Our house has been looking a little different the past few weeks. And not just decor-related changes. We have a new member of the family – Owen Frederick was born on July 7 and has been adjusting to life in our tribe.
He’s tiny and sweet with very strong vocal chords. He makes himself known, even though he’s our littlest. (Photos of Owen by Giraffe Photography)
Knowing that a new baby was on his way, we focused our attention on bedrooms over the past few months.
When we built our home, we built only three bedrooms. (Knowing we had a basement and the barn apartment for guests/extra space.) So when we decided to expand our family, we knew it would mean some sleeping adjustments.
We originally planned to have the boys share a bedroom down the line and keep Owen in our room for the time being. But a few folks on Instagram shared their own experiences and made us rethink that plan.
Why the the change of heart, you ask?
Because it’s really nice to have a space just for baby – especially in the middle of the night. It is really handy to have a comfy spot to nurse and change diapers and not worry about waking up all the kids (especially Lucy, who’s a super light sleeper).
In the end, we moved Lucy into Henry’s bedroom a few months before Owen’s due date to try it out. Despite their age difference, they have both been thrilled to sleep in the same room, and it has been good overall. (I’ll share their new space soon.)
Once we felt comfortable with Lucy and Henry’s shared space, we transformed Lucy’s modern floral nursery into a black and white space that could work for a boy or a girl. (We hope this makes it flexible in case we have to switch kids from bedroom to bedroom down the line.)
I loved Lucy’s floral nursery – it was so sweet and feminine and fun to create. But there’s something really clean and crisp about this black and white space. It’s a little more sparse, which feels calming to me. It’s not packed to the brim with stuff.
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It’s also fitting because Owen seems to like the black and white details – as most infants do. I’ve caught him focusing at the blankets and dots on the sheet and changing pad cover.
I was able to use all of the same furniture from Lucy’s nursery – and the crib was actually also Henry’s crib 7 years ago. The only things purchased were the new crib sheets, changing pad cover, blankets and curtains.
The curtains were probably the biggest splurge from Crate and Barrel Kids, but I think that quality blackout curtains are a must-have for any child’s room. And the buffalo check is such a classic touch to the room. (Check out all the sources together at the end of the post.)
This little sign was actually already in the room on Lucy’s gallery wall. Luckily, it works perfectly for this black and white space – and it’s an equally important message for a baby boy or girl.
One of the biggest changes to the space was the wall-o-books we created. In Lucy’s room, we had a gallery wall but it was a little too busy and far too girly. When everything came down, I wanted something more practical and useful to fill the wall.
Ryan was able to build these book ledges from wood we already had in the garage. We spend a lot of time with all the kids reading books in here, and it’s nice to see more books in one place.
These ledges hold a ton of kids books – there are over 70 here. (Lest you think this is all of the book collection, we have tons more in Henry’s room and in the basement playroom. It’s out of control.)
Lucy can only reach the bottom two ledges and Henry can reach the third ledge easily. And the best part is that it’s super simple for them to clean up books after reading. I didn’t worry about choosing the most beautiful books, instead displaying the books our kids actually love to read. It has already been a hit – especially with Lucy.
On the other side of the room, I may eventually add something above the changing table. But for now, it’s simple and clean.
We are already loving the space – and it’s getting plenty of use. Day and night. 😉
If you need me, I’m probably here. And it’s a pretty great spot to be. (You can remind me of that at 3 a.m.)
Here are a few of the sources for my favorite pieces (some affiliate links):
Recliner/Glider | Jenny Lind crib | Black and white buffalo check blackout curtains | Dresser (Ugly Duckling, local) | Letterboard | Changing pad cover | Crib sheets | Black and white cross blanket | End table (Urban Farmhouse, local) | Strong, brave artwork (Urban Farmhouse, local) |
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Related posts:
A Modern Floral Nursery
Updates to a girl’s nursery
A classic boy’s nursery in red, white and blue
What do you think about our new black and white nursery?, *
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Lisa Hamel says
Congratulations! I love the nursery, and your hair. 🙂
Sarah says
CONGRATULATIONS, Kim!!! So happy for you all! <3
Love the name, love the nursery!! oxoxoxo
Kayla says
Awww all the memories of nurseries past! I love the black and white. I’m actually thinking about doing this for our boys’ room in our current house because I just can’t handle the color explosion on my eyes (it’s hard to live with me, I know). It’s really great that it is gender neutral too, in case that bedroom sway happens! So happy Owen is here!!! Congrats to everyone 🙂 🙂
Donna says
Congrats on your new addition! Though I’ve got to say #3 changed my life. All of a sudden I lost control 😂 But not enough that we didn’t go for #4 💗. On another note, I shared a bedroom with my brother (5 yrs younger than me) til I was nine. Don’t remember any bad side effects but do remember when I got my own room I LOVED it. No one had to remind me to make my bed 🛏 ! Have so much fun with your munchkins 😊❤️
Marty Walden says
Congrats, my friend! Love the nursery and pray the memories you create will be amazing!
Jill says
Congratulations on the birth of your little boy, he is adorable! Love the nursery, it is my favorite of all of them. The black and white scheme is perfect – classy and different/new. I imagine after seeing this, more people will be considering the possibilities for a nursery or child’s room as any color can be added for accent (for a boy or girl). This a room that can grow from stuffed animals to sports posters. Love the chair, looks so comfy and the bold check curtains . The wall of book ledges is a great idea. It is both a focal point as well as an easy access to books as younger kids recognize the picture on the front of the books long before they can read titles on spines as in regular bookcase. A wonderful room for the newest addition to your family.
deb says
Congratulations!
Betsy says
Kim & Ryan….congrats on the new addition. LOVE the nursery . So simple but SO practical.
Ally says
It’s beautiful the way a nursery should be and practical the way a mom who has been there before needs it to be :0) Congratulations on your new bundle!!!