Last weekend I rearranged Clara’s nursery. Again. And I owe you guys the details (a few of you even noticed things had moved around here and requested an update), so whoop, here it is. Let’s dive right into the moving madness. Heck, free use-what-you-have rearranging isn’t that bad, is it? No heavy breathing required. From you, at least (I did my fair share of creepy mouth breathing while pushing things around). It actually was only a few simple switches, but the room still looked tore up from the floor up for a little while:
As usual, Clara was in there “helping Mommy dec-rate.” Decorate only has two syllables according to the bean. I love that you can’t see her at all here because she’s not tall enough to poke up from behind the changing pad where she was “juggling” cloth diapers while singing Firework by Katy Perry. No joke.
Just for fun, here’s Clara helping me the last time I went crazy and moved everything around:
Kinda looks the same except she’s wearing summer stuff.
And now here’s the new layout description to help make sense of the madness (see the sketches of makeover 1 and 2 here). Well, it won’t really make sense of my furniture-shuffling-neurosis, but it might explain what’s where and what used to be where:
- The crib which used to be on the wall in front of the door got moved to the wall across from that on the far side of the room
- The dresser that used to be on that wall moved to where the crib once lived
- The chair and side table pretty much stayed where they were
- The floor lamp that used to be behind the chair got moved into the kitchen (where it’s used in our sitting nook by the fireplace)
- Clara’s hamper got “hidden” back where the lamp once was (more on that in a bit)
And here are a ton of pics of her room after my recent switches. First off, it’s nice not to walk right into the side of the crib now that it’s back on the wall I originally wanted to put it (somehow I always planned to put it there but when we moved we stuck it in a corner, and then pulled it near the door, and only now is it back where it “belongs”). It didn’t jut out all that much, but the dresser is about half as deep, so it feels more open when you walk in again.
That little C on the door is from Anthropologie on clearance about a month or two ago. It was $6. Whenever we walk by it Clara says “C for Clara.”
Behind our little reading chair is Clara’s hamper, which is nice because she likes to take everything out of it and throw it around, so putting it a bit out of the way deters her. Sometimes. Other times it’s just a fun obstacle-course-like challenge.
Ah, the crib is finally on that back wall. Mom bliss. All is right with the world. And since I’m Señorita Safety all the frames over the crib are well out of Clara’s reach (the crib is pulled about 18″ away from the wall, although that’s hard to see in these pics). They’re also not only hung with screws & anchors or nails (depending on if I hit a stud) but also reinforced with heavy-duty 3M adhesive strips (which are 100% removable so they won’t kill the wall, but aren’t baby-removable, so nothing will come a-crashing down – even in another unlikely east coast earthquake). Is that crazy first-time-mom enough for ya? I thought so.
Here’s the corner that’s opposite the green mirror and chair:
The shot below is meant to show three things:
- the crib is pulled around 18″ from the wall (although there’s a weird double shadow so it really doesn’t demonstrate that very well – in fact it only looks about 3″ away)
- there are still many blank walls in our house (we still need to add some art to that corner)
- Clara’s closet is still my favorite place in the whole house (as in, I hang out in there and stroke the potato stamped walls)
One of our favorite furniture makeovers ever is still Clara’s $20 craigslist dresser:
It takes a licking (wooden fruit, cars, and blocks get whipped at it often), but keeps on ticking…
Every post deserves a detail shot of a stuffed alligator:
More details. They’re my favorite things in here. The handmade stuff, like these bookshelves John made…
… and the mobile I made.
Another favorite thing in here is the art wall. So many personal things that make me misty eyed. More on everything that hangs up there here.
Monkey detail shot!!!
Hah. That might be the best use of three exclamation points ever. Just kidding. This is:
You get a car!!! You get a car!!! You get a car!!!
Oh to be Oprah for a day. What’s wrong with me? Maybe don’t answer that. Anyway, when it comes to Clara’s third layout since we’ve moved in, I’ve learned not to make any declarative statements (ex: “I love it so much I’ll never move stuff around in there again!”) but I definitely love it the more than the past two setups. So it’s a keeper. At least until I go crazy again…
What rooms have you guys been shifting around? Do you have some that never get changed (our bedroom and living room are pretty much the same as about a month after we moved in) while others seem to move around all the time (Clara’s room and our kitchen seem to have enjoyed the most change so far).
Jackie Toye says
Glad I’m not the only Furnitue Moving-Holic. With every move comes better energy from the room (or so in mind I think). Thanks for letting the rest of us know, we’re not alone (cue women/men walking out of darkness with those little round things to put our furniture on to move easier)
Penny says
Have a great weekend Petersiks! Can’t wait to see that gorgeous tile on Monday!
Melody says
1. I would totally pet that backsplash tile 2. Rearranging is my favorite thing to do
Lynnor says
I’ve gotta ask…did anything change on your backend recently? The last 2-3 posts…none of the images will load for me (avatars in comments, header and ads load fine, though). :( Everything just…hangs. Forever and ever and ever.
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry! Nothing changed on our end but we have heard that sometimes ad-blocking software or virusware will block our pics for a day or two for a very small group of folks and then they’ll randomly come back! Hope it helps! Oh and you might want to try clearing your broswer’s cache (probably not the fix, but couldn’t hurt).
xo,
s
almk42 says
I love looking at posts about Clara’s things because I catch stuff like toys and books that my son has, too. This time the Sandra Boynton book “Doggies” caught my eye. We bought it for my son because he was afraid of our neighbors dogs barking, and I wanted something friendly to get him comfortable with them. The first time we read the book to him, complete with all the woofs, he cried. We have a cat, and his first word was “kitty”, but now the boy is OBSESSED with dogs. Everything is a doggie, and he makes barking noises whenever he hears the neighbors’. My husband hates reading this book, though, because he finds all the barking tedious. I love it. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- John doesn’t like to do all that barking either but Clara and I love it!
xo,
s
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
I’m always rearranging our bedrooms. But our living room and office have stayed the same since we bought the house 5 years ago. The rooms are so small that I’m not sure what to do differently.
My MIL rearranges every room in her house each month!
Elisabeth says
Although, you look at your penny tile and want to pet it, I look at your penny tile and want to eat. I definitely think it looks like you spackled white m&ms up there with icing. Reminds me of the roof of a gingerbread house for some reason.
Also, I must say you have inspired me to incorporate more color into design/decor. You’re staying smart by keeping more permanent objects (ie, counters, tile, and large furniture pieces) neutral but things that can easily change (wall paint, art, pillows, and accessories) add a burst of color. This is also a good idea for people like myself who change their minds every month on what colors speak to them. Our whole place is only half-rear decorated so I need to step it up and create some pizzazz (cue jazz hands).
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- now I’m craving some M&Ms!
xo,
s
Whitney says
The backsplash is looking good! Your hard work will be worth it! You make all of your DIYs look so easy. Planning our kitchen and having contractors do the dirty work has been stressful enough, can’t imagine! I came home today and our backsplash was done. http://cerniks.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/quick-look
Love following your kitchen progress!
YoungHouseLove says
What a gorgeous room!
xo,
s
Megan says
You better bet your bottom dollar (what does that mean anyway?) that I would be lovingly stroking those pretty tiles too. It’s looks so great! I’m sure I’m just about as excited as you are to see the finished wall!
Clara’s room looks great too. I’ve got the same problem in my daughters room. I’ve changed it several times already and was just thinking the other day about another configuration. It’s a small room and it’s never quite right. Maybe this time? Have a great tiling weekend!
Jean says
What are the 3M adhesive strips that won’t damage the walls? I have been afraid to try anything that might rip up paint.
YoungHouseLove says
I think they’re just called 3M Command Removable Velcro Or Removable Picture Hanging Strips. They’re at places like Target and Home Depot.
xo,
s
Toni says
I’m glad you asked that, Jean! Sherry & John, I picked up some 3M Command picture hanging strips for this very project (picture frames close to the kiddos’ beds), and I’d like to know how many you used per frame. Since mine are already hanging by a nail, I’ll be using these for the added security. I thought about doing one centered at the lower edge of the frame. How many did you use to satisfy your inner nervous parent?
YoungHouseLove says
We had ours hanging on nails or screws and then used two at the bottom of the frame (one on the bottom left right above the corner and one on the bottom right, right above the corner). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Christy Bryan says
I’m always rearranging and painting. I’ve been doing it ever since my days with Barbie dream house.
Cassie says
Hi,
Just wondering where you got the chandelier in Clara’s room?
YoungHouseLove says
That was from a local lighting outlet here in Richmond called The Decorating Outlet. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Shelly says
Hi! Read your blog all the time. This doesn’t have to do with the furniture rearranging, but I know you guys talk about how John loves bicycle art things. I saw this bicycle sink on pinterest and had to share it with you guys!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9v1JOvfCM6w/TsouW81P-sI/AAAAAAAAppM/Q1O5ebJIY9w/s1600/idea+para+mueble+lavabo+hecho+con+bicicleta.png
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, it’s amaaaaazing!
xo,
s
Courtney says
I get bored with things easily. When I was a teenager, I would rearrange my bedroom frequently. Some places I’ve lived I did the same. Too bad my current apartment leaves very few options for rearrangement!
Emily says
Hi YHL! I’ve been following the blog for a few months now and while I invite you into my home every evening as I check up on the daily posts, I realized that it’s a bit stalkerish since I`ve never introduced myself! LOVE the blog btw, and you`ve inspired me to DIY more ever since I stumbled upon your blog! Just last weeked I shifted two rooms – I turned my formal dining room into the living/family room and moved the dining room into the former living room. I had been living that way for over a year and I wish I had made the change sooner! Now both rooms feel MUCH larger and better utilized and I love both rooms even more. I love how a simple rearranging of furniture can feel like a new home, all on a $0 budget (thought you might like that!). Keep up the great work, you two are truly inspiring!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, I love hearing that Emily! Congrats on your “new” rooms!
xo,
s
KarenH. says
Ooh, very nice! Both the kitchen and the new Clara room arrangement (and seriously, she’s almost as cute as my grandkid!!!). I’ve been doing a bit of rearranging in thw house, too. I *finally* set the spare room up as my workout space–aproject that’s been my intention since moving in last March. But since the room has to pull double duty as a guest room, I had to install a wall bed. And before THAT could happen, I had to remove the old 80s flowery wallpaper border and paint. And while doing THAT, I learned all about Calcimine paints–way more than I ever wanted to, in fact!! LOL.
Now the walls have been stripped, primed, skim coated, primed again and painted, the wall bed is in and the tv, DVD player, videos, free weights, stability ball, weighted bar and aeobic step are all in place and it’s ready to go!
To celebrate that milestone, I rearranged the living room so that the TV is out of the path of both morning and afternoon window glare, and the bookshelves that were in there are empty and ready to go to their new home (daughter of a friend). They will eventually be replaced with one slightly wider and taller bookshelf with doors, to provide the same storage but keep the kitties out of my knick-knacks.
And I think I need a smaller sofa….
Leah says
Beautiful room! And I’m leaving a comment to especially tell you that is our fav book (all time) on Clara’s bookshelf- The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog. Lill went as that pigeon to last years book week parade in a homemade costume, so cute!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- such a cute costume idea!
xo,
s
lisa p says
Morning!
Where did the “Stuffed Burger” in Clara’s room come from?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
That was from this awesome felt shop here: http://www.elenicreative.com/home.html
xo,
s
PatC says
I know this post is mostly about Clara’s room (which I love) but I’,m getting pretty enamored with the penny tile you’re installing. I really couldn’t visualize the total look until now and I’m won over. Great job John & Sherri! Can’t wait to see the end result. Please take a close up once it’s grouted so I can virtually run my hand along the smooth surface. haha!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, will do!
xo,
s
Shayna says
Everything looks great! I like the green mirror in Clara’s room! Where did you find it? Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
That was from Marshall’s or TJ Maxx (same store) and it was black so I painted it green. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Sarah says
Can I make a book series suggestion? (Your stuffed Burger made me think of it). You may already have it but it’s the Skippyjohn Jones series by Judy Schachner and it’s about a little Siamese kitty who thinks he a mischevious chihuahua (can it get any better?). Clara might be a little too young for it but given the amount of time you spend reading with her I highly recommend looking into it. You’ll laugh as much as she will, promise =). When I taught first grade my kids chose reading this series as a reward, that’s how much they loved the books (we’re talking mini-celebrations with lots of cheerful wiggling when they knew it was coming). They aren’t hardcover books either so you can get them at a book store for pretty cheap.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, it’s hilarious! Love that series!
xo,
s
Brettany says
We’re in the process of setting up our nursery now and I’ve been thinking about what to do with the lighting. I have a pretty tall hubby too and was wondering if the low hanging light in there drove yours crazy or did he get used to it?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh John’s 6′ tall but can walk under it without knocking into it! We hung it so the bottom is about 6’4″ from the floor! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
VickiP says
Hi! Question not related to this post….I am (finally) in the process of taking down my holiday decor and I hate, hate, hate throwing away all the cards that are sent to us by the folks we love each year. But if I save them, they just live in a stack that gets pushed around until, yes, eventually pitched. Have you happened across any cool ideas for saving/displaying stacks of cards from years gone by?
thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We have a one-shoebox-rule in our house where we can keep things we love if they fit into that shoebox. Of course that means other things in the box have to go to make room for new things, but that’s how we save some of those super sentimental things like special holiday cards or letters to each other or old movie stubs and our wedding invite, etc. That’s not really a displaying idea though, so maybe for that route you could get a giant cork board or frame and put them in there to enjoy them each year around the holidays? Could be really fun to look at each year as your collection grows!
xo,
s
Alison @ Living Joyfully says
I have a random nursery question. I love your capiz chandelier. Does it only use one light bulb? I found a really cute one for my baby girl’s nursery but it only has one light bulb and I worry that won’t be enough light.
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, it’s just one but it seems to be good – especially when paired with a desk lamp or floor lamp. We actually used to have both of those but phased them out since we didn’t seem to need as much light and Clara would rather use the space to spread out her toys. Haha.
xo,
s
merry says
I really love the new layout and all the fun colors. That craigslist dresser is an amazing find.
Shana says
So I just had to comment, I got the new Crate and Barrel catalog in the mail and just sat down with it. It’s like they based their kitchen color scheme for this catalog on on your house, it’s kind of uncanny really. Also they have place-mats that look like penny tile in spaced out hexagon shapes, pretty cool actually.
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh, can’t wait for ours to arrive now!
xo,
s
Kait says
Okay soooo… you can’t just say Clara sings Katy Perry’s Firework and then not post a video! I’ve gotta see/hear that!
YoungHouseLove says
If we ever catch a good rendition on video you’ll definitely see it. She’s getting more and more aware of the camera, so it’s getting harder and harder to take candid video of her these days.
-John
Kat says
I’m doin’ it again too…you’d think remodeling our garage into a master, bath, dining, and mudroom would be enough going on at our place. Nope, just started on my son’s room Fri. We have big plans for it…exciting times. So yeah, I totally get ya;)
Margaret says
A photo of your room is being used here:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89405365/initial-monogram-big-baby-nursery-teen?ref=sr_gallery_18&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=quote+decal&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=18&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
I just wanted to give you guys a heads up :) Hopefully it’s with permission, or you might just not mind.
YoungHouseLove says
Weird! Thanks for the heads up. Off to check it out…
-John
Mareah says
LOL, Sherry – you crack.me.up. Thank you. My husband thinks I am a lunatic as I sit here laughing at my computer screen. ;-) Clara’s room looks awesome!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
Nope, you’re not the only one who wants to pet it. That was my first thought, “Oh, I want to touch that picture”. Great progress…so much work!
lauren says
You officially have the safest crib wall in the world- now no one can question it! Clara is one safe baby.
Kathryn says
Hope you guys are having a good, uneventful weekend of tiling! It’s looking great so far! So excited for your reveal!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kathryn! We’re so excited to share the pics tomorrow!
xo,
s
Shelley says
Your blog is truly one of my favorites. Reading it in the mornings with cup of coffee is my favorite way to start the day. However, I’ve got to tell you that I’m a little upset with you right now though. I have got Britney Spears (not my favorite) totally stuck in my head. :) I couldn’t figure out why until I glanced back up at the title of this post :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, my apologies!
xo,
s
DJ Sherry says
I was looking at dining room pics and was wondering if you were going to change the handles on the shelf/cabinet doors to match the kitchen? Maybe you did already…
YoungHouseLove says
Nah, we like the pop of color in those built ins (they tie into the curtains and the accessories on the built-ins) so we’re ok without them all being matchy-matchy!
xo
s
Noell says
Looks so great! Wish I’d been on top of things when my babies were still babies.
Do you have a comprehensive post up somewhere that details the different ways you should hang things on walls (not for baby-proofing). I never know if I’m doing it safely or not.
If not, could you possibly make one? Please? :)
I’m also wondering if you have ideas for hanging things that will show the nail or screw. For example, I want to hang some hangers to hold some of my daughter’s prettiest ballet costumes.
Also, I want to hang some unframed paper pieces. Can’t figure out how to get a nice finished look.
Thanks for sharing so much!
YoungHouseLove says
Our method for hanging things is always to go into a stud with a screw (or nail if it’s light) whenever we can. If we’re not hitting a stud we’ll use an anchor and a screw if it’s heavy (or just a nail if it’s light). You can also hang light things with 3M command hooks or velcro (sold at Target or Home Depot). As for things that show the nail or screw, I’ve seen people glue a large button or bead to the top of the screw to dress it up- could be fun!
xo,
s
Greta says
We rearranged our living room for the holidays to fit the Christmas tree and I loved the layout so much that we left everything as is (minus the tree of course.)
I noticed you mentioned cloth diapers and it reminded me of a CD post awhile back when you said that you had 12 cloth diapers. I was wondering if that was still working out for you guys or if you ever had to get any more. I think I would be terrified to only have 12. What would happen if I forgot to do the laundry!?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes we still have the same 12. Isn’t that weird? I think since we both work from home one of us just tosses them in when we’re running low.
xo,
s
Angela says
I love reading your posts! And where oh where did you obtain that super cute blue fan in C’s room??
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Angela! That was from target.com but I don’t think they sell it anymore. The maker is Deco Breeze and we see them on amazon.com sometimes!
xo,
s
Katie says
Sherry and John,
Do you have to chip away the thinset that’s peeking out around the finished tile when you start up again, a day later? Do you just spread a little more on top of the dried stuff when you go to apply the adjacent sheet?
The tile looks stunning. Can’t wait for the full reveal. : )
YoungHouseLove says
We usually scrape as much of any untiled thinset off before ending for the day and scrape anything in the way off the next day (with a flathead screwdriver) if we realize it’s still in the way. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Sabrina says
I so would be petting that lol I am already getting dizzy just by looking at the sample. I keep finding the diamond patterns. I am so weird lol
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I see flower patterns! Like a middle circle with petal circles all around it.
xo,
s
Catherine says
I love a fresh furniture layout! I’ve been curious about that crib of Clara’s. How is the finish holding up? That is the one I want to get for baby #2 (we had a drop side one for my daughter) and I’m going back and forth between the all wood and the two tone.
YoungHouseLove says
It still looks good! We’re happy with it! There are some spots that she nibbled on the top before we put those plastic teething guards up but thankfully that phase passed and they’re off now- no more nibbling! Whew.
xo,
s
Esther says
I love rearranging things in my den (home), it helps keep things new and exciting!
I am in the process of moving my office for the third time, but I’m hoping that once I am done with my ‘cloffice’, it will be in it’s permanent spot. Some things are fun to move around and some things aren’t!
http://www.the6wolfeden.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-week-i-am-working-on-building.html
YoungHouseLove says
I love your cloffice progress! Good luck!
xo,
s
Amanda says
Re-arranging is my absolute favorite redecorating technique! I move furniture in every room at least 2 times a year, I would definitely do the bathroom if it was possible :P
kristena says
I have been thinking about just adding a changing pad to the top of a dresser for our newest addition. Does it slide around a lot when you are changing Clara? With my older two I had a changing table, but got rid of that years ago. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Ours is actually attached thanks to heavy duty snaps and straps that came with it (the snaps go behind the dresser and the straps snake back there and snap in. Then the pad is locked in place, so it doesn’t scooch around!
xo,
s
Jenna at Homeslice says
Looks great! I love that flowery mobile… it’s so perfect for a little girl!
Amanda Boykin says
Love your blog!! Tons of awesome info!! :)
emily says
The room looks great! I was wondering if you use anything to put underneath the furniture (crib, changing table, etc) when sliding it on your hardwood floor? I would be afraid to scratch up the flooring!!
YoungHouseLove says
I actually don’t just because the way the crib is made it doesn’t have four pointy legs it sort of has very wide and long planks that are chunky enough not to dig in like a claw when I push it. Haha. But furniture sliding pads would make it a lot easier if I weren’t so lazy and would run and get them instead of just grabbing things and shoving them around!
xo
s
Gillian says
How did I miss this post initially?? I was reading over your January re-cap and saw that you had been busily re-arranging little Clara’s room. So cute! We’re also on our gazillionth room arrangement in the nursery–but with the crib finally against the back wall, things feel right to me too! But there’s still so much to finish…
http://the2bedroomblues.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/storagepalooza/
Keep up the awesomeness. Can’t live without YHL!!
YoungHouseLove says
So much fun! I love it!
xo,
s
Becky C says
I have a question about Clara’s dresser/changing table…how high is it? I have been looking into an option like this for my nursery, but am worried that the height of some mid-century dressers may mean that we have to sort of hunch over to change diapers. Have you experienced this?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s around 30″ tall with a 2″ or so pad on top. It’s comfy for both John (who is 6′ tall) an me (I’m 5’2″), so I hope that helps!
xo,
s
Kendra Lewellyn says
Where did you find the light for the nursery. I love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Kendra! That came from a local lighting outlet in Richmond called The Decorating Outlet, although we’ve seen similar ones on ebay and amazon.com sometimes!
xo
s