Nursery pics

This is so far overdue (probably pretty obvious since I haven't posted in over a year!), but I thought that I would post some pics of the nursery that we finally settled with for our little guy.  I wanted something that reflected where we lived, but that wasn't too sugary-sweet.

We had the two paintings above his crib elsewhere in the house. I just thought that they looked so much like the water in Cayman, which can be both calming an invigorating at the same time.  Also, I thought that including them above his crib would keep the room a tad on the modern side.

After looking for something for ages (and not really coming up with what I wanted), I made his mobile out of a piece of wood found on a walk and some Xmas ornaments.  Some twine and colored beads finished it off.  

A day at the local craft store resulted in his growth chart.  My sister in law and I came up with the shapes of the fish and star fish from online coloring book images.  A glue gun and fun time at the craft store came up with these little guys that were also attached to storage baskets (see shelves in the first pic).

To tie out the other side of the room, I painted some sandollars in similar colors and hung them from the chest. 

I also made a picture area, but truth be told, we eventually but a changing table underneath it and he started pulling the bottom off the wall.  It really never got used the way that I had envisioned.  So a little bit of creativity will be needed in this area for number 2.  The rug was from elsewhere in the house and added just a bit more "boy" to the room.  Plus, I think that the contrast is supposed to be good for their eyes when they are young.

So there you have it.  I'm not sure if this was totally what I had in mind when I started, but I'm still happy with it.  I like going in there with him to play and read, which is all that matters.  Hope you enjoyed!

Inspiration photos: Toddler play rooms

I'm in the middle of doing (and then rethinking, and then rethinking again), our little guys play room.  This is a collection of my favorite play room photos.  I'm sure that his won't be anything like these, but a mom can dream, right?

I would really like to do a desk area like this.  Of course, I saw this after I had already ordered a table and chairs.  I'm still thinking about it though as the table may just find its way up to his "big boy" room.    Love the bookshelf.  Given that our guy is really into books these days, this might just be a lifesaver.

I like that everything is at toddler-level in these two photos.  Also, the rooms aren't overwhelmed with toys.  It's interesting because I recently removed a twin bed out of his existing play room, and simplified the toys, and he's been playing in there lots more lately.  Perhaps a total coincidence, but the room just feels a lot more basic, and he seems to be gravitating to it more.

The picture ledge definitely interests me because then we can move about the images as he grows.  Right now he's loving his animal flashcards and they could be really cute standing on a picture ledge.

So apparently I'm on a teepee kick.  Although considering that we have a boy who loves to hide everything, he might have fun with one.  

I'm also on the hunt for some cool artwork like above or below.  A few things have caught my eye, but I have yet to pull the trigger.  So non-committal.

Another idea for the book storage that doesn't take up floor space.  

So there you have it.  This is all very much a "work in progress".  Once this is done, we'll be working on the little guys "big boy" bedroom so that number two can go into the nursery.  What would I do without moving things about in the house?  :)

An umbrella for dark Caribbean storms

How fun is this?  While I'm typically the one dressed in grey and black, I couldn't pass this up for those rainy days when a little color goes a long way.  Can't wait to put it to use!

Jonathan Adler scales umbrella

Inspiring renovation

Wow.  This is a fantastic renovation done on a shoe string budget.  How inspirational!  If I were to renovate a lake front cabin or something similar, this would be such a lovely feel to go for.

Kitchen cabinets painted white, neutral countertop and open shelving (via just removing the cabinet fronts).  Love the dark wood center island as contrast.

Great casual eating area that is begging for lots of family eating and playing time.  Looks like a good spot to get out the cards too!

Easy, cozy living room.

Lovely entranceway creatively finished with old window panes.

Fun steps for little ones made out of painted house numbers.  Love the white riser against the wood tread and railing.

A room that makes you just want to snuggle into bed.  Love the putty wall color.  Very simple, which would work for a cabin.  Rug looks cozy as well.

Simple, yet creative wall decor.

What an inspiring article.  This entire renovation was done for under $300.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Although I suspect that there was far more than than in sweat, patience, and possibly tears.  Nevertheless, I hope that this couple is enormously proud of what they have achieved.