We’ve made the transition from crib to twin-sized bed! Eleanor took to it right away. Brandon and I hyped it up for her (“your big-girl bed!”), and she watched us put it in her new bedroom. We started with Eleanor’s afternoon nap for a week before trying to get her to sleep in the bed overnight, and by that point it was no big deal.
Look how tiny she is in her new bed! Aw, little peanut.
I wrote a lot about trying to choose a bed. Vintage wicker peacock headboard? May not survive the toddler years. Toddler bed? Not for us. Adjustable toddler-to-twin? A strong contender. But in the end, I went with my favorite, a Jenny Lind bed.
I blame my indecisiveness on being very pregnant with August at the time, but happily it led to my working with Land of Nod to help furnish Eleanor’s room. Turns out they’re fans of Making it Lovely as much as I’m a fan of theirs! Brandon and I had already bought the bed on our own, but I’ll be furnishing the rest of the room in part thanks to them.
They provided the mattress and pillows, and they are super comfortable. I may have fallen asleep a few times while getting Eleanor to bed. The bedding is a pink zinnia quilt and sham mixed with striped sheets from west elm (the same sheets we have on our bed, but in green). We also have a comforter with a pink polka dot duvet cover for when it’s colder. I hung our vintage Tammis Keefe linen above the bed because I was concerned about hanging anything too heavy there, and I really like it. Also, you may have noticed the giant toy with one eye? Yeah, that’s our Muno pillow (Eleanor loves Yo Gabba Gabba).
I’m looking forward to getting the rest of the room set up too. We’ve started moving things in and bringing in some toys, and Eleanor’s excited!
* The bedding is on sale for 15% off through the end of May with the code “sleepy”.
CourtneyOutLoud
April 27, 2011 at 3:44 pmtoo adorable!
marysza
April 27, 2011 at 3:50 pmthat bed is beautiful! i’m over 20 and i would love to have it! ;o
Tanya from Dans le Townhouse
April 27, 2011 at 3:59 pmAwwww, looks so pretty! That bed is so classic – great choice, even if it took awhile to land on it.
jbhat
April 27, 2011 at 4:08 pmFantastic! We have a Land of Nod in my city too, and I’ve made many a purchase for my little ones there. I’m glad they are hooking you up!
jbhat
kelsey @ Lady Lucca
April 27, 2011 at 4:10 pmI love the Muno pillow. Our girl sleeps with Brobee every night :) Thank God for Gabba, right?
kristin
April 27, 2011 at 4:20 pmlovely! can’t wait to see the rest. the one item you DIDN’T answer – what color did you use on the walls? i was just talking to my husband about choosing the right pink to possibly repaint my daughter’s big girl room, and you are the best person to ask about that! :)
Making it Lovely
April 27, 2011 at 4:24 pmWild Aster by Benjamin Moore. It’s the same color that was already on the walls from when the room was my studio. I also listed some of my other favorites here: Picking Perfect Pink Paint.
Alison
April 27, 2011 at 4:28 pmWhat a great looking bed? Have you taken her crib down? Are you planning to? My sister and I are 19 months apart and when I transitioned to my big girl bed, they took down the crib and put it away for a little while so that when they brought it back out for the new baby, I didn’t get upset that the baby was taking “my crib”. Worked like a charm.
Making it Lovely
April 27, 2011 at 4:34 pmThat’s a smart idea. We didn’t take ours down, but we’re not putting August in it right away (he sleeps in a cradle in our bedroom). We’re letting some time pass so that Eleanor doesn’t feel like it’s her crib anymore, and when we talk about “her room” we make sure we’re referring to her new room.
Alison
April 27, 2011 at 5:17 pmSorry about the question mark next to my comment about the bed. It’s been a long day at work. I meant, “What a great looking bed!”. Plus, I can’t imagine she’d be too upset. Her bed is way cute. And I’m sure her new room has lots of goodies for her to make it feel special. :)
Houndstooth and Nail
April 27, 2011 at 4:40 pmThe bed and little Eleanor are precious!
Lori
April 27, 2011 at 4:40 pmaWW…she does look so little there, but the photo with the bedding makes her look less stranded on it! *L* What a dearie…I think you made the right choice in beds, too!
Cait @ Hernando House
April 27, 2011 at 5:19 pmSo cute! Yay for Big Girl beds!
julie.
April 27, 2011 at 6:33 pmWow, it’s SO beautiful! The cat hanging looks so great!
I am a total freak for clean lines, etc. but I LOVE that bed. So classic and pretty. I love how you did the transition, starting with just naptime, etc. I didn’t get my son to a twin bed until he was a month away from his 4th bday!
jenn
April 27, 2011 at 7:28 pmthat bed is a classic. great choice that will easily survive her toddler years+. I’ve got a new big girl bed for a little cutie that needs a coat of white paint (craigslist find!). I can’t wait to see how everything else comes together.
Brandy Blessing
April 27, 2011 at 8:49 pmNo offense but is there a way to opt out of the blog entries with children. I’m just interested in design & style.
Making it Lovely
April 28, 2011 at 12:28 pmI have a newborn and a toddler about to turn two, and I’m working on both of their rooms. I will continue to write about design in general, but there is going to be more kid design coming up for the next month or so.
Joy
April 28, 2011 at 7:11 pmYay!!! :)
Joy
April 27, 2011 at 9:15 pmYay! I’ve been waiting to see Eleanor’s big girl room as I’ve been working on Hannah’s a lot lately. (It will actually be Hannah and Quinn’s room, but Quinn will not live there for a while still.) The bed looks perfect for her! I’m thinking that our transition will not be so easy…but Hannah has never liked going to bed. :( Can’t wait to see the rest of the room, I’m sure it will be very lovely!
casey
April 27, 2011 at 9:29 pmlooks great! i love the rails on the bed. could you let us know where that’s from? -although i am sure you will do a full post up on her room when it’s done… ;)
Making it Lovely
April 28, 2011 at 12:29 pmThose were from Land of Nod too (they work with the bed). And yes, I’ll do a full source listing at some point soon too.
Carla
April 27, 2011 at 9:32 pmSo cute and exciting!!! How cool is it that you are so awesome and popular that you get really cool free stuff?!? You rock!
Jessica
April 27, 2011 at 10:28 pmI don’t know. I was kind of turned off by this post. I get tired of seeing big bloggers receive freebies in the hopes that the rest of us small fries will pay full price.
jaime
April 28, 2011 at 7:41 amI’m kind of feeling the same way lately. I much rather see ads then read posts about people getting free stuff.
Pink Velvet Bird
April 28, 2011 at 10:20 amI’m with you. Love the design stuff here, but enough already with the ads…
Maybe there should be a different blog for the ads and this one for design?
Keri
April 28, 2011 at 10:49 amI agree! I’m very disappointed to see yet another room design on this site that is paid for by some company. I’d much rather read a blog with ads than freebies. At least then, the design is real (mix and match, vintage, garage sale, handmade) as opposed to freebies all received from one big-box store.
Making it Lovely
April 28, 2011 at 12:20 pmI’m sorry that some of you feel this way. I’m proud to be partnering with the companies that I am (and there are a few more coming up, fair warning). They are all places that I have shopped at personally, and I’m thrilled that they’re able to help us complete some of our spaces.
Our budget went toward the construction costs involved in finishing the basement. I knew that by the end of our remodel, funds would be stretched pretty thin, and so I approached a handful of companies to help us finish the space with some furnishings. And not everything has been provided for free (we bought the bed, for example, and we are working with items we already had and from elsewhere).
Kerry
April 28, 2011 at 5:53 pmI have no problem with bloggers receiving freebies in theory. I do feel the freebies are well deserved for the attention brought to the product. However, it seems to me that a blogger’s design becomes a lot less interesting when they start working with big name retailers. The design starts to look too generic and impersonal, in my opinion. If I were a blogger, I would worry more about readers getting bored than offended by my partnerships with retailers.
allison
April 28, 2011 at 10:58 amI’m sad to say I agree…I LOVE making it lovely, but it makes it less realistic for the rest of us when a room is a freebie as opposed to something that was done on a real budget like the rest of the world. I applaud yhl (younghouselove.com) for not taking any freebies anymore. They are anti-freebie now and it makes it a little more inspiring for the average not blogger folk.
Kristina
April 28, 2011 at 12:06 pmDitto! I was thinking about not coming back after the basement remodel, but this seals the deal. You can’t consider yourself a home improvement/design blog if you get everything for free. I’ve seen comments about how you afford such “expensive” accessories and the answer shoud be “because I didn’t have to pay for the basics. Grrr…..
Making it Lovely
April 28, 2011 at 12:17 pmWe do have to “pay for the basics.” We spent tens of thousands of dollars (cash, not sponsored) to remodel the basement.
Danielle
April 28, 2011 at 1:07 pmYou know, at first I was with the others with the master bedroom post. But then, I started to realize something. Not once did Nicole promise to keep this blog a certain way. This is a business, not a hobby for her. She has a great eye for design and is happy to share her ideas with us. I enjoy her posts.
Susie
April 28, 2011 at 1:27 pmI like YHL and their no-swag policy too, but it’s not like they don’t do their own version of sponsored posts. They do the monthly sponsor shout out thing, and they ALSO do a giveaway every week (and that’s basically a big ad). Personally, I don’t mind a sponsored post or project as long as they fit with the rest of the blog. And I think this one does. I mean, Nicole already bought the bed on her own!
Brandi
April 27, 2011 at 10:21 pmMy daughter has this bed and she loves it! Super cute!
laura
April 27, 2011 at 10:23 pmI think it’s very cute that Eleanor now has the “grown up” version of her crib (which was a Jenny Lind too, right?). Very pretty. :)
Making it Lovely
April 28, 2011 at 12:24 pmYes, she had a Jenny Lind crib too!
Cristina
April 28, 2011 at 4:20 ama very signorinella room. signorinella = big-girl
Gwendolyn
April 28, 2011 at 9:57 amWow, she did great! I like the Land of Nod stuff, but can’t afford it right now. The baby and I sleep on the still sleep on the floor together :P
kristine
April 28, 2011 at 10:56 amHmmm. Seems like there are a few people who are annoyed by the content. The way I see it is that this is Nicole’s blog to do with as she sees fit. This sharing of info is a blend of her personal life and her source of providing for her family. For those who prefer not to hear about children, then maybe the blog format is not for you. A personal blog is appealing because of the personal slant, what you may be looking for is a magazine or some other website like apartment therapy where only design is presented.
For those who are annoyed by sponsorship, sponsored blogs are probably not for you. Look for Ad-free blogs and leave those who are trying to provide for their families enjoy the fruits of their labours.
keep going Nicole, there are scores of us who enjoy anything you choose to write about.
K
Carole
April 28, 2011 at 10:08 pmI agree. I am appalled that a reader would ask Nicole not to talk about her children on her personal blog. Blah. Some people are so rude.
Susan/Project Balancing Act
April 28, 2011 at 11:42 amWell, what I’m seeing is a new bed, new bedding and a room in progress. Is it not a design post just because beautiful Eleanor is shown in it?
I like the posts, and while I did love the non-sponsored posts of the past a bit more, ads are not a good alternative to suggest. Let’s face it- do YOU click on ads and buy something? They just don’t work anymore (I work in this industry). That’s why companies are reaching out with sponsorship opportunities, which do work a bit better.
This is Nicole’s place. I’m glad she’s sharing it with us.
Julie Anne
April 28, 2011 at 12:40 pmWell-edited home blogs that become successful are simply the modern, electronic versions of shelter and/or homekeeping magazines.
Do you think that every item that appears in a glossy magazine is purchased by the mag? No. They would not be able to stay in business that way. Most of what you see in design mags, whether they be in a photo shoot, or in a column about the “best new chaises”, is going to be comped product.
That doesn’t mean that stylists and editors didn’t pore over the items that were out there to come up with cutting edge, well-edited looks for us to ogle over, nor does it mean that all items offered were selected and accepted for promotion.
I, as an avid reader since Nicole was first painting over strange dragons on the wall left by the last rental tenants, am fine with Nicole using ocassionally-comped product in her postings. Her studio is her home, she does her shoots there, and decorates there, and creates there. It’s no different than a magazine using comped product in their studio.
Nicole has already told us previously that she has several questions that she asks herself before using a comped item to keep an ethical balance between receiving an item for free and having an opportunity to share a really cool find with her readers.
As long as the items she uses would have been purchased herself had she the means at the time, are approprate to the space used, and the cost essentially reimburses Nicole for the time she spends writing about and photographing them, and no one room is dominated by one brand, but she stays true to her unique style “voice”, then I will remain perfectly happy as a long time reader to keep on reading.
Tiffany
April 28, 2011 at 1:15 pmNicole,
Thanks so much for this post. I’ve already decided on going to a twin bed for my daughter. Really saves money in the end, but I love that white guard rail. I am buying that soon. Can’t wait to see more. Thanks again.
Laura in LA
April 28, 2011 at 2:21 pmSo folks wouldnt be offended if the same exact items were there in the room via your credit card? I smell jealousy! Lovely bed for a lovely little lady.
Circa1972vs1906
April 28, 2011 at 3:01 pmAbsolutely LOVE the bed. It is gorgeous! We just purchased a Jenny Lind crib for our impending bean. Nicole, I was wondering what cradle you have in the bedroom for August? I have been looking into cradles for the bedroom, and just don’t want a foo-foo bassinet. Did you go with a Jenny Lind cradle as well? Thanks!
Joy
April 28, 2011 at 7:19 pmI actually think it’s harder to put together an interesting room when you have to use things from a certain place, and am looking forward to seeing Nicole accomplish that. I’m sure it will still be lovely, and still be design…just with a few challenges that I don’t have to work around. :)
Janet
April 28, 2011 at 7:57 pmI love your blog and love the way you addressed your comments. Class, all the way. Thanks.
Sherri
April 28, 2011 at 8:21 pmI agree 100% with Janet. The bed is adorable and I am so happy for you. ;)
elizabeth
April 28, 2011 at 9:59 pmI don’t usually comment, but there was something about this particular post and the LON freebies that rubbed me the wrong way, too. It made me read the comments, which I don’t always do either, to see if anyone else shared my reaction. I agree that this isn’t MY blog and it sounds like some people support freebies. However, for me, it was a very visceral feeling of… yuck. I like the way that YHL has chosen to deal with freebies/swag, too, but still has ads and promotional give-aways. Far as I can tell, they aren’t hurting because of it. I do love this blog — check it almost every day — so I’ll hang in a bit and see how I feel about (fair warning-ed) upcoming freebies. Right now, not feeling enchanted, though.
Jenny
April 29, 2011 at 12:14 amEh, I don’t want to be Negative Nancy, but the freebie thing gets under my skin, too. On the one hand, I realize that bloggers work at what they do, and freebies aren’t any different than any monetary compensation, and it’s another form of advertisement. And MIL has partnered with companies I already like. However, it IS a bummer to read a post about an amazing space that’s being put together on someone else’s dime (at least for the most part). Hey, I could do that, too!! But blogging isn’t my job, so I am one of the little people left to feel a little left behind. I think that is a totally reasonable way for a reader to feel; plus, without readers, where would the blog be? Would it be around to get freebies? Maybe it just makes it all feel a little ‘me – me – me’; like, gee, that’s great, but it kinda hurts, ya know – jealousy! Certainly, any of us would be happy to be in this same position of ‘free’ goods…
Anyway, it bothers me, but I don’t take it so seriously that I would stop reading the blog or anything. I do think it is important to honor your readers’ opinions, though. 2 cents!
Kristina
April 29, 2011 at 7:53 amWell I think “basics” are a toilet, a laundry sink, a sink for the basement bathroom, light fixtures, a mattress for your daughter, pillows, etc. but we can agree to disagree. If you didn’t have the budget to complete the project than you just don’t….that’s the real world. Instead you asked for free things from companies in return for face time on your blog. It may be fine for you and some of your readers, but it’s clear from the comments that I’m not the only one who was rubbed the wrong way.
Lindsay
April 29, 2011 at 9:43 amTake away the fact that Nicole didn’t pay for select items and we are still being inspired by her choices. I picked a Jenny Lind crib after seeing it used in Elanors nursery. And for that I don’t see why a publisher (Nicole) can’t be compensated for their time and efforts, whether it be paid (via advertisements) or in product. It’s not like she has picked items like Donald Trump. Everything is achieveable and available to the general public.
Carole
April 29, 2011 at 10:47 ami’m glad she likes her new bed–so do i, it’s sweet!
because you’re honest about the source of your items, I don’t understand why people still have issues with the fact that you’re accepting the items from sponsors. I know money can be tight even for a successful small business owner, so good for you, I say!
Ellen
April 29, 2011 at 2:48 pmPrecious! I’d take that bed for myself! :)
Anon.
April 29, 2011 at 3:51 pmWhat’s with all the negative comments? I can only think it is jealousy. Would I love to get some swag to decorate my home? Sure! But I don’t spend what I can only imagine is hours working on an extremely popular blog that discusses the hours that I work to make my home beautiful. I don’t have the time, talent or chutzpah to have a home like Nicole does, but I appreciate her blog nonetheless. And this blog is a reflection of her life…she has 2 young children so of course there will be content that is child and family specific. To request posts not related to that is unrealistic and honestly quite rude.
stacy
April 29, 2011 at 10:24 pmI agree, no need for the negativity, if you don’t like the content on the blog…don’t view it. I applaud Nicole for creating a website that is fun and inspiring, and admire that she has found a way to have a creative business that allows her to be it all, wife, mother and entrepreneur.
Charlene
April 30, 2011 at 11:32 amI love your style and seeing you toddler/baby rooms! You are an inspiration! Keep doing what you are doing!!!
Cora
May 2, 2011 at 8:35 pmNicole, I love your blog, your creativity and your stories. You go girl! Your style is amazing and I don’t give a whowho on how you got what you got as long as you let me know. For the people (jealous creatures who have nothing better to do than to be nags) that complain about freebies, stop reading and go somewhere where your negative comments do no justice to this blog, creativity or the world.
Stop being mean girls! Only women put down other women!
Jennifer
May 3, 2011 at 1:06 amI sometimes find it frustrating to read blogs that have an extreme emphasis on just how low their room re-do budget is. When 95% of a room is from thrift stores/craigslist, it’s next to impossible to find something just as cute as theirs. I certainly couldn’t afford to do a ton of stuff from the Land of Nod, but it’s nice to know that if I fall in love with something, it’s easily available from a major retailer. I’m looking forward to seeing the new big girl room!
elizabeth
May 4, 2011 at 1:36 amSo those of us who have given input about the freebies issue (almost all of which is quite balanced and respectful) are overly negative while those of you who call us “nags,” “mean girls” (are we even all female?), and “jealous” are the true spirit of non-negativity, I guess. I smell hypocrits. Ads vs. freebies vs. sponsored posts are all business decisions and I would think that Nicole would welcome reader input on how her business decisions impact us, her readers (even if she disagrees with us) — because she is doing this as a business not just a personal hobby. Never thought of nicole as sort of shrinking violet that needed such vociferous protection. Give her your input, of course, but no need to insult other readers.
Toy Storage in Eleanor’s New Room | Making it Lovely
May 4, 2011 at 12:59 pm[…] was happy to sleep in her big-girl bed, but bringing in her toys really sealed the deal on her new […]
Honor Roll | Making it Lovely
April 22, 2012 at 12:08 am[…] I need to spend a little more time in my perch.You know I’m a fan of Jenny Lind cribs and beds, but here are a couple of great high/low Jenny Lind bookcases.Rad iPhone covers.Woah, this this […]