Steele's Neutral Nursery
/Our Steeley girl’s room. I can’t believe it. When I was pregnant, I came in this room at least once a day, every day for months, just to sit on the floor for a minute, or rock in the rocker, or stare at her tiny little things given to us by people who already loved this little soul they didn’t even know yet. Being in here just filled me with the best feelings of anticipation and excitement, but mostly, of peace.
It’s a neutral haven of creams, whites and beiges that will probably stay clean and pristine for a couple months, tops, as she grows, but it’s everything we ever dreamed of. Putting this room together for her is by far my favorite home project ever.
Stories and sources below!
All three of these frames have a special meaning for us. I wanted a bold print with words on it - words to live by - and what better words than the ones from Philippians 4:8? “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely … think about such things.” I hope those words shape her as she grows. The top print is one I made from the image of her heartbeat from our very first sonogram. When we didn’t even think we’d hear one, and then it came on strong, like horses galloping. The bottom photo is one of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken, on my friend Lauren’s ranch two years ago - we had some curious and friendly visitors during her maternity session and I just happened to catch them as they came up to us.
A shelf of future favorites. A couple of Eric Carle’s, for sure, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - my favorite book as a little girl. I remember wanting my mom to read that one over and over. The Aggie Goose book on the right is so special, too. A family friend bought the book (of A&M-themed nursery rhymes) in 1998, had it signed by the author, and had been saving it for more than 20 years for me, with plans to give it to me someday when I became a mom. How sweet is that!
More meaningful keepsakes … the prayer blanket on the top rack of the ladder (the softest thing I’ve ever felt, by the way), was given to us by my 3rd grade teacher, who’s been there for lots of milestones since elementary school. Graduation, wedding day, my baby shower - when your mom is a former teacher and her best friends are all teachers (and some were yours), you get to keep in touch with some really special people. The beautiful quilt in the middle was made by my aunt, and the gray blanket on the bottom was crocheted by my BFF’s mama.
When I bought the cowhide rug for this room, the shop owner asked where I was going to put it. I told her our baby girl’s nursery and we got to talking (and crying and hugging) and she gifted me the sheepskin pillow before I left. I’ll never forget her kindness.
I searched high and low for good ideas on storing all of Steele’s headbands so I could see them all and easily access them without digging around in a drawer or basket, but also something that didn’t take up a ton of space. My friend Suzie suggested this rod and clip system and so far, it’s working perfectly!
I’ve had my eye on this deer print fabric from Hobby Lobby for years, long before I got pregnant. I initially wanted to make curtains for our living room or master bedroom with it, but couldn’t pass up having these in her nursery. My aunt made these beautiful curtains for us, tall and long to fit the tall ceilings, and they make SUCH a difference in this small room. I’m in love!
SOURCES
WAYFAIR | dresser | pouf ottoman | rocker | crib (also comes in the prettiest gold color)
Side note - I was a total Wayfair skeptic but the prices, selection, and free shipping really couldn’t be beat, so we tried it out. We got all 4 pieces of furniture for just over $1000 and overall, have been really pleased. The rocker material is more beautiful and sturdy than I expected and is big enough to be comfortable for tall people like Andrew and me, the crib is stunning for the price, and the ottoman is made well. I’m not 100% sure about the quality of the dresser - it’s particle board and I don’t think it’ll last super long, but it’s a great size and color and works for what we need right now.
AMAZON | blanket ladder | faux sheepskin rug | toy basket | headband storage rod and clips | Hatch Baby changing pad | double laundry hamper | velvet hangers | nursery dividers | crib sheet
HOBBY LOBBY | wooden letter | curtain fabric | lamp
MICHAELS | gallery frames
ETSY | name sign | cowhide rug (their warehouse is in Dallas)