Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Baby Nursery Design

For those of you who don't know that much about me, I will start by saying that my bachelor's degree is Interior Design. I minored in business, and have spent the last several years teaching elementary school because that best fit our family's needs. But my REAL passion, my "thing" that strikes my fancy, is art and design. After I graduated from SFA with an almost perfect GPA (darn you, accounting!) I interned at Kathy Andrews Interiors in Houston, which is a model home merchandising firm. They hired me after graduation full time, and I had the privilege of helping furnish model homes for various builders. It was SUCH a fun job! TONS of work and travel almost weekly, and very little pay at the time....but OH how fun it was. I gleaned so much from the experience, and I love to put it to use every chance I get.

When we lived in Houston, once I began teaching, I started my own small residential design business called Rooms to Remember. I was working full time and being a mommy to sweet Stayton, so it stayed a small business. Then when we moved to the DFW area, I closed it down. No vendors, no clients, means no business. Now that I am a stay-at-home-mom, I plan to start a new small business for design. I hope to broaden my audience by offering various services such as real-estate staging, wall murals, commissioned art, and custom drapery design. I can't wait to see where I land with this in the next few years. Pass my name along!! :)

Ok, ok...I know you probably just skipped all that. But you shouldn't have. Many of you have asked to see pictures of Jake's nursery. I have been putting you off, mainly because I stink at photography. My pictures kept looking awful, no matter what time of day. So I called on my buddy Jennifer from church to come take the photos for me. Here is her link: Hi Jen! http://www.fermaintphotography.com/#

My husband and I had a little disagreement regarding the nursery theme. I wanted art. He wanted sports. We compromised! I also threw in a little vintage/retro feel, and music too. So it's a hodgepodge. I'm ok with that.























 











 









 Hey look! It's baby Jake!




 

Resource List

Crib: JC Penney Jenny Lind style white, spray painted yellow
Wall Color: Sherwin Williams 7068 Grizzle Gray
Mobile: Hand-crafted by a friend
Bicycle fabric: Duralee, purchased at Rutherford's in Dallas
Stripe Fabric: purchased at Rutherford's in Dallas
Quilt and Bumper pads: Handsewn by Malia Ritchison
Bedskirt: Handsewn by Mitzie Watson (My mom)
Art on Wall: 3 part series, quotes and all, created by ME, Kara Gordon
Dresser: One-of-a-kind purchased from Craigslist seller
Messy paintbrushes: purchased at IKEA new, messed up by yours truly, ME
Orange Upholstered Rocker: 1960's vintage, purchased at Art is Art in Dallas
Ottoman: Target (stores his blankets)
Side Table: World Market outdoor table
Draperies: IKEA, tiebacks sewn by my mother, Mitzie Watson
Elephant: Hand-carved in Africa, ruined by painting red...I did that
Tiny red rocker: Canton, TX  flea market
Wagon and Vintage truck: Gifts from family and friends, Ann Gordon
Hanging Shelves: IKEA white, spray-painted yellow
Scripture Decal: A City Stickers in Allen, TX
Hanging Lanterns: World Market 4-pack
Messy Art Supply pictures: Printed at home from Google Images and framed in $1 IKEA frames
Vintage Books: Were my husband's as a child, given by Ann Gordon
Paint Swatch Pillow: purchased at Target, hand-painted by ME, Kara Gordon
Growth Chart: Gift from my mom, Mitzie Watson, bought at an antique mall
Locker Rack: Pottery Barn Teen
Abacus: IKEA
Button "J" Monogram: Hand-sewn by my sister, Amy Bird
Retro Clock and Needlepoint: flea market in Canton, TX and antique mall

I hope you like it! Jake sure does...it's my new favorite room in this casa.

Lastly: My literature poll closed out with Fiction in the lead by a whopping 56%, Non-fiction way behind with 18%. Be sure to vote on your favorite season below! The seasons are about to change...so ready for weather cooler than 156*, and mosquitoes that don't kill people. Love you guys!!!

~Peace~

5 comments:

  1. It's gorgeous, Kara! And I'm super impressed by your artistic talents. I had no idea!! :)

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  2. Love love love it!!! You did so great that I'd like you to come do my kids' rooms now, lol! ;)

    Jenn Widra

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  3. It is amazing Kara! You have such a great sense of style!! Once my kids are bigger (and my budget), I'd love to have you do my kids' rooms! :-)

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  4. What a beautiful nursery! I love all the bright colors and I KNOW Jake will adore all the cool things to look at in his room. You really have a gift. And how fun to have professional photos done of this perfect little room. I especially love the music touches. :) He is a very blessed little boy.

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  5. Love, love, love. My old room has never looked so good. ;) It seriously is fantastic. Pinterest lovers everywhere would envy your skills. I especially love the bonus baby Jake picture! You are awesome!

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