apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Surrounded by lush, dark woods which accentuate the focal point of the room, a pretty handmade tree and the words "baby", we love the cozy rustic feeling this room emits.

Of her design style, Leanne says:
I tend not to "over think" design, although if something appeals to me that I can replicate on my own, without too much expense, I get very excited and jump right in. I don't plan, but rather work from the hip with a "trial and error" approach.

This is our second baby, and he or she is taking over the now-dormant
room of our 3-year-old. I wanted the baby to have a different look to that of the predecessor...so a gender-neutral environment, which could be added to later on, if desired, was essential to me. If the baby is a girl, flowering blossoms can be added to the tree mural, or perhaps monkeys for a boy.

Among the items we really loved in the nursery were the fun homemade banners hanging near the window (which she also made for her her son's room), the "Baby" wall decor that Leeanne made out of flexible decorative reeds and and secured in place with floral wire and the paper trees she made freehand sans stencil out of paper stock.

We loved the ideas of pillows on the floor which Leanne tells us she will use for tummy time and breastfeeding. We also thought the vintage-style lamp went well with the rest of the room and which Leanne tells us she received 11 years ago as a wedding present -- illustrating that nursery items don't necessarily have to be made for the nursery.

Finally, when asked to give advice on how to approach the nursery-decorating process Leanne adds, "In designing a baby's room, or any other room, I advise to think organically. What do you own already, what do you like, who will be using the room, and what do you want from it? If you follow your instincts and fill a room with things you love, both old and new, you will feel satisfied and happy with the result."

Good advice! Thank you so much for sharing, Leanne.