Wednesday, July 26, 2006

The Nursery

We've been working on the nursery off and on for months now. And finally, what used to be a spare bedroom is now Abby Kate's! We are thrilled with the way it turned out. I wish the photos did it justice. Here's how the project unfolded:



Step 1: The Illustration
Being a designer, I had to put my ideas on paper before we started. This was my original vision for the nursery's decor.

Step 2: Chair Rail and Paint
We taped off where we wanted the chair rail, then painted the top portion of the wall a celery green. (This is before we knew what we were having. We got too anxious to start the nursery, so we chose green!) We then taped thick vertical stripes on the bottom portion and alternated beige and cream paints.





Mike worked hard on putting up the chair railing. He cut the pieces using a handsaw, painted the slats and then nailed them up. Junah enjoyed overseeing the project. As you can see he doesn't like to sit down on bare concrete. He prefers a seat cushion - so we accommodate. Ha, ha.



Step 3: Selecting the Furniture
We had originally wanted white furniture, but after we saw this black set, we both quickly agreed it was the one. We brought the crib home the day we bought it, but had to wait six weeks for the chest of drawers and changing table to arrive.



Step 4: Finishing Touches
As we purchased a few more baby things and received gifts, I began to stock the nursery with clothing, toys, bedding, frames, blankets, etc. On Monday Sommer and I traveled to Babies "R" Us (in Mobile, AL - 1 hour away) to pick up the bedding we chose. It was a long drive, but I'm so happy that I snagged the last set they had!



















Mike and I picked up some diapers, wipes and medication for the baby this week. As far as I know, the only thing missing now is the chair/ottoman Mike's parents bought for us. And it should be here in a few weeks. So I think we're ready for her to come now! Of course we still (hopefully) have more than two months to go, but I'm glad we're prepared just in case. I'm so anxious to see Abby Kate in her nursery!

10 comments:

Lori said...

Casey, it is absolutely beautiful!!! Abby Kate will feel like a princess in her new room.

Marge and Brent said...

I love it, you are so creative and of course I am partial to the "W" (ha ha) which i think is a very nice touch. Looks awesome and I know Abby Kate will feel right at home!

sara said...

Case...it is absolutely beautiful!! I love the colors you picked.

I am so sorry I mised your shower...I RSVp'd that I couldn't be there because I was in NYC with my mom. Looked like you had fun though.

Kim said...

Casey, the room is beautiful!! With the walls being soft colors, the black furniture is a good match as her baby eyes will be able to learn to focus on her crib slats. Can I rent you out to design ALL the rooms in my next house whenever we move?!

Last thing, isn't Sommer due to have her son any day? She was a brave friend to make the hour drive with you. You'll have fun watching her adjust to little Griffin. Just don't let anything scare you. You can do it!! I'll be happy to give you any last minute delivery or breastfeeding tips if you need them.
Love, Kim

Chad and Sommer Tucker said...

The room is absolutely beautiful!!! You guys did an awesome job. Abby Kate is one lucky girl. I can't wait to see her in her little crib. Won't be long!

Brandon and Carolyn Schroder said...

Mike and Casey- you did such a nice job!! I'm going to hire you when its my turn. She's a girl after my own heart already- yay green!

Len and Carrie said...

Casey,
Girl, you are so very talented!! The nursery is absolutely gorgeous! Isn't exciting seeing all the new baby stuff!?!
Best Wishes to you all!!

Carrie (Matthew & Kim's friend)

Anonymous said...

Was I just looking at the fall issue of Pottery Barn Kids???? Casey, how do you do it?
Sorry I missed your shower. Now you know why I called you that day for the spelling of Abby Kate's name.

Did you hear Kate's new news??

Anonymous said...

I forgot to leave my name...Ellen

Anonymous said...

Wow, Case, you are sooo talented! The nursery is perfect for Abby Kate!