Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Mood Boards

The Nursery Mood Board: Sweet + Sophisticated

January 22, 2014

If you follow us on Instagram (@chrislovesjulia), you know that we had a little pre-term labor scare on Sunday that sent us to the hospital. I'm home and doing much better now resting in bed, but when the nurse asked us if we had a carseat for the baby with us--I fa-reaked. Because this baby can't come yet! And, also, we absolutely did not have a carseat. Or the nursery in order. Or even a name. It all became very real--this little girl is coming soon, and we aren't even close to ready.

Since being forced to lay down and take it easy, I finally had time to put together a mood board so you, too, can see the direction we're headed in the nursery. So far, we have painted the crib, walls, and got an area rug--that had a few of you scratching your heads how it read "nursery." The vibe we're going for is charming, calm and a little sophisticated--which looks a little something like this to me:
Nursery Mood Board
1. This mobile, Chris and I both deemed our favorite--separately! That has to be some sort of miracle. It's whimsical and sweet, but something that can continue to hang even when it isn't necessarily over a crib. Pretty.

2. I really love Ashley's illustrations. They are colorful, textural, unique and exercise restraint in the right places. He is really talented. This owl is one of my favorites.

3. We need a glider, desperately. Greta very rarely took a bottle, and if she did--it was pumped (she wouldn't swallow a drop of formula), so I exclusively nursed for 12 months with her, logging hours and hours in our cheap-o glider. It was worn and sunken by the end of that year and we've since passed it on to someone in need. This time around, I am looking for something comfortable, durable and beautiful. This one, I wouldn't mind spending endless hours a day in.

4. The rug, you've seen. We got it at West Elm on clearance.

5. I am not a fan of a gliding ottoman accompanying my gliding chair. Like, how do you control the rocking when everything is moving?! I do love something to prop my feet on though. This pouf is ca-ute!

6. Seersucker crib sheet...or six.

7. I'm loving everything about this light fixture. The shape, black lining and brass detail is something that can definitely stay in this room for the long haul--even after it is no longer a nursery.

8. This dresser is astronomically expensive--but oh so gorg. I'm feeling pretty confident we can pull a copycat off. Stay tuned.

Although I can't do too much physically for the next couple days--shopping online is totally fair game. Woot. Do you catch the vision of the nursery now? I am trying to be especially conscious to include pieces that can transition into a "big girl room" down the road or other areas of the house, too. Can't wait to see it come together.

 

filed under: 
— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. That dresser looks a whole lot like the Ikea HEMNES 8 drawer dresser with a few pieces of molding added and a fresh coat of paint. I can speak from experience that the dresser rocks and holds up very well. Good luck with everything, love the direction you're going with this room!

  2. We painted a vintage dresser a color that looks REALLY close to that dresser's for my son's nursery. The paint was Benjamin Moore's Antiguan Sky, and I chose it because it was a close match to an actual robin's egg. If you type "Antiguan sky" into the pinterest search bar, you can see the photo/blog post that I was influenced by. Love the mood board! I'm excited to see how it pulls together! Take good care of yourself and that baby!

  3. I like the look you are going for. I don't care for the days of past "cutesy" nurseries. Meanwhile, you take care of yourself and rest, Julia. My prayers are with you. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

  4. Love all of your choices - esp. the light and the rug. Makes me wish I could do all of it again. My first came so early we only had the room painted - we didn't even have a crib! Luckily, he had to stay in the hospital while my hubby ran around getting all of the stuff we needed. Good for you for making all of your choices! Hope you are doing better soon!

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Inspiration

Turn Your Backyard into a Dreamy English Garden with These Ideas

This post is sponsored by Wayfair Slightly blushing blooms. Sweet scalloped details. Verdant greenery. Old English browns and creams. Is there anything more charming than an English garden?? I've been envisioning hosting a backyard party in a month or two as our first outdoor entertaining of the year, and the look all just came together […]
Entertaining

How to Throw a Murder Mystery Party for Teens (or Adults!)

Several years ago, I hosted a murder mystery party for some adult friends, but thinking back it was kind of a blur. Chris was getting over pneumonia! I do remember it being a fun way to dress up and spend the evening—everyone had a blast. So when Greta decided for her 15th birthday party that […]
A platter of baby gem lettuce salad with thinly sliced radishes and macadamia nut shavings
Chris Cooks

5-Minute Baby Gem Salad with Lighter-than-Light Honey Mustard Dressing

We've gotten through most of winter, and we're ready for spring. And when I think spring, I think radishes and lettuces. This recipe is for the side salad I put together when I don't have much time, but I need something fresh to go with the main dish. It's simple. It's fresh. It's delicious. This […]
Inspiration

What's Your Vibe: Après Ski or Yacht Club?

Ok, is anyone else already dreaming of trading snow boots for boat shoes? I just can't decide...they both have their appeal! The competitor in me (those Traitors episodes got me scheming irl!) decided to pit them against each other in two mood boards to see which would call to me more. Team Après Ski We […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2025 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES