The nursery makeover

Oh look! There's the zebra rug again. I particularly love animal print in a kid's room - very modern safarish!

It seems babies have taken over this blog, so apologies, but that seems to be my life at the moment! I'm starting to make over Zak's room in preparation for his sibling who is due early June, so I thought I'd share a bit of what I've done so far. Unfort it's quite dark, despite his room being so light - go figure! I originally started the feature wall for the real living website about the stimulating effects of black and white on newborn babies (check it out on Monday, March 3 for more on that as well as other projects, recipes and a peek inside another real living staffer's home), but I liked it so much I figured I'd keep it for now and just de-black and white it a little with more colour personal pics when I get the urge. I debated about what to put in the centre - his name, a quote, a picture - but decided being the book worm he is, this is perfect. I just painted it on the wall (several times in fact - it's really hard to get it straight!) and Steve did the shadow for me. Then I just popped a range of black and white graphic things around it - including the very cute and free-to-download-and-print-out prints from fellow blogger Kal Barteski at LoveLife. So simple really.

A chalkboard painted toybox. Am still searching for funky fabric to make a cushion for the top - any suggestions?

I love chalkboards in a kids room, but hardly think they're a wise choice if you have carpet, which we will be getting one day soon! Think of the dust! But I saw a similar pic of a chalkboard-painted window seat with the child's name over it and thought it a cute alternative. I went with ABCs and will be sewing a cushion for the top which Zak can remove and attack with chalk whenever he feels the urge. I might need to review this one once the carpet goes in, but for now, all good - aside from my wonky writing...

It's quite fun redesigning a baby's room - seeing as he's moving into more of a little boy, I'm banishing the change table, baby wardrobe and rocker and replacing with a little table and chairs, bean bags and floor cushions and a few more "bigger kid" things. Besides, I need them all for the baby's room, which, due to space, will be a portion of our massive bedroom for the first few months.

And on the subject of the nursery - after way too much time browsing the Etsy site, I made my first purchase yesterday. I spotted this inspiring print the other day in a beautifully serene nursery Anna from Absolutely Beautiful Things designed and went in desperate search of it.

"Break the Routine" print $18, Studio Mela

"Night Night", $20, by Studio Mela

I finally found it and snapped it up for Zak's room along with another cute little character for the baby's room. Aren't they adorable? They're by a clever cookie called Shelli and she has some beautiful work - check her Etsy shop Studio Mela for more. Just be sure you're willing to part with a few $$$...