 or 5 inch styrofoam ball. Take 3 yards of fabric per ball and cut it into as many 6 inch circles as possible. Fold the fabric into quarters and pin all over the ball. Easy, peasy!I Then take a styrofoam wreath form, cover with ribbon and then used ribbon to tie it all together as a mobile. Cheers!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I have two girls and am about to have a little boy. I wish that I had some of these ideas for the girls nurseries. Just one question….where did you get the photo with the alphabet and name? I love it!!! Thanks
Hi Tina! We’re so glad you love this post — the Alphabet Poster is our brand, Petite Lemon. You can view all of our personalized growth charts, alphabet posters and photoposters at http://www.petitelemon.com. Cheers!
I love this idea for my baby nursery! What kind of fabric did you use for the poms..and did you get the fabric at Joannes? What did you use to pin the fabric on? I’m in love with this
Hi Christi! So those fabric balls are made with a 4 or 5″ styrofoam ball. You take 3 yards of fabric per ball and cut it into as many 6 inch circles as possible. Fold the fabric into quartes and pin all over the ball. Easy-Peasy… just a little time consuming. Then just take a styrofoam wreath form, covered it with ribbon and then use ribbon to tie it all together as a mobile. You can really use any fabric — if you use something thicker you would just use less fabric circles and if you use something like a jersey knit, you would just need to cut more circles. I would for sure go to Joanne’s, but just wait for their coupons so you can get a really great deal! Cheers! Jessica
absolutely adorable!! where on earth did you find the black drum shade ceiling fixture?! i have searched endlessly……
Hi Emily! The drum shade is from Land of Nod!
hey i am in love with the room! i was wondering where you found the bookcase??
Hi Chrystal! Glad you like the the room! The bookcases is the Pali Trieste 2 in 1 bookcase & hutch. Cheers!!
Hi! I was wondering where you got your dresser for the changing table? I love your nursery! I hope you and your little one are enjoying it! Thank you.
Hi Helene — so glad you love the nursery! All of the furniture is by Pali (except for the crib). Here is a link to their website: http://www.pali-design.com/ Cheers!
So cute! I’m going to attempt that mobile to match our nursery theme! Our little girl is due in Feb.!
How did you get your mobile to hang? I am making a similar mobile, and am unsure of how to hang it over the crib without looking tacky.
Hi Linzee — we used a stainless steel screw hook found at Home Depot. We’d love to see how your mobile turns out! Good luck! Cheers
I absolutely love this nursery. I was just wondering, what did you put in the jars above the changing table? I wanted to do something similar but I am having my first and am not sure what will be used to needed. Thanks!
Hi Carmen! So glad you love the nursery! Those jars have cotton balls and q-tips in them! Congrats on your first! XO
Hello! Love your nursery — I am working on the same color scheme for our little girl who is going to be born in July
Wondering where you ordered the “You are my Sunshine” decal from. I have found some but really like the font in yours. Thanks!!
Hi Erin! So glad you love the post … the decal featured in this post came from an Etsy Shop. You can find it here. Also, check out our exclusive Petite Lemon collection of removable wall decals on WeeDecor.com Cheers!
I’m loving your nursery! We’re team yellow, bubba due in june and I’ve gone for greys, lemons and white…i just love your fabric balls and im gonna get to making them asap. When you say 3 yards of fabric how wide does the fabric need to be or is it 3yds x 3yds? Thanks
Hi Lindsay — so the standard fabric width is 44″, sometimes you’ll find 60″ but 44″ is most common. Either will work, it just will make the puffs larger if you use 60″. Cheers!