Partially Furnished by The Land of Nod
Eleanor was happy to sleep in her big-girl bed, but bringing in her toys really sealed the deal on her new room.
There is a nook behind the door to her room that lends itself well to toy storage. It used to look like this when it was still my studio:
Now that all of the studio furniture has made its way down to the basement, I put a couple of storage bins for toys along that wall. I was going to switch out those curtains that I made, but I decided that they were too cute to get rid of.
Larger toys go in the opposite corner under the eaves. It’s looking a little messy already, so I think I’ll add a big basket help contain things a bit.
We gave Eleanor a train set for her birthday, and she’s been having a lot of fun with it (“CHOO CHOO!!!”) on her play table. I like that there is a trundle underneath for storage too. That’s where her vintage colorforms blocks and a few other toys are.
The bookshelves in her room are gorgeous, but they could use a little bit of styling. Nothing too over the top (this is a toddler’s room), but a little prettying up wouldn’t hurt.
I need to figure out what to do above them for art. You can see the closet to the right there, with the recycled paper bunting that I made a while back, and that’s staying. The bunny clock was in Eleanor’s nursery and I like it in her new room, but it isn’t necessarily staying where it is. I think the fabric ‘e’ might get hung too, but I’m not sure what else to do. Maybe a big art grouping? Any ideas?
Bridget
May 4, 2011 at 1:07 pmI think nay on the big grouping. Usually, the busyness of something like a toy-shelf needs to be balanced by a large, relaxing piece of something framed.
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 2:14 pmGood point.
Sarah
May 4, 2011 at 1:13 pmI think one of those photography wires with the clips, so you can hang up her art.
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 2:14 pmI do want to do that somewhere, but I’m not sure if it will be in her room or not.
Jen @ RamblingRenovators
May 4, 2011 at 1:16 pmMaybe use it as a place to display Eleanor’s art? Use clothespins and string, or strips of corkboard to pin the art on to? It may look a bit messy but I’m sure she’d love to see her masterpieces on display.
Mnemonique
May 4, 2011 at 1:20 pmfull of flowers! I like it a lot!!!
Bethany
May 4, 2011 at 1:20 pmWhat about some retro looking alphabet cards or phonics cards? You could hang them using the photography wires and clips that Sarah mentions. Here’s one example
http://www.landofnod.com/kids-wall-cards-and-letters/kids-room-decor/now-i-know-my-abcs/f5135. Making your own could be tedious (26 letters!) but would make it easy to customize for her room and you could use animals/objects that she’s already familiar with for the letter examples.
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 3:35 pmI actually do have a cute set of alphabet cards! I should see how they look in the room.
Clair
May 4, 2011 at 1:27 pmIs Eleanor artistic? You could put some cork board up there and exhibit her latest pieces.
Trish Mennell
May 4, 2011 at 1:39 pmFor sure I’d do gorgeous gallery wrapped canvases with shots of Eleanor doing fun stuff and wearing colours that compliment the decor.
Black and white shots would also work beautifully.
Two or three 16×20 or 16×24 canvases would work very well.
Kathryn Humphreys
May 4, 2011 at 1:46 pmLON has those cute art clips on a string, she’ll soon need a place for a rotating display :) also, what about chalkboard and/or magnet paint in that little nook.
Heidi S.
May 4, 2011 at 1:53 pmI think a large vintage poster would look great above the shelves. I agree with Bridget that something of a larger scale would be nice to balance the shelves (which I love). I am picturing some kind of Mary Blair style image (which are surprisingly hard to come by).
This one is sweet but expensive:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Vintage-Poster-Swiss-Children-Pop-1960s-Travel-/180574601053?pt=Art_Posters&hash=item2a0b15bf5d
Caroline Shields
May 4, 2011 at 2:01 pmWhere did you get that stuffed bulldog? Love!
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 3:37 pmIKEA.
Aud
May 4, 2011 at 2:09 pmI love love love those two bookshelves from The Land of Nod — the shape of them is just gorgeous. Things are really looking fun in the room.
Camille
May 4, 2011 at 2:11 pmI know you’ve mentioned it, but I’m asking anyway! What is the wall color? I have a 3 year old who is begging for pink walls!
Camille
May 4, 2011 at 2:19 pmActually, I just searched your other posts! So you don’t have to repeat yourself now :)
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 3:38 pmIn case anyone else is wondering, it’s Benjamin Moore’s “Wild Aster.” :)
donaville
May 4, 2011 at 2:16 pmlove her room. i’ve actually had to take toys OUT of my toddler’s room because instead of sleeping she’d take down all her toys and books from a 9 cubby space bookshelf we had in her room. as for art, how about alphabet cards? i bought some by jenn ski (http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennSki) and that’s helped my daughter to identify narhwals and other lesser-known animals.
erin p.
May 4, 2011 at 2:18 pmif you end up going with prints the designer from oohmoon.com posts a new childrens illustration everyday for free to download (then after midnight you can purchase it and a new free one pops up) this week is fairy tales
i’m not affiliated with her- just a fan, so far the prints have been very cute and i love FREE!
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 3:39 pmThat’s a smart business model! Cute prints too.
keri
May 4, 2011 at 2:25 pmWhat sort of flooring do you have in that room? I can’t quite tell what the material is, but it’s lovely!
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 3:43 pmIt’s bamboo. Brandon and I installed it ourselves!
jbhat
May 4, 2011 at 2:27 pmSigh. Your whole house just makes me feel happy. Love how you do things.
Kristina
May 4, 2011 at 2:28 pmI like the idea of one large poster – maybe, with her current train thing, you could put old-timey travel posters? Or would that be too grown up for her?
Either that, or an illustration taken from a children’s book, blown up and then framed?
Anyway, those are my ideas. The room is already as cute as she is (I love that rug, and I’m glad you kept the curtains), so it’s a win-win situation.
Kristina
May 4, 2011 at 2:28 pmOooooh or maybe a map?
abeautifulparty
May 4, 2011 at 2:38 pmI love Eleanor’s room! I have tons of artwork in my shop if you’re look for colorful, fun kid-friendly art. I’m not trying to be super advertisey, I would just love to see my work in such a fun space!
http://www.etsy.com/people/abeautifulparty?ref=si_pr
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 3:45 pmThanks!
b.c.k.
May 4, 2011 at 2:39 pmi think anything over 2 items would be too much. 1 – 2 items will attract the eye away from the jumble of toys and make that wall overall…more pleasing. i filled a large wall by having two of my favorite photos of my kids blown up poster size and put into basic gallery frames. that would be my suggestion. kids love to see themselves so i bet they would like it as well.
or two coordinating prints would work too.
the room looks fabulous! i am sure whatever you decide will turn out great.
Helen | numsi
May 4, 2011 at 2:55 pmHello! At the risk of sounding spam-bot-like, if there’s anything you fancy in the numsi shop (limited edition wall art for babies and kids) I think it would look super-awesome and I’d love to send it your way. Modern and stylish artwork for your absolutely adorable house and aesthetic!
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 3:46 pmThanks for the offer!
RO
May 4, 2011 at 3:10 pmWhat about origami Koi… I love this photo…
http://www.pleatfarm.com/2009/09/23/sipho-mabona-origami/sipho_mabona_koi_origami_1/
I found it on someones pinterest… love it!
Ro
RO
May 4, 2011 at 3:13 pmhttp://www.etsy.com/listing/70690316/colorful-origami-koi?ref=pr_shop
Found it! lol the Etsy shop where it originated… they are kinda expensive.. but I thought I remember you trying your hand at origami.. maybe a project?
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 3:41 pmI made an origami paper crane a while back, and it took me a long time to do! I’m not very origami-inclined. ;)
nina healy
May 4, 2011 at 3:22 pmWhat about some wooden frames painted all the same color to hang her art work! Once the frames are up it is quite easy to change the pictures. I put some in our play room and I am very happy with them!
http://lespetitspresents.blogspot.com/2011/03/play-room.html
Lindsay
May 4, 2011 at 3:24 pmDon’t have any ideas, but wanted to say that I LOVE those shelves!!!
Zoe, Conversation Pieces
May 4, 2011 at 3:33 pmWhat a lovely room! I love Eleanor’s bunches too – so adorable :)
Lori
May 4, 2011 at 3:33 pmI am all about the vinyl decal for above the shelves. Etsy is full of them. How about a big beautiful tree or some branches with birds? The possibilities are endless and they look fabulous. Here is just one example.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62514488/new-design-swaying-tree-bird-house-with
The room is beautiful!
Ade
May 4, 2011 at 3:34 pmWhat about painting them pink and edge them with Japanese washi tape?
Laurie
May 4, 2011 at 4:25 pmThose are ‘stop in your tracks’ amazing children’s bookshelves.
Did you ever put up a post about accepting more promotional consideration? Not judging just curious.
and
I’m more curious to see how the yard might fare under some gifting!
Kristyne
May 4, 2011 at 4:49 pmCan I just say that there’s nothing cuter than a little girl with wonky pigtails?! :)
Ash
May 4, 2011 at 5:09 pmThis is sooo cool from Restoration Hardware: French Exposition Art of a Vintage Elephant Poster. It’s stretched canvas on a wood frame – but the best bit – nailheads!! Check it out: http://goo.gl/jUJ80 I remember you indulged you bought some Elephant decor when Eleanor was born – not sure if you’re still into it…
nat'lee
May 4, 2011 at 5:29 pmCutest. Pig tails. EVER.
Hannah
May 4, 2011 at 5:33 pmHoly PIGTAILS! She is a sweetheart! If I was a little girl I would want Eleanor’s room. Heck, I’m a grown-up and I still want it! =)
Stitch Rabbit
May 4, 2011 at 7:16 pmI’m a big fan of hanging the kids art in their room. The older they get, the more space you need for all those fantastic creations. I found a huge frame and stretched fabric in it, and hang art in that.
PS…those bookshelves are so nice – I need something like that!
Loriana
May 4, 2011 at 7:27 pmWhat about something like this? http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2009/08/inexpensive-art-for-kids-rooms.html … you can use vintage flashcards if you want etc or an abacus like this http://www.cb2.com/wall-decor/accessories/abacus/f5850 on top. I want to get one of those for my kids room. BTW where did you get that cute rabbit shirt, too cute.
Kristi
May 4, 2011 at 7:34 pmShe is getting so big, love her little pig tails.
Teddi
May 4, 2011 at 7:43 pmLOVE the room! Where did you get that super cute chair? Would love some of those for my house.
Laurie
May 4, 2011 at 7:48 pmFor the wall, I would want one largish piece to balance potentially busy shelves. And for a childs room I’m thinking a perspective landscape where they could lay in bed and imagine the adventures that they have in that place that is so different than the streets or views they see everyday.
Jennifer
May 4, 2011 at 7:54 pmMaybe too predictable, but framing pages from old picture books? My boys are loving my husband’s vintage Richard Scarry books…a little too much. So, with the disintegrating spines and the piece-y books, I’ve taken a few of the pages and framed them up. They love seeing Huckle and Lowly on their walls!
Carla
May 4, 2011 at 8:05 pmAs for art work suggestions: I really like the idea of one large graphic piece and/or a place to display Eleanor’s art. My opinion of the room so far: love the storage, love the train table, but most of all – I love Eleanor’s hair!
citydweller
May 4, 2011 at 8:34 pmOMG I think I had one of those vintage telephone toys!! It was in Toy Story 3 too! I love it!
Amanda
May 4, 2011 at 8:48 pmI noticed that telephone toy too! I also had one as a child. And the funny thing is, I watched Toy Story 3 today.
Amanda
May 4, 2011 at 8:51 pmI think the shelves are styled pretty well for a toddlers room. :) A grouping could be cute (similar to what Sherry & John did in their nursery)
Cherie
May 5, 2011 at 12:08 amThese shelves are lovely and live well with the toddler train table! Just a warning to beware of Disney stickers though; something about fresh wood beckons some children to plaster on stickers…I haven’t figured it out.
Jada
May 4, 2011 at 11:06 pmWhere oh where did you get Eleanor’s adorable bunny shirt?
Amanda
May 4, 2011 at 11:36 pmLove her with bangs, she is def looking her age!,
Details on the pink doll chaise, please!
Bunny Eats Design
May 5, 2011 at 12:00 amI approve of all the bunnies I see! Glad she is settling in well.
Srednivashtar
May 5, 2011 at 5:30 amPersonally I love the idea of these cards framed and hung in a cluster for a kids room:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=20716809&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS&color=000
Alyssa
May 5, 2011 at 10:05 amNicole, do you plan on using any of that awesome pink wallpaper in the room?
Giulia
May 5, 2011 at 10:44 amI did this for my daughter and it is hugely popular. I’ve had to make a couple for friends and my daughter now, 3.5 really likes to read her own name.
I got the boxes at Michaels. That way you could incorporate the fabric e?
http://fishly-fishly.blogspot.com/2010/08/crafty-old-and-newcreating-girls.html
christine
May 5, 2011 at 12:42 pmLove the room! If it were me I’d put a big vintage poster up there. Love this little girl on a bike one:
http://theposterlady.com/cycles.html
I love your blog!
Joy
May 5, 2011 at 1:51 pmMy favorite art piece in our new nursery/Hannah’s big girl room came from this shop… http://www.etsy.com/shop/corid?ref=seller_info not sure if you’re looking for something bigger, though. :)
Rachel
May 5, 2011 at 1:58 pmwhat a lovely room! How about framing some of Eleanor’s drawings or paintings? As she gets older I bet she’ll be creating many pieces of art, and you can switch them out on a semi-regular basis. :)
Melissa
May 5, 2011 at 2:04 pmDid Eleanor’s pink chest of drawers not make the move to her new room? I absolutely adored that piece (and your tutorial regarding its refinish was posted on another blog, which was my introduction to makingitlovely). Also, I’m trying to picture where her new bed is in relation to the new bookshelves, storage bins, and closet and entry doors, etc. Is it against the wall that borders the dining room? Just curious…your home is stunning!
Making it Lovely
May 5, 2011 at 9:12 pmYes, the pink dresser is in the room! I just haven’t shown that side yet. I can post a layout soon of the room too.
jaime
May 5, 2011 at 3:47 pmEvery year for my son’s birthday, I get him art work. Right now he’s just two so he has the calendar page from his birthday month & year (it’s the paper source calendar), http://www.etsy.com/transaction/26058493 for his first birthday, and this for his second: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/46288010
when he gets older, I will get his input as well. But I second the larger print over the shelves… possible something black and white.
bethany
May 5, 2011 at 5:22 pmI think Eleanor and her pig tails are the cutest addition to the room by far. Cracks me up!
Lizzie
May 5, 2011 at 9:10 pmAs an avid follower of your blog, how did I miss the pink beanbag?! Would you mind sharing where you got it and if Eleanor uses it often? My Olivia will be 1 in June and we are thinking of what she’ll need in her toddler nursery.
Merci!
Making it Lovely
May 5, 2011 at 9:13 pmIt was from Target. We bought it a year ago to go in the sunken play area in the nursery, and now it’s in her new room. Eleanor loves it! She plops down on it and drags it all over the place.
Sabrina
May 5, 2011 at 10:11 pmHave you ever looked at “Tummy Mountain” on Etsy? They have some adorable pints in their shop, specifically this one:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56008611/cuddles
If I had kids I’d have a nursery full of their stuff. Too cute!
nikki 29 chgo
May 6, 2011 at 12:21 amwow…that room looks huge! you always do such a great job!
M
May 6, 2011 at 7:02 amFrame her art creations!
They Posted These So I Don’t Have To | buymodernbaby.com blog
May 6, 2011 at 9:25 am[…] published in the latest issue of the online magazine, Nesting Newbies. Nicole shared pictures of Toy Storage in Eleanor’s New Room on Making it Lovely. I’ve had that Land of Nod Mojo play table on my wish list for a very […]
Catherine
May 6, 2011 at 3:03 pmthe wall above the bookcases is calling out for an oversized pale yellow and hot pink/orange big girl silhouette of Eleanor. preferably with the pigtails :) she is just the cutest!
Jessica
May 6, 2011 at 9:16 pmWhere did you get Eleanor that cute rabbit shirt?
Making it Lovely
May 7, 2011 at 11:33 pmZara.
Ash
May 9, 2011 at 5:52 amSaw this http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/morethanwords/product/personalised-family-house-rules and thought of your display dilemna – it can be customized to include Eleanor & August’s names very cute
Melanie
May 14, 2011 at 9:43 amEleanor is just so cute!! In the first picture she totally reminds me of Penny in Disney’s Bernhard & Bianca… and her new room is just adorable!! love it!!