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Painting The Nursery Closet Door Bright Green

At two weeks from my due date we’re checking off a few more lingering nursery updates, like painting the closet door a bright happy color, organizing the clutter within…

Nursery DOOR After

… making/hanging some more art, and changing our minds in the curtain arena (you know we love a good final-hour switcheroo).

Nursery Mobile Straight On

The green closet door was heavily influenced by Clara, who kept saying “my baby will like a colored door like mine but not pink” – and since a bold green door was originally in our plan back in January (which we mentioned to Clara, hence her obsession) we decided to stop hemming and hawing and just go for it.

After hanging our apple-green curtains and adding a kelly green sheet to the changing table, we worried a bright door between them would be too much. But the realization that we already had some breezy Ikea curtains from our last house meant we had nothing to lose by tossing those up to see how they looked (they used to hang on the deck sliders, but came down when we got french doors).

Nursery DOOR Before

Although I couldn’t recoup the time I spent making the colorful curtains, they were under $10 a pop, so it seemed silly to stay married to them at the expense of losing something else we had all looked forward to in the room. And I pulled off the faux-changing-pad-cover (just a fabric remnant I tossed on to picture what a green cover might look like) when we decided a bright closet door was too hard to resist.

Nursery Full Room Door Side

We still think the curtains need something (I want to line them in blackout fabric, and maybe trim them on all sides with black or brown ribbon – maybe green? Not sure) but we’re getting closer I think. And of course we still need to get a real changing pad cover, so that’s on the list.

Nursery DOOR After Writing

As for picking a green door color, we relied on our usual method of taping up contender swatches to see which one we liked best in a bunch of different lighting scenarios (early morning, afternoon, late at night with the light on, etc). The winner was Irish Moss by Benjamin Moore. Not too dark, not too light, not too neon, and not too yellow or blue.

Nursery DOOR Swatches

I only needed a quart to get it done (I went with semi-gloss), even though it took three coats to get a nice shiny finish with good coverage. Bold colors like this tend to look horrific for the first coat or two and then magically shape up at the end. Tinted primer probably could have saved me one coat (in exchange for one coat of that) but I didn’t have it on hand, so I just did three coats of paint instead. I applied the first one with a brush…

Nursery DOOR First Coat

… but switched to a brush + small foam roller combo for the second two coats, just to knock things out a little faster. It’s the same method we used on Clara’s door (three coats of paint applied with a roller/brush combo) which has held up well for the last five months with heavy use so that’s nice to know.

Nursery DOOR Roller

As for actually getting the closet ready, that just meant organizing things (lining up shoes, putting a few empty baskets on that top shelf for future use, placing some extra toys in a bin on the floor, and transferring excess clutter to the hall closet). The hall closet is a more spacious double-doored closet, so things that we won’t use for a while like a bumbo and the play table can go in there. We’re sure the nursery closet will evolve into more sophisticated storage as the baby grows (might add some cubbies, a basket system, or a reading area on the floor depending on our needs as we go), but it’s nice to have a clean slate in there now.

Nursery DOOR Clean Closet

We also had two nice wood frames that I wanted to hang on the curtain wall, so I was inspired by this no-longer-for-sale pear poster and just drew the shape in pencil on white foam core and used green & brown finger paint from Clara’s stash. I’m sure as the bun grows we’ll switch it out for a family picture or a subject/animal that he loves – but it’s sweet to have something there for now.

Nursery ART After Straight On

To make the lettered “Love You Forever” message below that, I took inspiration from this print from a no-longer-in-business Etsy shop, and used black construction paper and a pencil. I sketched out the letters roughly, cut them out, and laid them on another white piece of foam core. I tried to keep them all similar in height, but I didn’t get caught up in perfection, thanks to the charming irregularities in the inspiration print.

Nursery ART All Black

When I was done I showed John and he came up with the idea to add some color to the V’s, so I used decorative paper from my craft closet and a glue stick to attach them all to the foam core. We both love how it came out – and you can’t beat the price (free) or the amount of time it took (around fifteen minutes).

Nursery ART Green Vs

Since Clara has a print in her room that says “You Are So Loved” it feels nice to have a similar sentiment hanging in our son’s room. Sniffle.

Nursery Art Corner Pulled Back

Aren’t those wood frames nice with the stained top of the built-ins and the dark hardware on the drawers?

Nursery Built In Straight On

They also tie-in to the frames of the bike art and the changing table on the other side of the room, so there’s more balance going on.

Nursery Changing Table Straight On

Speaking of wooden things, we found this cute rocker at a local thrift store called Consignment Connection for $15. Clara is obsessed (even though it looks fragile it easily holds her weight) and thinks her brother is going to LOVE it. Can’t wait to see if she’s right.

Nursery Rocker Detail

Slowly but surely, this room is coming along – we even think we have a plan for the wall behind the crib after this post o’ brainstorming (thanks to everyone for their thoughts and ideas!). We might wait until the baby’s here to knock that out, but in the meantime everything from the toys on the built-ins to those elephants marching across the crib sheets and our new green closet door is making us more excited than ever to bring home this little man of ours.

Nursery Three Details

Even though we’re not done in here, we worried we’d miss the chance to re-take our family picture before the bun is born (a tradition that we started with Clara), so here’s the one we took when we started on the room back in January…

Us In Room Final

… and here’s one that we snapped yesterday. Could I be more pregnant? I laughed and asked John if he inflated my bump in photoshop (or hid my legs). Turns out I just look like this and my belly really is that far out in front of me. #watermelonsmuggler

Nursery Family Pic

And just because I can’t resist a good waaaay back shot, here’s how the room looked before we moved in last summer.

Nursery Before

Even though we still have a bunch of remaining to-do list items, it’s definitely feeling more like a baby-ready space.

Nursery FULL ROOM Horizontal TEXT

Nursery Full Room Door Side

So our to-do list officially looks like this:

  • get a changing pad cover
  • line the curtains with blackout liner and add some sort of black/brown/green trim detail?
  • tweak the wall behind the crib with wallpaper, a stencil, slatted wood, or some sort of accent color (we have a plan… we think…)
  • make a woodsy little cuckoo clock (since I made one for Clara, I’d like to make a charming little rustic one for the bun as well)
  • add an overhead light on a dimmer since nothing’s there at all right now (wish we could check this off but we can’t agree on a light we both like)
  • possibly add a softly colored ceiling someday? maybe sky blue to add another color to the mostly green/yellow/neutral/white palette?
  • add sconces to wall between the built-ins in a few years (we’ve decided these will be more functional after the crib is swapped out for a twin bed, to be used as reading lights)

Is anyone else making art? Having a curtain change of heart? Or painting something a bold, saturated color? We never could have guessed we’d have a bold foyer door along with two in our kids rooms, but they’re proving to be somewhat addictive.

Psst- To read about all of the nursery updates from the beginning, here’s how we painted all the pink trim, laid new hardwood floors, got a rug, painted the walls and ceiling, added built-ins to each corner of the crib wall, tackled some baby bedding, hung some extra thick crown molding, filled up the built-ins, made some curtains, added a cabinet for open storage and diaper changes, and made a mobile for over the crib.

Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house? Just click on this button: 

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Comments

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’re not sure and not always seeing eye to eye (one of us might like something but the other doesn’t). We both think something with a diffuser would be nice (adding a dimmer switch will help too) but we can’t really find something we both love yet.

      xo
      s

  5. Em says

    It seems like you feel that the crib wall is missing something, and I sort of agree. I think I put my finger on it…what if the two bookcases that flank the crib were connected by an arched piece of molding? Like how sometimes kitchen cabinets are connected by an arched piece of molding when there’s a sink/window between them?

    I feel like it might help that wall feel less like it’s missing something and more like a little nook for the crib. In fact, I think you guys ended up connecting the built-ins on either side of your bed in House 1 – similar type of idea.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yup, we agree it’s bare over there but we think we have a plan. Just have to sleep on it a little more and commit, and share the pics of course when we’re done :)

      xo
      s

  6. Julia says

    The green door looks AMAZING!! You can never have too much green — my favorite color! The entire room is perfect! LOVE!!!

    Reply

  8. Christine@DecorumDIYer says

    It looks just marvelous! I am always envious of how much the two (eh em, three, soon-to-be-four) of you are able to accomplish. This is most definitely a labor of love. I can’t wait to see the little one snuggled in this room. Congratulations to you and your family!

    Reply

  11. Alex says

    I LOVE THE GREEN DOOOOOR. You guys are so good at picking the right colour.

    Unrelated question: what is the colour of the wood stains you’ve used in that room so far? I love the colour, and we’re making a kitchen table soon so I might just have to use it!

    And i can’t believe you’re only 2 weeks away! I am so excited for you guys!!!

    Reply

  12. Karen says

    Thanks for brightening up my morning in dreary, cold Wisconsin. Love the changes, such an adorable room for your new baby boy!

    Reply

  14. Laura says

    The room looks awesome. Love the green door- giving me the itch to redo my kids’ rooms. An idea for the curtains- black Pom Pom trim. I’ve been wanting to do that on my daughter’s curtains but haven’t found the perfect colour yet. Congrats on the bun and good luck! Life with #2 goes by exponentially fast.

    Reply

    • jennyred says

      Second on the pom pom trim!! Love love love the room. 2 weeks, talk about home stretch! Best wishes :)

    • Julia at Home on 129 Acres says

      The black pom-pom trim was exactly what I thought of! A simple green ribbon might be another option… maybe even the lime green like the original curtains? Then you have a touch of colour in a slightly different shade but it’s not overwhelmingly GREEN.

      BTW, I think watching this room come together has been a really good illustration of your “don’t worry about the middle” philosophy. I really like how you’ve switched things up as you’ve gone along, and I think the current (not going to say “end”) result is really nice.

    • Mallory says

      Totally agree on the pom-pom trim – mostly because Clara wanted to name her sibling Pom-Pom once upon a time.

  16. LaineyR says

    Awww, it looks beautiful. He is going to be one very lucky little boy! I love the mix of rich green colours and chocolatey wood – it’s cute and boyish but very stylish, too. Gorgeous!

    Reply

  17. Robin says

    How about an oversized green ball fringe on the inside opening edge of the curtain panels? That could be fun and stylish.
    Wishing you and your whole growing family all of the best.

    Reply

  18. Rebecca says

    Sherry,

    You look great! I am due with my second, also a boy, at the end of the month. My husband and I are moving our 18 month old into his “big boy room,” which we are still frantically trying to finish. At least both of our cribs are assembled at this point :)

    Hang in there! It’s the home stretch :)

    Reply

  19. Carson says

    I completely agree with the curtain swap -I think that the nice breezy/light colored ones really let the door do its thing!! This room is coming together so well, LOVE the color pallet, LOVE the homemade art, LOVE IT ALL. He sure is one lucky little bun :)

    Reply

  20. Mariecel says

    LOVE the pop of color! It’s so bold! You are a lot more brave than I am, and it surely pays off. His nursery is coming together really nicely. I dont know what else you can do to improve it!

    This comes at a great time since I’ll be painting our nursery walls and a closet door within the next two weekends. The walls will be in BM rockport gray like your 2nd house master, and the closet door will be Behr Jamaican Bay, which is a bright, but not as bold, turquoisey blue.

    Reply

  21. cappy says

    I love the clean and airy look of the switched curtains and green door! It really looks like a completed room-bravo! Did you make the wooden frames…they are beautiful too and look like the frames that John made. Perfect for your little soon-to-be woodsman! :0)

    Reply

  23. Ellie says

    Love the white curtains and the green door. It looks great. I’m sure he’ll love all the personal touches, as will you!

    Reply

  25. KarinK says

    I just LOVE this room! It has come together beautifully, and it sure doesn’t hut that the closet door color happens to be my favorite color. Has been ever since preschool – it was the color of our nap time cots…. :) I also can’t believe you’re almost due – this has flown by! That rocking horse is awesome.

    Reply

  26. Ashley says

    It’s looking so great in there! And it will only get better after a light fixture, a changing pad cover, and a BABY!!

    Reply

  27. Maya says

    Love it! The new curtain color makes the rug and wall color really seem to fit– the room feels a lot more cohesive suddenly! I can’t wait to see what you do with the wall behind the crib. A pallet wall could be awesome with all the wood tones you have going now!

    Reply

  28. Alicia says

    Question for you! We are considering a bright ceiling inspired by your showhouse office for our 9 yr old daughter. I am kind of considering a painted closet door, too. Haven’t decided if we think that is too much or not. My question is, though, in addition to her closet door (and obviously her door to exit the room)she has a door to her jack & jill bathroom. Would you still only paint the closet door if you had a similar set up?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, that’s a tough one. Maybe start with the closet one and live with it and see if you think the Jack & Jill one would look good painted too?

      xo
      s

  29. sarolabelle says

    So out curiosity, how do you turn on a light in that room? I didn’t see a lamp….

    Wouldn’t a ceiling fan be best so baby can have circulating air or is it easy to keep the house under 70 in the Summer without one (would be impossible in Houston!)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We have a big strong Hunter table fan on the changing table for circulation (that method worked with baby Clara too) so we hope that does the trick. As for the lights, we have a floor lamp on a switch (it’s on the wall with the door to the hall, so it’s tucked out of the way) but it’s not ideal. Can’t wait to have something overhead.

      xo
      s

  30. Isabel says

    Love that rocking horse! And that green door looks so good too, so glad you went for it. I really like the new curtains too. They would look awesome with some trim. It might be too girly for the Barnacle but green pom pom trim would look so cute. I’m turning my attention to my guest room/mom room now (if I ever get to finish removing the wallpaper from h-e-double hockey sticks in our downstairs powder room!) and I’m contemplating the same exact things – closet door painting, curtains with trim, making free art, etc. :)

    Reply

  31. Brittany W. says

    It looks amazing! I love that it is masculine and only subtly says “baby boy”. It’ll be so easy to transition it to a big boy room later.

    And best of luck in the final days of pregnancy. Prayers sent your way!

    Reply

  32. Mary Beth says

    Geez I love this room BIG time. When you first showed us the colour scheme/mood board I wasn’t sure about it at all. But I have to say it’s my favourite room in the house so far.
    I LOVE the green and grey.. I love what you did for the change table I just love ALL of it.
    My only concern is that I couldn’t have the change table flat on the floor… it drives me crazy to not be able to stand right up close with my toes tucked underneath. So I would have HAD to leave the casters on, but that’s me. LOL
    I am so excited to see the room when it’s done, I love everything about it!!
    And Sherry you look BEAUTIFUL.
    : )
    MB

    http://www.hystericallyeverafter.com

    Reply

  33. Alli says

    It’s looking fabulous! I love the green door and it is such an airy transformation from the original pic!

    Light suggestion: we have this one in my son’s room and have loved it. Inexpensive and understated as well. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00032416/

    We also have a lamp next to our chair we have plugged into the receiver for this type of light switch. I used 3m tape to stick the switch next to our regular light switch.
    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Heath-Zenith-Wireless-Switch-Outlet-BL-6136-WH/100654950

    We also use one of those canvas shoe racks that hangs from the closet rod to hold our son’s clothes in right now. We’ll hopefully have a dresser completed by the time he grows into bigger clothes.

    Reply

  34. Crystal says

    I know you say there is more to do in here but this is what makes all the middle pictures/posts/thoughts were going through to see the (almost) end product. I LOVE it and the curtain change and the green door and the rocker and your homemade art!

    I’ve had many a-curtain-change-of-hearts and I’ve definitely settled on more neutral for me is better since I like to find other things to shine.

    Reply

  35. Alexia C. says

    I love the green door. The whole color pallet is interesting without being overwhelming. Lovely!

    As for the curtains, what about a dark gray that mimics the chair? Actually, now that I’ve said that, it’s the perfect thing to ground my little guy’s room. Must go find some fabric…

    Also, you’re so small, it’s no wonder your bump sticks out. You look awesome!!

    Reply

  36. Sarah says

    Sherry, I am totally in awe of you – seriously, I’m marvelling at how much you’ve managed to get done, to make this the perfect bedroom for your sweet boy (aaand whilst doing the show house too!). I hope you find some time to relax a bit before the barnacle is born, you deserve it!

    Sarah x

    Reply

  37. kelly g says

    LOVE it! Great job! Maybe in a future post we could see a shot of the wall that the door coming in the the hallway is on?

    Reply

  39. Amber says

    Even though you plan to fix up the new curtains, they already look tons better than the neon ones. Love the door color! I also love how Clara is holding the mustache doll in both pics. Too cute :)

    Reply

  40. Ina says

    I really liked the apple green curtains but right now with the green door the white ones look perfect. They make the room look lighter and somehow…fresher. ;)
    Which is probably why I wouldn’t add any trim at all. There is already so much going on in that room. Adding even more might tip the balance and then it might just look chaotic/too busy.

    Reply

    • Marianne says

      I agree. I love the new curtains and the door! Awesome switch up! I’d focus on the wall above the crib to create a balance with color.

    • Margaret says

      I like the curtains as is, too. No trim or blackout liner necessary (too dark).

  41. Sara says

    Words cannot even begin to describe how in LOVE I am with this room! Seriously- every detail is amazing and so well thought out! It will be even more amazing once there is a sweet little baby boy to put in there :) Can I please move by baby once it arrives in August? :)

    Reply

  42. Somer says

    Trim, trim, trim, trim, trim, trim! Sang to the “Shots” song! Trim would be so cute and if you wanted to take it off down the line, if done semi-permante could be easily taken off! YAY! And your belly is so cute! I’m 17 weeks with my second and I’m still in the “I just look chubby phase.” Belly needs to pop like now!

    Reply

  43. Margo says

    Kudos for changing the curtains! I like the kelly green accents so much better in this case than the whole lot of chartreuse from the first curtains. The room looks so much better, fresher, more cohesive now. Nice! Just needs a baby, then it´s really done. ;-)

    P.S. When we were kids we had some really big cotton sheets (that our moms dyed in every color of the rainbow) that we used to build forts and tents by throwing them over some branches outside or an outdoor table. Fun times! I guess Clara might love the chartreuse curtains for this purpose as well.

    Reply

  45. Heather says

    I have never been a fan of green but this room is fantastic! Great job on making this room something that he will grow into with only some small changes.

    Reply

  46. Amanda says

    This looks great! I love the great door. Green is one of my favourite colours so of course I was going to like this. And the whole room too. I honestly think you could get away with a kelly green changing pad colour. Or one that’s grey to go with the curtains at least if you don’t want colour.

    The photo’s cute, as always! Clara looks so excited. Too cute.

    Reply

  47. Cassie says

    I had the exact same rocker when I was a kiddo (30 years ago) and it is still going strong. My son and my nieces and nephews also rocked on it. ;)

    The room looks gorgeous, so excited for your growing family.

    Reply

  48. Karyn says

    I recently made one of those Pinterest popular wooden growth chart rulers. I’m sure you could whip one up from scrap wood for that skinny space between the closet door and curtain. And it doubles as a forever momento of how your little guy grows :)

    Reply

  49. Elisa says

    This looks fantastic! I *loved* the green wall idea when you posted your poll – but the curtains of course clashed. But this is even BETTER! Great idea, Clara!

    Reply

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