Help me find some things (design), please

[Loves Vintage]

I am looking for a few things. I am terrible at decorating. I know many of you are great at this, so thought I would try asking for some help. I always love seeing the different ideas you all come up with when others ask for design help.

I really really like the rug in this nursery, but it is no longer available at West Elm. I am looking for something similar, but also open to other ideas. This is for a boy nursery. So far, the walls are supposed to be light grey, but they look light blue, and the ceiling is painted a light blue. I tend to be on the thrifty side of things, so would be happy around 300. Looking for 5X7. Also wondering if I should do a blue rug? Or a rug with blue banding or border around it. I am not interested in any of the indoor/outdoor rugs. Would like rug to be soft underfoot.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/reeds-soft-starry-space-nursery-tour-195039

For drapes, I like these and was thinking grey border (cheaper would be better, but I'm guessing the quality of these would be nice? I think land of nod has similar):

https://www.rhbabyandchild.com/cata...tId=rhbc_prod373299&categoryId=rhbc_cat466003

For light fixture, maybe I will go to Home Depot, but was thinking something like this (nickel):

http://www.lightingdirect.com/capit...-2-light-flush-mount-ceiling-fixture/p1172676

The nursery will have a vague star theme. I hope to make a star mobile, for example.

Back to rugs, they have this at Target, but seems too matchy, right?

http://www.target.com/p/circo-stars-rug/-/A-16981860

And, then there's this, which looks fun, right?

http://www.target.com/p/circo-rugs/-/A-16766803#prodSlot=_11_3

You can see I need help, right???

 

[aviastar]

I've bought from Rugs Direct and found them to be great- they actually started as a b&m in my region and still maintain that store so you can always call them up and get a live person at their retail location.

I found this one in a very quick search; it comes in the right size and it under $300. The pattern is a little busier than the one you posted, but grey on grey. I only scrolled through the first page of grey rugs- there are hundreds to look through!

http://www.rugs-direct.com/Details/Safavieh-Porcello-PRL3740/115219/184503

 

[House Cat]

Have you looked at rugsusa.com for your rug? I bought a very large jute rug from them for a steal. Shipping was free and I was really happy with the rug. They have a lot of ivory rugs. Maybe you will find something you like.

 

[momhappy]

It looks like you are definitely on the right track. I like the light fixture and the star theme For the rug, my only advice would be to keep it neutral (no theme) because neutral items grow with baby and won't need to be replaced. Utilize your star theme on smaller items that are easily replaced (like lamp shades, night lights, etc.). I designed my nurseries with color palettes, but no themes and most of the items carried them well into childhood. In fact, my cribs both converted to classically designed queen headboards that are mature-looking enough for use when they are teens. Have you looked on Overstock for a rug?

 

[Loves Vintage]

Thanks for the replies. I have looked at all of the aforementioned sites before. I could look at them for hours, honestly. I started pinning options, so that helps me sort, somewhat. I do not pin a ton, just the ones that I really like.

Momhappy - I think that is sage advice. I tend to get caught up in the details at times, like we really wanted to do the stars on the ceiling, but now, I realize that is not going to happen! 5 weeks to go! I really see now it makes sense to have those cribs that convert. We have a Jenny Lind from my daughter, which we plan to "re-use." Re-use is in quotes because she never really slept in it anyway, lol. Hoping to change that this time around. Anyway, I think you are right -- keep the stars to smaller pieces that would be replaced anyway, so I have some dwell crib sheets with stars and will make the star mobile and that will probably be it.

I do love this rug, but it's too girly, right?????? http://www.landofnod.com/little-gol...:5x8+Ye+Gold+Bars+Rug+SKU+218030+Product+Page

This is another thing I've been noticing -- I am a total girl mom, and it's a bit harder to find things that are more neutral!

 

[aviastar]

Hey- I decided on blue and white and dragons before we ever found out girl/boy. Now we know it's a boy, it's going to make sense to other people, but it always made sense to me for a girl as well as a boy. After all, I'm a girl and blue and dragons are my favorite!

So, as far as the rug being too girly? I'm not the right one to ask, I say if you like it go for it! But, fwiw, I would have put it in firmly neutral territory.

 

[momhappy]

The Land of Nod is not too girly. Have you considered looking for a Persian-type rug with shades of blue? For my son's room, we purchased a blue rug from PotterBarn - it's actually a living room rug, but it was neutral enough that it will likely not need to be replaced. Something sort of like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-x-8-Pottery-Barn-Kent-Blue-Rug-5-x-8-Brand-New-and-Authentic-huge-price-drop-/111628862485?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19fd994415

 

[Loves Vintage]

Aviastar - I hope you will be able to post pics of your nursery in the nursery thread. Have you started work on it?

Momhappy - YES! I have thought about a Persian style rug. Though, admittedly, I have thought about a LOT of rugs, haha! I love Pottery Barn rugs too! There was a nursery on Houzz that got me thinking along those lines, but now I can't find it.

I'm thinking multiple colors?

http://www.target.com/p/safavieh-aled-rug/-/A-17040924#prodSlot=_14_11 or even in the grey

And then, there's this, but probably not:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pottery-Bar...348?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item541698ace4

And, I want to post a photo of the room in all of its unfinished glory! My PB rocker is cream. Floors are honey. Furniture will be white. Trim is white.

 

[aviastar]

I definitely will post! I haven't really started yet. I have a lot of ideas and I picked up a few pieces at a consignment sale thingy, but I live in a very small house so we have a whole top to bottom reorganization to do before I am going to be ready to paint and stuff. We've used the nursery space as an extension of our nonexistent closet/bedroom storage, so alllllll that has to find new homes now

I'm debating on painting the nursery furniture. I had originally wanted all white furniture, but I found a great second hand crib for $40 ( ) in a neutral natural wood. I'm repurposing a dresser I already own as a dresser/changing table and it's also natural wood. I like the wood, it's just not what I had envisioned, but painting seems like such a hassle. I repaint furniture on a regular basis but you have to use special baby safe paints or do a whole water based seal. So...yea, probably going to skip it.

I love the idea of stars or the night sky in a nursery. If you want to stay away from permanent stuff maybe look for a constellation night light that projects the night sky onto the ceiling or those cheap glow in the dark sticky stars. I had those as a kid and I adored them.

 

[momhappy]

Aviastar - I hope you will be able to post pics of your nursery in the nursery thread. Have you started work on it?

Momhappy - YES! I have thought about a Persian style rug. Though, admittedly, I have thought about a LOT of rugs, haha! I love Pottery Barn rugs too! There was a nursery on Houzz that got me thinking along those lines, but now I can't find it.

I'm thinking multiple colors?

http://www.target.com/p/safavieh-aled-rug/-/A-17040924#prodSlot=_14_11 or even in the grey

And then, there's this, but probably not:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pottery-Bar...348?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item541698ace4

And, I want to post a photo of the room in all of its unfinished glory! My PB rocker is cream. Floors are honey. Furniture will be white. Trim is white.

I'd love to see photos. Decorating nurseries is so much fun. I'm sure that it will all come together and look adorable

 

[asscher_girl]

How about this cream rug? Looks super soft which would be great for a nursery.

http://www.pbteen.com/products/kaleidoscope-kilim-rug-ivory/?pkey=crugs-view-all%7Cgirls-rugs%7C&

For the white pouf, check out this one: http://www.landofnod.com/faux-leather-seats-come-standard-white/f12735
Way less than the Layla Grayce option.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Thank you, asscher_girl. You are good! That rug is so close to the inspiration. I am talking myself out of it, though -- so crazy indecisive. Maybe it's the hormones?!? Thank you for the bonus link on the pouf. I think my daughter would really like having one so she can have a cute place to sit too!

I did finally take a photo yesterday, but just one! Other areas of the room are still in work mode. The walls are a very light grey and you can see a little of the blue on the ceiling. We got the ikea dresser over the weekend to be used as a changing table. Previously, we had a dresser and a changing table, but I really like this dresser, so happy with that decision!

 

[Loves Vintage]

asscher_girl - I wasn't even aware of PB Teen previously! What do you think of this one: http://www.pbteen.com/products/kelly-slater-recyled-endless-diamond-rug/?cm_src=PIPRecentView And, then I can work on bringing in color via prints for the walls.

 

[momhappy]

Love the diamond rug from PB Teen and it's neutral enough that it will be appropriate for years to come! I've purchased many items (including rugs) from PB and more recently, PB Teen and I've been pretty pleased with everything. We remodeled the room of our eldest child about a year ago and purchased a rug, bedding, and some accessories all from PB Teen.

 

[misskittycat]

For a newborn's room, I would possibly try and avoid cream for a rug, as many babies can be particularly... spewy... We went with a lovely pink and cream checked rug from Ikea for our daughter's nursery. She wasn't a chucker, but just before she turned three she had a stomach bug and, well, suffice to say the rug is no longer with us. It couldn't be saved. We went cheap because of that very reason and I'd not buy a cream coloured rug for a baby again.

This is the one we currently have in her room:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70251740/

She has lots of bright colours in the room so it works well for a toddler room.

I LOVE PBTeen - I wish we had it in Australia. At least we now have PBKids, PB, West Elm and Williams Sonoma....

 

[Gypsy]

I would avoid anything shag for a rug. Just trust me. I had a shag rug for years in the living room. But even with the best vacuum you HAVE to take it outside and beat it if you want it clean. And I wouldn't want one in a nursery. You would be surprised just how painful it is to step on baby/kids/cat toys (OMG leggos are the ultimate pain) and they have a bad habit of hiding in shag.

And I too wouldn't go for a white rug... UNLESS you go for what I have. Which is a patchwork cowhide rug. Why? The thing is stainproof. Just a little baby shampoo and water and everything comes right out.

This is the one I recommend for the look you want: http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-chevron/natural/200QALUM18A-2608.html With the 75% off it's a great deal for you in the 5x8 size. Alternately this one: http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-parquet-cowhide/grey/200QALUM25A-508.html

I have this one: http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-lum33-cowhide/grey/200QALUM33A-508.html It's gorgeous and feels really good underfoot (you have to get used to it, but I love it now), and with my 6 cats and the sheer amount of cat vomit I deal with it's perfect and looks as good today as the day I got it.

 

[Gypsy]

asscher_girl - I wasn't even aware of PB Teen previously! What do you think of this one: http://www.pbteen.com/products/kelly-slater-recyled-endless-diamond-rug/?cm_src=PIPRecentView And, then I can work on bringing in color via prints for the walls.

Not if you have a pet of any kind. those loop rugs look like crap after a month with pets nails snagging on them.

 

[Gypsy]

Lighting options:
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/6382878/?catalogId=82&sku=6382878&bnrid=3518538&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Lighting&cm_pla=Ceiling_&_Wall_Lighting&cm_ite=Star_Flushmount&kpid=6382878&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=43-45876908-2

http://www.shadesoflight.com/moravian-star-ceiling-light.html they have it in nickle if that's what you like.

Love and adore this but it's not a flush mount: http://www.westelm.com/products/6365592/?catalogId=59&sku=6365592&bnrid=3902401&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Pendants&cm_ite=AllProducts&gclid=CKjD3bji98QCFYeBfgodAjQAjQ&kwid=productads-plaid^62583463945-sku^6365592-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^41327646353

Swoontastic but probably out of budget: http://www.shadesoflight.com/frosted-glass-star-ceiling-light.html

 

[Gypsy]

I also think you might want to consider warming up the space with a few wood finished pieces at eye level in a medium wood tone like some picture frames that are wood. And maybe some accents that are wood as well. The space feels cold and a bit clinical and the warmth of the hardwood floors is getting a bit overpowered.

 

[Gypsy]

Maybe even a rocking chair with wood accents like this: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Granite-Grey-Fabric-Retro-Wooden-Rocker-Chair/9371382/product.html

 

[momhappy]

asscher_girl - I wasn't even aware of PB Teen previously! What do you think of this one: http://www.pbteen.com/products/kelly-slater-recyled-endless-diamond-rug/?cm_src=PIPRecentView And, then I can work on bringing in color via prints for the walls.

Not if you have a pet of any kind. those loop rugs look like crap after a month with pets nails snagging on them.

We have pets and our loop rugs have been fine. I will say, though, that our pets do not spend a whole lot of time in the kids rooms, so maybe that makes a difference?

 

[momhappy]

I would avoid anything shag for a rug. Just trust me. I had a shag rug for years in the living room. But even with the best vacuum you HAVE to take it outside and beat it if you want it clean. And I wouldn't want one in a nursery. You would be surprised just how painful it is to step on baby/kids/cat toys (OMG leggos are the ultimate pain) and they have a bad habit of hiding in shag.

And I too wouldn't go for a white rug... UNLESS you go for what I have. Which is a patchwork cowhide rug. Why? The thing is stainproof. Just a little baby shampoo and water and everything comes right out.

This is the one I recommend for the look you want: http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-chevron/natural/200QALUM18A-2608.html With the 75% off it's a great deal for you in the 5x8 size. Alternately this one: http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-parquet-cowhide/grey/200QALUM25A-508.html

I have this one: http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-lum33-cowhide/grey/200QALUM33A-508.html It's gorgeous and feels really good underfoot (you have to get used to it, but I love it now), and with my 6 cats and the sheer amount of cat vomit I deal with it's perfect and looks as good today as the day I got it.

I like the first one (the marquis chevron rug) you posted and the hint of browns gives it a little warmth too.

 

[asscher_girl]

I love that endless diamond rug too! I think that could work nicely. I've had several cream rugs over the last few years so I'm partial to them They are just so fresh and light. PB kids and teen have some great items for sure! And Land of Nod is awesome too with a great warranty as well.

Gypsy, I have 2 cats and have no problems with loop rugs. Every once and a while I have to "trim" my rug if there's a pull but they are easy to maintain. And my most recent cream wool rug is a short shag and it's super easy to care for. I have a Dyson and it sucks up anything that's in it. No problems there either. Of course it's just the 2 of us w/ 2 cats and we don't wear shoes in the house so maybe that's why.

Loves Vintage, I'll let you know if I come across anything else!

Oh, and check out Urban Outfitters. They have some really fun rugs and cheap too! They may not hold up for a lifetime but if they get any nasty stains, etc on them, you can replace them with less guilt

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=A_FURN_RUGS&cm_sp=APARTMENT-_-L3-_-A_DECORATE:A_FURN_RUGS#/

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Loop rugs. We had two dogs and they managed to totally trash a loop rug in 1 month. And that's with little trimmings and upkeep daily as I loved that rug. Maybe it's because dogs claws are so much bigger than cats? Since then (our dogs have passed) I have bought a cut loop rug for the bathroom (a small one) and that one got it a huge run in it within the first month, courtesy of cat claws.

As for shag. Yeah, I thought we were getting all our crap up with our super vacuum too. And our housekeeper has an industrial miel, and used that on it too, every two weeks. But I decided for giggles to beat it outside and I was HORRIFIED at how much stuff came out of it. So horrified I actually just threw the thing out and replaced it with the cowhide rug. And like I said, toys hide in shag and it hurts to step on them.

 

[Loves Vintage]

First, thank you to everyone for replying and taking the time to share your links and ideas. I am so lost with this stuff. It helps to be able to think things through and to hear your opinions!!

momhappy - I am glad you like the diamond rug! I will probably get that one!!

misskittycat - that rug is so cute! I am thinking of getting it for a play area. I was just at Ikea and didn't notice it. Of course, I also said, I am never going there again, haha. Went on a Saturday and it was PACKED.

Gypsy - Thank you for all of your ideas! I am with you now on avoiding shag. I step on enough kids stuff as it is. The thought of stepping on a lego buried in a carpet does make me cringe, haha. I do love the first rug you linked. I am sure I've seen it and liked it previously, but probably talked myself out of it on the price alone (not realizing it was discounted!) I really can't do the cowhide, however (not sure I realized that's what it was previously either.) I hear you on the potential issues with the loop rug. When I looked at the photos close up on pb teen (the one where the rug is shown in a room), it does look a little mangled there already! But, I need to buy something eventually, and that rug is really close to my ideal.

Thanks for the light fixtures too. I AGREE with you completely on the swoontastic one! I love it, but you are right. There's no way we'd spend $500 on a light fixture, esp for a kid's room! We are more $150 max for lighting / $350 to the college fund kind of people!

You are totally right about the room looking cold - I hesitated to post that picture for that reason, but thought it might help me along my way. It is funny you mentioned wood frames! Of course, I picked out white frames this past weekend. Haha. I love the rocker you posted. I have a cream colored rocker already. I will post more photos as the room gets more organized. Things have been going in the opposite direction, though.

asscher_girl - Thanks for the diamond rug vote! I have looked at UO before. But, nada. Oh, and we do have two dogs and one cat, so a more disposable rug would probably be a good choice! How are you with drapes? Oh, and I really like that sweater'y looking pouf, but one of the reviews seems to indicate that it will show wear quickly too, so I need to decide on one of the other colors for the fake leather, I think.

Ok, so I went to Home Goods today on my lunch break. I am attaching some photos. I was thinking about what Gypsy said about adding more warmth, and was thinking maybe I should incorporate teal, which is why there is a blue/tealish rug in here. I also included a photo of one of these rugs that I keep seeing where the print on the rug is totally not consistent (missing in some places.) What is up with that? Otherwise, it was a nice soft rug.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Oh, and here's another nursery inspiration photo. Note the sweater pouf! http://laybabylay.com/hunter-baby-freddies-nautical-nursery I love those baby animal prints too!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Oh you see those wood/wicker storage cubes? Those would be PERFECT in your space. That's what I meant about wood tone accents.

Can you return the white frames and get some wood ones? Or just add a few wood ones in?

 

[aviastar]

Hey, LV! Did you snap any pics of your finished nursery? I've just put my ikea order together and I though of your room! Love to see what you decided to go with!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Hi Aviastar!! Uhmmmm, so when you say finished nursery, uhhh, we never did finish it! Haha! I have such a hard time making decisions, that I just don't. I'm glad you bumped the thread though -- I've started looking again. I do love the rug we decided on -- http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/chenille-jute-solid-border-rug-gray/?pkey=dall-rugs& It's very soft and so neutral. We also got the land of nod poof in a turquoise color. It's my single most favorite item in the nursery (except for the baby of course!) But, he is rarely in here! We just moved the crib out of here into the guest room, where I am camping out with him! That room is not finished either, by the way! I am consistent in my procrastination and indecision. Anyway, I had the co-sleeper mini in there for the first six weeks, and he just never took to it. Mattress is too uncomfy for him! I am not 100% comfortable with co-sleeping at this stage, so we moved the crib in, so that he would be right next to me still. It's going a little better, but honestly, he wants to sleep right next to me, so it is still a tough transition. So, this is no longer about the nursery, except to say that the nursery doesn't even have a crib any longer, haha. From Ikea, we have the Hemnes 8 drawer dresser which is so popular for nurseries. We use that as the changing table, and I have to say, it is super-convenient! Very happy with it.

Can't wait to see how your nursery comes out. All of this prep is so much fun!!

I need to order drapes next. Maybe these? http://www.landofnod.com/fresh-linen-curtain-panels-grey/f14091 One of the things that really inhibits me is color. Like, can I get these in blue, if the room is grey/turquoise right now??????

 

[aviastar]

Haha! Meh, if the room isn't really in use yet then you're not late- you just have a longer timeline than you thought!

I like to mix colors; the grey curtains match the rug really well and I like the linen texture of them. But I think you could add more color here if you go with a color that is a variation of your turquoise- like a shade or two lighter or darker- or a pop color like a bright yellow that is in contrast with both the grey and the turquoise. Or pick up on the zig zag/chevrons in the run and choose a chevron in white and turquoise!