For inspo on how to welcome your little one home in style, check out these fab baby rooms from three New Jersey designers. One design is large and luxe; the other is cozy and homey. But both looks are truly drool-worthy!
COMING UP ROSES
DESIGNER | Blanche Garcia, ASID, Little Falls
PHOTOGRAPHER | Blanche Garcia
Tagged by former clients to design this lovely nursery in Livingston, Garcia leaned into a minimalist sensibility of elevated simplicity. In keeping with the parents’ boho-chic aesthetics, Garcia went with an earthy, natural feel consisting of a neutral color palette, organic textures and eco-friendly features.
The crib—formerly belonging to the homeowners’ firstborn, a boy—provided the sentimental value inspiration for this second nursery, an unfinished room ready to be transformed to welcome the new arrival, a baby girl. Garcia used this latest nursery’s existing architectural features to optimal effect.
To play up the high ceiling, she added a Ro Sham Beaux chandelier. When illuminated, its white rock and blush beads create a stunning starburst-like reflection. The Jonathan Adler wallpaper accents the interesting-shaped wall where the crib is placed. The wallpaper’s graphic pattern anchors the room while the golden gilding imparts a subtle shine.
Instead of cutesy and conventional, the effect is a fresh and modern space that radiates warmth and style. Rather than stark and sterile, the overall mood is elegant and uplifting.
The rose gold wallpaper contrasts with the rich wood tones of the crib and flooring, creating a warm, inviting space. Available on Etsy, the custom mobile by Kristin Okada is crafted with high-quality felt balls in colors and shapes that complement the room’s theme.
The 212 Modern rocker is soft, comfy and easy to maintain. The Anthropologie area rug—a modern take on a classic Persian style—hides stains and spills. A creative environmental touch, the terrarium wall art—vertical garden planters for naturally air-purifying succulents and plants—are by Kim Fisher Designs.
Crafted from paper mâché, the half-moon light fixture from Pottery Barn Kids casts a warm glow while also adding a textural touch. The Manny & Simon wooden doll pram is personalized with baby’s name.
Pro Tip: Creating an accent wall—whether with paint or wallpaper—is crucial for anchoring a space. It’s a fantastic way to make a statement without breaking the bank.
TWICE AS NICE!
DESIGNER | Karla Trincanello, ASID, Florham Park
PHOTOGRAPHER | Wing Wong/Memories TTL
Designed for a show house mansion in Morristown, this nursery for twin girls is an enchanting vision of cherubs, fairies and butterflies frolicking amidst a backdrop of dreamy pastels, fashionable furnishings and fabrics, and playful decorative touches.
Soft aqua walls contrast with creamy white trim while soft-toned pink and purple accents complement the pleasing color palette. Lovely canopies and draperies in cream and blue combine to create a soothing space where wonder abounds in every corner. Fancy and fanciful yet also functional, all drapery and furniture fabrics were chosen for their easy-wash and stain-resistant practicality.
The two alcoves create an ideal setting for each crib, crowned in princess canopies in sheer fabric and lined in a butterfly pattern against a hand-painted diamond design wall.
Centered between both cribs—no playing favorites!—a plush daybed offers Mom an elegant spot to recharge between feedings or colicky sessions. After all, if you have to pull an all-nighter, might as well do it in comfort and style!
Nestled by the beautiful bay window, two oh-so-comfy gliders offer Mom and Dad a charming corner to cuddle with their darling daughters. The aqua window drapes and coordinating sheer Roman shades sprinkled with butterflies—a sign of new life—add a whimsical touch. Nearby, matching changing tables flank a feminine armoire that’s as much for artful display as storage.
The children’s tea table is set for play with stuffed animal friends. Wanting to get in on the fun, chubby cherubs look down from atop the fireplace, which was refinished with a new mirror surround to enhance the sense of airy luminosity.
Pro Tip: Plan on making age-appropriate transitional changes in the themes, furnishings and decorative accents in order to reflect your child’s evolving personal style, needs and likes.
MOODY BLUES
DESIGNER | Nicky Rae Titus, ASID
PHOTOGRAPHER | Nicky Rae Titus
A couple in Englishtown entrusted Titus to transform a snug 120-square-foot space into a homey haven for their baby boy. To maximize every inch, the designer used a software program to lay out all must-have pieces in exactly the right spot, while still making sure there was enough room to move around.
Wanting the room to feel playful and nature-inspired, she selected wallpaper with a fun pattern of fluffy blue trees. To further unify the space, she chose a complementary soft sky paint color for the wall and closet doors; the light green area rug’s solid pattern completes the look.
Rather than cramped and crowded, the room feels spacious and free-flowing. It offers a blissful balance between the visual stimulation the parents craved and the soothing sensation of being embraced by Mother Nature.
The happy parents describe feeling transported to “another world” whenever they’re in the room. In fact, they love the space so much that they’ve asked Titus to once again work her design magic, this time by creating a similar setting for the playroom of their now one-year-old son.
The soft linen chair and ottoman offer comfort and convenience. The small, circular side table and lamp are within easy reach.
Keeping things tidy and out-of-sight, the closet frees the compact bookshelf to display decor and books in clutter-free style.
Pretty and practical, the dual-purpose changing station/dresser provides visual interest, textural layers and additional storage.
Pro Tip: Since you’ll be spending nearly as much time in the nursery as the baby, pick things you love and that suit your needs. You’ll be exhausted most of the time, so invest in a super-comfy chair.
—Nayda Rondon is a lifestyle, wellness, health and beauty, and parenting writer, a children’s book author and a Hillsdale mom.
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