Monday, January 3, 2011

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

As I got in my car to run some routine errands this morning I was struck by the peace surrounding me. I was instantly reminded of why I love January so much. Everyone is back to school, back to work, back to their routine and life is "normal" once again. No crowds at the stores, no lines, no snarling traffic and no lists swirling around in my already crowded head. I can breathe once again and life is good.  So Happy January everyone. It is, in my opinion, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!


So with that, I am happy to celebrate the New Year with a renewed sense of energy and well-being.  Tops on my list is blogging, something that has always brought me great satisfaction and self-worth, yet I have been lacking the mojo to post as of late.  My guess is it had a little something to do with the fact that the Holidays are a big deal in Blogdom and I kind of felt somewhat left out this year.  My low-energy level and doctor's orders prevented me from decorating as I normally like and therefore left me with little to post about.  Rest assured I was here in spirit and visited as many of your wonderful blogs as I could, enjoying all of the amazing and beautiful Christmas decor.  You were all on my mind.


I will start out the New Year with promised pictures of the progress on the Nursery (say that fast 5 times!).  This room had humble beginnings as a nursery for Amy 11 years ago.  Back then, I had a "theme" nursery with a border and coordinating bedding.  A few short years later, it was transformed into a playroom for the girls.  At one  point I think we even turned it into a mock-schoolroom for them to play pretend - think crayon on the walls and numerous thumbtack holes.  My "babies" are old enough now that they don't need a separate play room.  At last Rich and I could put into motion our grand plans for turning this room into our own retreat with built-ins for books and grown-up furniture.   Insert sound of car coming to a screeching halt here.  "Surprise", also known as #3, or more affectionately, Cole, has put those plans on hold.  And so the process began of moving toys/junk out and the we-thought-we-were-so-through-with-this-phase-Baby stuff, in.  


I must admit, there was tons of inspiration in Blogland for this transformation - I got lots of links from my dear friend Gloria, at The Little Red House With The White Porch.  Rich and I agreed that we wanted this to be somewhat of a sophisticated nursery - no theme, and not too "baby".  We want Cole to be able to grow into this room without much remodeling in the future - we're not getting any younger people!  My favorite inspiration came from Savvy Southern Style's Kim's daughter's baby's nursery (say that fast twice and you're smarter than a fifth grader).  I fell in love with this nursery instantly and knew that I wanted to mimic the style in our's.  I love the look of board and batten and it was much easier than we thought.  Of course having a handy hubby helps too.




The color on the walls is a greyish green and we opted to paint the ceiling in the same color to keep the focus of white on the walls.  




It was Rich's idea to use black furniture and I'm so glad I went along.  We were fortunate to have our parents purchase all of the nursery furniture for us as a gift.  The window treatments are micro-suede and I got both panels for $1 at a yard sale.  I had them dry-cleaned for $12.




I found this set of frames at Marshall's for $7.  It already had black ribbon and "Live,Love,Laugh" words on the matting.  All I added was some craft paper I had on hand.




The dresser/hutch combo was a must for me.  I wanted to be able to use the changing table for more than a couple of years and this piece from J.C.Penney was perfect.  It also matched the style of the crib from Babies R Us.




The bedding was the inspiration for the color on the walls.  It was donated to me by a sweet neighbor and I love it.  It's from the Glenna Jean collection, which I  had never heard of before, but is quite expensive, so I was lucky to have it given to me.  I wish you could feel it for yourselves, it is SO plush and thick.  Just perfect for a new baby.  And the colors are so warm and soothing.  




This is the view from the doorway.  The floors Rich had installed himself a couple years ago and the area rug is from Target.





This rocking horse I picked up for $10 at a yard sale over the Summer.


Still left to do is add doors and organizers to the closet.  




We removed the doors years ago as well as the bar for hanging clothes when we thought we were going to add built-ins here.


Additionally, I've reserved a special spot on the same wall for a beautiful painting that was given to me by my dear friend Terri of Dimples and Dragonflies.  It has special meaning to me and will take it's rightful place on this wall.




Here is the painting.  As you can see it is very large and very heavy, so hubby needs to get the proper tools for hanging.




Just love this painting!  Terri is a talented artist from Georgia and has her own Etsy store where she sells her amazing creations, not limited to her gorgeous paintings.  


I'm linking this post to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and Savvy Southern Style's Boring to Better Party.  Thanks to Susan and Kim for hosting!  


Thanks for sticking with me during my haitus and have a wonderful week!
xoxo,
Kim

45 comments:

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Kim what a fun space you have made to WELCOME Cole...Girl I just love it and not much longer and your little man will be here to enjoy...I'm at my grand daughter today watching my little Landen James as she had to go back to work...Hey a dirty job but someone has to do it ha ha!! Sure am loving taking care of this sweet guy...Love ya Sister friend...Hugs and smiles Glo♥ria

Karrie said...

I think you created your materpiece with this room!!! Sophisticated indeed! LOVE IT!

Gail said...

Oh Kim, what a beautiful nursery! I love your choice of paint and furniture. You and your husband sure did a great job.

Enjoy your day,
Gail

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Kim, I just left a long comment and poof it disappeared. Anyway, I love the new nursery. It is adorable and sophisticated. Love the black furniture given to you. We bought my daughter's baby bed as a gift and my husband did the board and batten for free of course. I helped paint the room plus painted the changing table. Cole's room is such a great size and I can't wait to see that painting hung in there. I hope you will join my party, too this week. Glad you are doing better.

Blondie's Journal said...

I LOVE what you have done with this room, Kim!It has a really classy feel to it, very timeless. I never thought I would like black furniture in a baby's room but you have made a convert out of me!

Beautiful job! Hope you are feeling well!

XO,
Jane

Jemsmom said...

That is one gorgeous nursery!!! It will transform and grow with him so beautifully! Glad you are feeling well and Happy New Year!

Melissa Miller said...

Kim oh it's cute, cute, cute! It's soothing and just perfect for baby Cole. GREAT job! :)

Here On Crow Creek said...

I love the nursery! I also love january. It was nice to be the first and only one going into the thrift store this morning. Loved it! I am a new follower and I hope everything goes smooth with the new baby.

Tina said...

Hi Kim. Cole's nursery is just PERFECT! You guys have done such a fabulous job, the colours are gorgeous!! Happy New Year to you and may 2011 be full of all things wonderful for your whole family. Hugs ~ Tina xx

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

OH Kim, so nice to hear from you! I'm glad things are going well...the nursery is just beautiful~ I love everything about it! It will be a wonderful room to welcome little Cole!! XO

Deb said...

It looks beautiful, Kim! A great place for you and Cole to retreat from the world and do mommy-baby snuggling. Love it.

Deb

Darlene said...

Oh Kim, that is a beautiful and peaceful looking nursery! I love the idea of putting papers in photo frames. Why didn't I think of that? I don't get out much! You and your hubby have done a wonderful job!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Looks like you are ready for his arrival. Really do like the nursery. I am not big on themes - they outgrow them so fast.
Have a great week.

Stacey said...

Kim, I'm so glad you updated us! Cole's room is adorable. I would say that you accomplished exactly the look you mentioned. You will easily be able to transform that space through the ages. You are in for some fun!

Gloria said...

Kimmy!! First of all, I have to thank Darlene (from: http://enelrad-darlene.blogspot.com/ -- her comment is above) because she visited my blog and said she was over from YOUR blog. I was like, "Huh? Does Kim have a new post finally???!!" So I sent Darlene a thank you, ran to her blog to "Follow" such a great person, then ran here to leave a comment for you. Whew!! ANYWAY, I am so happy to see you blogging! AND, OH MY GOODNESS! THIS ROOM IS A DREAM!!!! Will you adopt me and I can move it and I can share it with Cole? I'll sleep on that nice new rug. ;)
Congrats to you and your husband on doing such a gorgeous room -- and I am so glad that you are well and the room is all done. You can now relax and 'get ready' for the new person coming into your lives! No, not me, I mean Cole. :)
I'm sure your girls did a lot to help, so congrats to them also!
Love,
Gloria xxoo
P.S. And I almost forgot: THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING ME! YOU ARE SO SWEET!!

Tracy said...

Kim, your nursery is gorgeous! I'm sending a link to my daughter so she can see how pretty it is! And maybe she'll take the hint and make me a grandbaby (or not). Take care!

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Kim the nursery looks so wonderful! I love the board and batten and it certainly is a room that Cole can grow into. Maybe not the crib but the rest will be great when he is older! lol, Love the color too :)

Melinda said...

Happy New Year to you!

Cole's nursery is very handsome.
The black furniture looks great.

Melinda

Allyson Pecilunas said...

What a beautiful baby room its so calm and serene. Cole will definitely enjoy it there. I have a new blog come check it out when you get a chance I would love to hear from you. Have a great day!

Lindy said...

This is a very elegant yet comfortable room. I'm betting you are going to enjoy it completely!

Brittany said...

Kim, your nursery is awesome!! It's exactly like what I've had in mind for ours, especially if it's a boy :) I love the classic, non-theme look that the baby can grow up with. You all did a great job!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a sweet nursery. I'm so looking forward to reading all about your new little blessing for 2011! Happy New Year.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Kim, thanks for sharing this wonderful new nursery.

The Charm of Home said...

What a wonderful space for your new boy. It is perfect in every way. Love the colors and the furniture. And lots of room for trucks and train sets, and don't forget the hot wheel tracks.LOL
Sherry

Melanie said...

You did a fabulous job! I absolutely love it. I have a lot of black furniture and I do love it but it show dust really bad. You will be dusting but it is beautiful.

Unknown said...

This looks great! Thanks for stopping by- glad I found you!

xo- Carmel

Debbiedoos said...

Happy New Year Kim! The nursery is so pretty. Very classic! Hope you are getting your MOJO back soon. It was rough I know, but now you are on the down swing of it all. When is your due date?

Turley Times said...

I L-O-V-E your nursery! It looks so peaceful and serene - it will surely balance out the inevitable sad baby cries. :) I didn't want to be very "themey" with our nursery either. I bought a bedding set but the walls remained tan and I'm trying to add some other stuff to the room to pull everything together but so that it doesn't look like one of those crazy theme rooms you see online. I love your black furniture; I think it will stand the test of time better than a lighter color would. You have got to be due really soon - how exciting!

Hannah

Anonymous said...

Kim,

The nursery is beautiful! I love the contrast between the furniture and walls. Also love the placement of the crib. Such sweet accessories.

Deborah

Terri Smith said...

My Sweet Friend..Baby Cole Is Going To Be So In Love With His New Mommie and Daddy. Look What They've Done To Welcome Him Into Their World! Absolutely Gorgeous! My Heart Is So Full For The Joy I Feel For You And This New Journey You're About To Step Into. Sending You The Tightest Hug Of Love & Georgia Sunshine This Morning ~ Terri

Kelly said...

I love how you've balanced elegance with masculinity in a nursery! Perfect!

Kelly

Jena @ Involving Color and Home said...

Kim, this room looks beautiful! I love the gray green color, and the wainscoting adds so much character. Such a great space! I'm so glad I came across your blog!

Courtney said...

Beautiful Nursery! And, our tile floors are pretty easy to keep clean. Just make sure you seal the grout really well. :)

Anonymous said...

Happy new year, the black painted buffet is amazing, I think you have great talent in room decorating. Nice to visit your blog

Pamela said...

Kim is is sooo beautiful but in a boy way! I know Cole will have many sweet dreams in there!

foreverdecorating said...

Kim, thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. I came over to yours and found that you have great taste and are pg and at the same moment, I realized that surprise Cole #3 is already a blessing! His room is so gorgeous and will be a breeze for him to grow up in. Congrats. Terry

An Oasis in the Desert said...

The nursery is just adorable. A very special home for a very special little guy. I am so excited for you and your family. I wish you all the best for the safe delivery of a beautiful healthy baby.
CAS

Joyce said...

Your nursery is divine! I still have 23.5 weeks, and no actual room for this baby of its own, argh!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

The nursery is perfection!! I LOVE the color you used on the wall. It's so soft and soothing. The black furniture looks so good with the white and green walls. The only thing that is going to make the room better is when your new bundle of joy is in there!! I can't wait to "meet" him!

Lorri said...

This is fabulous! I LOVE it! I want to do the walls in my daughter's room the same way. She has black furniture that we purchased when we moved her out of her crib. So exciting!

Lorri said...

You are due any day now? So exciting! If the weather is going to get bad, you better walk that sweet baby out tomorrow! :) Hope all goes well with your delivery!

Unknown said...

I'm in LOVE with your baby's nursery so clam and loving!!! Its so pretty - wonderful job

Jodie said...

Kim,

Thank you so much for the sweet comment. Your baby's nursery is beautiful! Love the color scheme, very calming. The black furniture is perfection. Congratulations on your little bundle of joy!

Jodie

Unknown said...

this.is.gorgeous.
I love it!
the board and batten is amazing!

Tina said...

So.......two things.

1. I didn't have a chance to see Cole's nursery because he was napping and I was SUPER curious as to how you decorated it. I just KNEW you had to have it on your blog....thus my finding this post WAY long after you posted it. lol.

2. I also removed the doors from Emily's closet....and hung curtains for a sweet feel. I'm sure that could also be done for boys...if you hadn't already done something.