In case you missed Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Chapter 3.
My seamstress has promised the bedding and draperies this week, so I figured it was high time I gave you a sneak peek of those fabrics.
Over a year ago I bought some Oscar de la Renta fabric. I was head-over-heels in love with it... my husband on the other hand thought it was a little too feminine for our Master Bedroom. I value his opinion and definitely didn't want him feeling like a sissy in the bedroom!
I was not parting with the fabric though. I'd use it somewhere. When I had my breakdown about the first color I painted the nursery and suddenly disliked the fabric I had already bought I went to my "stash". I have a stash of fabrics. Some people like shoes, I like fabrics. When I saw that Oscar de la Renta squeezed in the back of a bin of fabric bolts I decided perhaps it was just what I needed for the nursery.
I had been using a cutting of it as a bookmark on the last few books I have read. I adore the pattern. It's unlike anything I have seen before. So... it was decided. It was the fabric I would use for the nursery... it was going to set the tone for everything else.
I took a morning away from work (not really... I was in the office) and looked through fabric books. I was tired of putting myself on the back burner for everything else. So I blocked out 2 hours for me. And I started searching. I decided the Oscar de la Renta would be the crib skirt fabric and a bolster lumbar pillow for the rocking chair. I needed a coordinate fabric. I found a good one. A coraly-pink stripe that matched the coral/pink in the Oscar de la Renta fabric perfectly. I checked to make sure it wasn't discontinued - it wasn't! Then I started looking for a solid ivory for the draperies... I decided to use the coral stripe on the bias (diagonal) as a band down the leading edges (where you pull the draperies together to close) of the drapery panels. Much like these that I have always loved... sans the band at the bottom.
Now turning a fabric on the bias it suddenly stretches... this worried me. So I called seamstress to check and see if I'd need additional yardage - just in case. She gave me her blessing that she would make it happen for me (even though it would indeed stretch and be more difficult to sew), and told me how much excess I would need.
The coral/pink bias stripe will also be the boxing and piping on the bumper pads, and the ties that secure the bumpers to the crib (with the body (face) of the bumpers in a solid ivory).
So I pinned all my fabrics up to a bulletin board and took a step back to assess. BTW, these didn't photograph that well... the stripe is coral/pink, looks a little orange below... it is not.
I pinned the paint color up, searched for a tiny polka dot crib sheet and found one (actually my friend Annmarie might have found this one for me... don't you know a mother of 4 would know where to find a polka-dot crib sheet?), I had a little swatch of the gold paint that the crib would be, added the crib skirt and stripe fabric, and the graphic little pattern was for the Ikea chair cushions that I was going to recover. I might still use it... just not sure where yet.
Only snag I ran into... that polka dot sheet was discontinued. Story of my life. I knew things were going too smoothly. I came in one morning to an email from a blog reader who said 'hey, that crib sheet you posted on your blog, I have the set and am not using it anymore if you are interested in it let me know?' Well, as a matter of fact I was interested... I just needed the crib sheet and Jennifer agreed she didn't mind splitting the set up. It was in my hands a few days later... and I think it's perfect. Thanks Jennifer!
This weekend I put the sheet on the bed and tucked a little swatch of the Oscar de la Renta under the mattress... just so I could assess the scene. I'm trying to be patient... but I will be honest, I am getting antsy.
The whole "nesting" thing might have been kicked into high-gear this weekend. I'm getting rid of everything. I started in the pantry, then went through the downstairs like a tornado, I was on a total rampage.
Friday night Chance worked on the chandelier until late in the evening. He loves an excuse to use his welder. Our house has a gable roof, and the nursery is on the short side of that gable, making the ceiling height only 8'-0". Not a problem when you are 5'-2" tall, but for Chance - who is 6'-2", he barely fit under the chandelier... so he cut it down and removed some links... he used the left over crib paint to paint the canopy (the chandelier didn't come with one).
And he can walk under it without hitting his head, which is great. I need to order some silicone dipped light bulbs for it... but it's up and it works.
The art for over the crib deserves a chapter all its own. I promise, that is coming.
I couldn't resist showing you what our blogging friend Erin brought all the way from Italy for the baby when she visited a few weeks ago. Actually, the 2 books at the bottom of the image were for the baby, but these beautiful watercolor postcards she really intended for moi, the baby's momma. They are too beautiful to write on and send away, so I plan to frame them for the little girl's bathroom...
I feel compelled to mention... I haven't given this room 1/2 the effort I give my clients. I just want to make it clear that I don't sit around all day working on this nursery. I wish. But, no. I have been working super-extra long hours so that when the biggest element to this nursery (the baby!) arrives I will be able to take some time off to enjoy her. Most of the nursery progress happens on the weekends... which is okay. It's work, but it's more rewarding than the Monday - Friday type.
I am praying it comes together well. And if you don't like my nursery, feel free to follow the "if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all" rule, because I can cry at the drop of a hat these days and would rather not.
I love the way your nursery is turning out. It's sooooo refreshing and different. Love the mix of colors and patterns. Can't wait to see the finished product! Thanks for sharing with us!
Posted by: CC | July 21, 2009 at 04:18 PM
I think it's perfection. The colors are soothing and the patterns are unique. You have quite the eye for coordinating colors and textures. It will all come together beautifully, I'm sure!
Posted by: Julie Platt | July 21, 2009 at 04:20 PM
That is an incredibly fresh and feminine / but not so girly rendition of a nursery. Bravo so far and I simply LOVE the curtain idea! Thanks so much for sharing your work in progress and I can't wait to see the final room all put together. You are one talented gal!
Posted by: Amber Smith | July 21, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Hi,
I've been following your blog for the last few weeks and I have to tell you it makes my day. I love all your ideas especially the nursery. You are amazingly talented ( and funny). Please don't stop blogging. It makes my work day go so much faster. I'm already planning my trip to Nantucket for next summer.
Posted by: TT | July 21, 2009 at 04:24 PM
I love it! It looks like it's coming together great and I love the fabrics you've picked out!
Posted by: Ashley | July 21, 2009 at 04:26 PM
I think it is perfect! What a lucky baby to have such a stylish momma!
Posted by: Brooke | July 21, 2009 at 04:46 PM
Absolutely positively beautiful what we've seen so far. I cannot wait to see it all in one picture. I love love love the fabric.
You are amazing!
I love your attitude (the last sentence).
Posted by: Valerie | July 21, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Simply divine! The nursery is going to look amazing and the fabric choices are perfect. I can't wait to see the finished room.
I had no idea Oscar had fabrics...I NEED a yard of that fabric. Do you happen to know the name? I think the colors in it would work so well with my sofa for a toss pillow or 2. What fun to access to all those fun fabrics!
Posted by: Jessica {lovely jubbly london} | July 21, 2009 at 04:53 PM
Erika, I love it! I wish my room were as stylish as baby's.
Posted by: Sarah's Fab Day | July 21, 2009 at 04:55 PM
It looks fabulous...can't wait to see the finished product!!!!
Posted by: Patrice | July 21, 2009 at 04:57 PM
I love it! Oh how I wish I was the least bit design savvy! She will be the perfect accessory to this beautiful room, no doubt. Almost there!
Posted by: Tess | July 21, 2009 at 04:57 PM
So pretty! Can't wait for your sweet baby to arrive.
Posted by: Julie | July 21, 2009 at 04:58 PM
So stylish and pretty! You have such a great eye!
Totally covet your chandelier, BTW!
Posted by: barchbo | July 21, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Wow, I cant wait to see the room as a whole!
Posted by: Keri R. | July 21, 2009 at 05:01 PM
All of your choices are absolute perfection. The nursery is going to look gorgeous!! I can't wait to see it done.
Posted by: Lynett | July 21, 2009 at 05:01 PM
Oh I forgot to add in the earlier comment if you ever are looking to get rid of any of your stash (fabrics, lighting, etc), hit me up! I think adore your style and I know I would like anything you have. I'm always looking for something cool. Thanks in advance my dear.
Posted by: Sarah's Fab Day | July 21, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Oh I love it! You always come up with the most unique beautiful designs. No "hum drum" run of the mill for you :) I really love the fabric!
Posted by: Amanda | July 21, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Ok now I know I'm being obnoxious but I just want to clarify, of course I would be buying. :)
Alright now I'm outta here.
Posted by: Sarah's Fab Day | July 21, 2009 at 05:05 PM
I love it all!! I can't wait to see the draperies. :)
Posted by: Lane | July 21, 2009 at 05:07 PM
It's gorgeous! I had no doubt it would be though.
Posted by: paula | July 21, 2009 at 05:09 PM
I love it... I have been anxiously awaiting to see where this was going and of course I am not let down. You are amazing! I cannot wait to see the final product with the baby of course! Thanks for sharing. I am headed your way tomorrow (heard it has been gorgeous so far this week) for some time with my family near Rosemary!
Posted by: Carrie | July 21, 2009 at 05:10 PM
and if i didnt already think it {outloud}, it is now cemented in stone....your taste is impeccable!! seriously!
very inspiring. i think I would like to sleep in a room like this.
:)
natalie
Posted by: Natalie Roe | July 21, 2009 at 05:12 PM
This is gorgeous and unique! I love, love, love it! I can't wait to see the finished product!
Posted by: Britt | July 21, 2009 at 05:16 PM
It is going to be beautiful! You are going to have a very lucky little girl.
Posted by: Oonafey | July 21, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Lookin' good. Can't wait to see it all put together!!!
Posted by: Alison Todd | July 21, 2009 at 05:22 PM
that Oscar fabric is perfect! just perfect. Little One is going to have one good-looking nursery!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 21, 2009 at 05:23 PM
I love how you mix patterns! Someday I want to be able to mix different patterns well. In the mean time I will be studying for my design classes! Ha! :)
Posted by: Gillian | July 21, 2009 at 05:31 PM
It's stunning! I love that it's not typical nursery pastels (not that there's anything wrong w/that). I love the gold crib, and all the femininity. SO SO SO pretty.
Posted by: megan | July 21, 2009 at 05:34 PM
I LOVE the Oscar fabric. You really mix patterns well, and your little girl is going to have a one of a kind room. I cannot wait to see the final result!
Posted by: Design Esquire | July 21, 2009 at 05:35 PM
BEAUTIFUL!! you have such fantastic "outside the box thinking" with those fabrics. now all you need is that precious doll to get here!
Posted by: Katie | July 21, 2009 at 05:35 PM
I love it -- it's feminine and sweet without being twee. Great job!
Posted by: Averill | July 21, 2009 at 05:37 PM
YOUR CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT!!! Gorg!!!!!!! Can I sleep on her floor???
Posted by: Annmarie | July 21, 2009 at 05:37 PM
totally swooning over here. what a lucky little girl!!! the room is flawlessly put together, and exudes happiness. i wish you so many blessings from this point on for a safe and peaceful homecoming for baby girl!!!
Posted by: grace | July 21, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Your nursery is PRECIOUS PRECIOUS PRECIOUS!!!!!! Anyone who disagrees is banned from blog world for ever and ever. XOXO
Posted by: Laura Casey Interiors | July 21, 2009 at 05:45 PM
I must say that your nursery blogs are probably my favorite. I help people design their nurseries everyday and LOVE what you have picked out! Those fabrics are to die for, and that chandelier...oh my gosh!
Posted by: Danielle | July 21, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Ah, that Oscar fabric is A-mazing! The room is already gorgeous and it's not even finished yet! What a lucky little girl she is!!
Posted by: Teresa | July 21, 2009 at 05:46 PM
oh it looks like it's coming together beautifully! you're little girl is one lucky bean:-) i'm so happy the post cards are meeting such an important fate. i never imagined them as anything more than well, postcards, so thank you. i'm honored to have contributed in a tiny way to your most important clients room! love the nantucket posts... isn't that such a dreamy place?! looking so forward to following the rest of the nursery progress, and the arrival of the princess!!! whenever she's ready to travel, i hope one of your first stops will be to visit us here in italy.
Posted by: eringianni | July 21, 2009 at 05:51 PM
over the top gorgeous!!
Posted by: paige | July 21, 2009 at 05:57 PM
This is going to be the most gorgeous nursery! I love that it's sophisticated with just a touch of whimsy.
Posted by: Amanda | July 21, 2009 at 06:04 PM
I love it! It's sophisticated and feminine and just gorgeous. She's gonna love it! :)
Posted by: Katie | July 21, 2009 at 06:14 PM
As expected, it is gorgeous. It is so funny that you posted this today because I woke up last night in the middle of the night and really started to worry about my nursery. I didn't have a swivel chair in my sons roomI have so much left to do....I still need a crib skirt, chair,(has your Lee Industries come in yet?), lamp, etc. and I am starting to panic.
I can't believe we are due in 7 weeks - Hope you are holding up...You look beautiful!
Posted by: Cyn | July 21, 2009 at 06:17 PM
It is going to be fantab! Perfect color combo.
And that little girl is only going to have eyes for you...anyways!(and vice versa)
Posted by: Linda@Lime in the Coconut | July 21, 2009 at 06:24 PM
It's going to be PERFECT! I love it all, love the fabrics, love the chandelier, love the gold crib...C-A-N-N-O-T wait to see the finished product! Your talent blows me away....
Posted by: Blazer | July 21, 2009 at 06:26 PM
PERFECT!
Posted by: maggi | July 21, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Lurve it! Especially how original this whole plan is. I feel that the nursery style world got overtaken by PB and pastels etc and you prove that it can be unique and not so cookie cutter. I love everything you've chosen. These nursery diaries are my fave!
Posted by: kristen | July 21, 2009 at 06:35 PM
lucky little girl! =) what a GREAT room for her to enjoy and grow up in. as always, nice work, erika!
Posted by: the rauths | July 21, 2009 at 06:37 PM
I really like how your nursery is coming together!
Posted by: Alissa | July 21, 2009 at 06:40 PM
one word. PRECIOUS. I am just freaking out that this child is not born, but her bedroom is covered in OSCAR. She is being set up for life already! Talk about being raised around some damn good taste! You can't say no to her or blame her if she picks Oscar one day for her wedding dress....it's in the cards! You should probably start prepping Chance now.... ;) SO excited for you Erika! xx
Posted by: Meg | July 21, 2009 at 06:43 PM
I LOVE watching your nursery come together. I have been enjoying reading your blog for some time now and have yet to see a room you've done that I don't like!
Posted by: Celice | July 21, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Bravo...job well done. She will be a little princess in her wee castle. I'm so excited for you. Relish this time...it flies!
Posted by: Dianne | July 21, 2009 at 06:47 PM