The room of requirement
Friday, July 6, 2012 at 3:57PM I think I may have mentioned a time or 300 about my beloved -- but quirky -- old house. Up the secret back stairs is a tiny bedroom with a window that looks out into the hallway. From a weird angle that you could never possibly squeeze yourself into. It has a sloped roof and minimal square footage.
For a time, it was my son's room, until we decided to reconfigure how our house operated and moved him into one of the larger bedrooms, moved our two girls into what used to be the master, and moved the master bedroom downstairs into the spacious library -- a room that sadly sat idle.
When we found out we were expecting Shamrock, we decided to transform this teeny but sweet bedroom into her space.
I started by painting the walls a pale aqua. What other color could it be?
We added some of the most beautiful crib bedding I've ever seen.
These lovebirds. They make my heart flutter. They're hand drawn.
(And yes, we will be practicing safe sleeping. Don't get your knickers in a twist about the bumper pad.)
Look at the coordinating hand drawn damask on the crib skirt. It's so charming, whimsical, and unexpected.
I took this dresser -- a free hand me down -- and painted it charcoal gray. I added accessories given to me by friends and family.
See the strange little window? I'm still puzzling over its existence.
I opted for two layers of curtains -- one a gauzy white, and the other a room darkening deep charcoal. I like how they add a touch of elegance to the otherwise juvenile room.
The rug makes the space seem decidedly feminine. I found it on one of those daily deal sites for an incredibly cheap price.
The white chair was repurposed from my Front Porch Makeover, and the footstool was on clearance at Target.
This changing table has been in the family for at least 15 years. It was given to us by a relative, and we've used it for all three of our older children. It's one of those pieces that prides itself in utility -- solid maple, Italian construction -- but didn't have much charm, style wise.
I painted it a pale pink, then overlaid that with a light gray and did a little distressing. The pulls are from etsy -- they are actually made from the same lovebird pattern as the crib bedding.
You can see the alcove -- not tall enough to walk in -- to the left. It's just wide enough for a roll away twin bed to pull out for guests. One of my good friends stays with us whenever she visits Duluth, and my kids have taken to calling the bed "Auntie Stephanie's bed."
I have a weakness for baby shoes. And fluffy, colorful cloth diapers.
As of right now, Shamrock has not made her appearance. But she will be here any minute, and I've had a lot of fun fixing up this little room of requirement to be just for her.
We're ready when you are, baby!
Reader Comments (34)
Hee-hee-hee!
Two pair of Bobux XSmall shoes on the way to me and then to parents-to-be!
Baby Boy and Baby Girl won't care, but I think Mom and Dad will love them.
Thank you so much, Sharon.
They are SO irresistible, Genia!
Congratulations!!! I'm sure Baby Shamrock will love her new room. It's just perfect.
Adorable nursery! Of course it's aqua! Looks like a lovely place for her to call home!
Adorable nursery! Of course it's aqua! Looks like a lovely place for her to call home!
Just read your latest tweet. Congratulations to all, but especially you, after all you did all the labor. May there always be an angle to watch over baby Shamrock.
Cloth diapers and soft shoes. Brings back many memories. Enjoy them as much as I did. The cloth diapers made it much more fun to change a diaper. :-)
Are those fitted diapers? I loved my fitted with covers diapers. Good for heavy wetters because you can adjust them but most of my fitteds were made well so didn't need much adjusting. Too much fun. I could go on and on.
simply beautiful. I love Target and all the sweet comfy stuff to be found there. I'm inspired to fix up our little 'giant' closet that we use as a reading nook into an aqua, pale pink under grey, pretty linens and pillows cozy paradise. either that or you can adopt me?
I'm one million years behind on blog reading, and I know that Shamrock has since made her debut, but this is such a lovely nursery. So soothing, without being boring. Ah, the bedding! Those lovebirds! And the corresponding hardware that go with the bedding! And the super-smart curtains for style & practicality! The rug, oh that rug. Just wonderful. Nicely done, Sharon.
I've always thought you have excellent knitting taste and I enjoy your wonderfully witty blog posts and sense of humor. But you ALSO cloth diaper? It's like you're studying me so you can kill me. ;)
The nursary is lovely. I think the window is to let light into the stairway. :)
I'm at T-2 months to my due date and I STILL can't find crib bedding that I love. Where did you find this adorable set? Are there others like it?
No wedding would be complete without the fun and grace of having little girls dressed as flower girls leading you up the isle but as every bride knows it can also spoil a day if these little girls are not comfortable with what there are wearing. It is going to take time to ensure that everything is perfect for them and time is something that most brides don’t have.