So what else did we do in John's nursery?

We needed storage space. I'm a big believer that everything should have a place. Even if John takes a short 30min nap, I tidy away his toys & play mat just to 'adult' the space for that short period of time. I understand this practice will be short lived as toddlers require more items than tidy babies, but for now, this is what I do.

I purchased a massive wicker trunk to store toys in the nursery. It's fab and holds the weight of an adult so can be doubled up as a little seat.... I adore items with multiple uses!

So the toys have somewhere to live but what about books? My dislike for large, overbearing wardrobes, is the same for large bookcases. It's maybe the artist in me but I always found it such a shame that books were designed with such fabulous covers then placed in a bookshelf, only recognisable by their spine. So Pete and I decided to display all of John's books on great little picture ledges so the colourful front covers can entice him to read more and pick his own bedtime story when he is a little older. I know the old saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover' but whoever said this obviously hasn't been introduced to the wonderful works of Oliver Jeffers! 

Decor - I would have loved to have put wallpaper in the nursery but as mentioned in 'Part 1' we aren't exactly sure what room will be John's permanent room so instead I put very large artwork on the walls to add some character & fun. These are sized at 55x75cm and are held up by handy hammer in hooks which don't mark walls too much if we want to change the artwork a little.

I have placed a printable version of the Bear & Fox artwork right here in a downloadable link for you to print & use for free! WHOOP! These fit perfectly into large Ikea Ribba or Hemnes style frames. Enjoy ;-)

Floating shelves are one of my FAVOURITE things ...however they are NOT one of Pete's favourite things from a DIY point of view! We were gifted so many beautiful items when John was born the floating shelves are the perfect place to display them. Stunning artwork from the very talented Aly Harte (the print can be found in her shop here), fabulous vintage wooden blocks from our besties Dave & Nat along with some special books, blankets, items of clothing, teddies & cloud garlands (from the every lovely White Company). Our friends & family have been (and continue to be) so generous. Pete and I feel very blessed.

So for now, this is our nursery. It's John's space and he's slept happily here from 7 weeks old (it was better for everyone involved that he move into his nursery, it seems I marry and birth snorers...). It's a very peaceful room that gets the soft evening sun & stays nice and dark in the mornings. We love it and, more importantly, so does John.

Kx