As we get closer to Lyla’s first birthday, I find myself getting more and more wistful. I think back to what I would’ve been doing one year ago as we made the last minute preparations. The months from learning I was pregnant to meeting our sweet girl were a blur of excitement, anxiousness, research, and concern. Will I be a good mom? What are the best baby products? Is she healthy? Can I eat that second pie? In the whirlwind of trying my best to get emotionally and physically ready for this life changing event, I found solitude in one of the big planning steps: the nursery.

You can find many articles and blogs saying that creating a nursery is a waste of time and money. I wholeheartedly disagree. It’s true that the baby could care less what the crib and the paint color look like, but you will. My goal was to create a calming and neutral space that I would enjoy being in. I tend to gravitate towards a more minimal look, but I wanted the room to feel inviting and cozy. The beige and white color scheme immediately drew me in and the small accents of pink were just enough for a feminine touch.

There were so many times before Lyla was born that I would just go sit in the room and absorb the surroundings and what they represented. It brought me joy. Maybe not everyone shares this appreciation for design, but I will forever be an advocate of creating happy spaces in your home. I’m also frugal, so I was careful to pick and choose what I was willing to splurge on and where to save. One trend that I passed on was a chandelier. An ornate fixture has become a staple in many nurseries, but this southern girl likes her air circulation, so we decided to cut that cost and keep the ceiling fan. You can see my list of where the pieces came from below the photos.

  • The crib was borrowed from a very generous friend, but it originally came from Bratt Decor. Here is a similar one.
  • The duster and bumper are from Restoration Hardware Baby. This pattern is no longer available, but I just love all of their neutral bedding.
  • The rug is from TJ Maxx. Here is a similar one.
  • The animal art was made by me. The white frames are from Wal-Mart.
  • The rocking llama is Pottery Barn (sold out). This one is adorable as well.
  • The gallery wall shadow boxes are from Hobby Lobby (sold out). Here are some similar shelves. Also love these and these.
  • Our Greatest Blessing frame was a gift.
  • The dresser was purchased at a consignment store. The knobs are from Hobby Lobby.
  • The mirror is from Kirklands.
  • The closet shelving and bins are from Target. Similar here and here.
  • The bunny canisters were bought at a local gift shop.
  • The bow and flower art was made by me. The frames were found at a consignment store.
  • The glider is from Buy Buy Baby (sold out). Similar here.
  • The curtains and rod are from Marshall’s. Similar here and here.
  • The side table is from Marshall’s. Similar here and here.
  • The lamp is from TJ Maxx Homegoods. Also found here.

Thank you to Ashley Demers Photography for the awesome photos!

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