The Kenya-Themed Nursery Reveal

August 28, 2013·

 

It’s here! It’s time! It’s time to reveal the nursery transformation. I am so excited to finally share this with you. This room was truly a labor of love for MONTHS. My husband did such an amazing job doing all the “tough” work (laying the floor, painting, etc.) and I had so much fun doing all the “fluff” work (the decorating, organizing, and “prettying”).

Since we weren’t finding out the sex of baby Stillman and since this nursery was going to have to be gender neutral, we really wanted it to be unique and feel totally us. Before Lilly arrived, John and I would just walk in this room and sit and stare at it. We love it so much. And now, we spend SO much time in it, I just love the feel of how it turned out!

As y’all know, John and I both have a huge heart for Africa and, more specifically, Kenya – as we have both served as missionaries there over the last couple years. We incorporated bits and pieces of Kenya throughout the room. We hope our sweet Lilly loves it! (Even though she really has no idea what’s going on yet… haha!)

Anyway. Before I show the “final” pictures, I wanted to show you some pictures of the “progress.” I’ve also got some befores & afters so you can REALLY see the HUGE transformation this room took.

So, this is what the room looked like after John had ripped up the carpet and while he way laying down the hardwood flooring:

Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

The Stillman men hard at work:Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

Okay… now are we ready for the befores and afters? This room was John’s room BEFORE we got married. Once I moved in after we got married, this became the “guest” room – even though we never really had anyone stay in it.

But yeah, check out the before and after:

Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

Another angle…Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

It doesn’t even look like the same room to me! It’s crazy! I still can’t believe how different it is.Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

AHHHHHH. I LOVE IT.Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

So, now here are some closer detail shots of the room:

Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

(The one downside to this room is there’s a HUGE tree beside the window so the room doesn’t get very much natural light.)Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

For a tutorial on how I made the curtains, click here.Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

To see the transformation of the bookshelf and dresser, click here.Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

To see how I made the pillow covers, click here.Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

Changing table station: Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow NurseryKenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

Changing table & cloth diaper organization… Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

All of the canvas photos in the room are images that I took in Kenya!Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

That chevron blanket hanging on the side of the crib was hand made by a family friend of John’s.

We opted not to register for a crib “set” because it’s really not safe for babies to have crib bumpers (as cute as they are) – so we just opted to get a fitted sheet. I do need to make a crib skirt at some point. You can bet your bum it’s going to be no-sew. 😛Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

Closet organization. To see how I made the clothing and closet organization dividers, click here.Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

The picture on the top left was made in Kenya by one of the villagers. All the other images are ones I took.

Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery Kenya Themed, Gender Neutral, Green and Yellow Nursery

So, what do you think?! Aren’t the befores and afters awesome?! I may be biased, but I just love it. I’m borderline obsessed with it.

Thanks for humoring me, y’all! 🙂

The Details:

Dresser / Bookshelf / End Table: DIY makeover
Crib and changing table: Buy Buy Baby
Glider and rocker: SimplyBabyFurniture.com
Curtains: DIY (Fabric from Kenya)
Pillows: DIY (Fabric from Kenya)
Rug: Urban Outfitters
Knobs: Hobby Lobby
Paper lantern: World Market
Baskets: The Mighty River Project
Canvases / Photos: Photos I took 🙂
Frames: Pier One
Wreath on door: DIY
Chevron Diaper Bag: Gift from Ooh Baby Designs
Blankets: Gifted (handmade by friends and family)

Linked up with Because Shanna Said So.