I received product compliments of Lorena Canals and Elfin Marketing in order to facilitate this post — all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links, meaning any purchases made using these links will earn Taz + Belly a small commission. You can read more about our affiliate relationships here.
One of the things I was most anxious about during this pregnancy, was where we would put the baby. For those of you who read regularly, you’ll know we’re in the lengthy process of buying my childhood home — and eventually we’ll be doing a remodel and the girls’ rooms are first on the list. Until then, our third bedroom is filled with boxes and Josh’s temporary office, while Ella and Sophie continue sharing the other room.
In the beginning of my pregnancy, I insisted that we would get all of the kids in their rooms before the baby arrived. That meant painting the second floor and paying out of pocket for new flooring and fixtures upstairs. Sure, it could be done, but was it really the best use of our time and money. At some point I gave up on all of my lofty expectations and since the baby would likely spend the first six-ish months in our room anyway, we decided to spend our energy on a few small projects downstairs. Ultimately, we decided that setting up several nursery zones on our first floor was the best way to go. I wouldn’t have to trudge up and down stairs during my recovery, all of Polly’s things would be within reach at all times, and most importantly — it was doable in the amount of time we had left!
The first area we focused on was a changing area. This dresser was in Josh’s room growing up and it’s seen several different looks since we brought it home shortly after we got married. I knew I wanted to paint it a moody blue — we were thinking gender neutral nursery, remember? — and this color looked pretty with the rugs and furniture already downstairs. The center section actually has doors, but I loved the natural wood peeking out, so we left them off for now. I’ll probably pick up some baskets to slide underneath, once we move it upstairs, but for now we slide the Pello underneath when we aren’t using it.
We love our Keekaroo changing mat — it’s hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and tilted so that all accidents run south! I added a few bins and baskets on top of the dresser to corral blankets, diapering products, hair bows and hats.
Here’s where I tell you something that I don’t want to admit. I hate the dresser. Not because it isn’t beautiful — we love the way it looks! Apparently, while it was in storage last year, the drawers expanded and they now all have a too tight fit. The wooden drawers in the center slide in and out perfectly, but we fight with the other six drawers every single day. For now, we’re storing our most used items in the middle — bibs & burp cloths, onesies, pajamas, and bath towels — and the other drawers remain empty. My dad is planning to take it apart and make some repairs before we move it upstairs, but for now it just looks really pretty and provides an easy place for diapering and changing clothes.
Enter this wardrobe. My aunt just moved into a new house a few weeks ago and had this pretty mirrored wardrobe in storage. She asked if I wanted it for Polly’s room and while I do plan to use it in a really clever closet makeover, it was a lifesaver for our temporary storage needs. I added it to the wall across from the changing station and relocated all of her clothes from the dresser.
Next to it is a pretty chair that I picked up for the nursery back in the spring. My thought with this fun, patterned chair, was that after I didn’t need it upstairs it would look great in another room of our home. I’ve already proved this to myself since it hasn’t made it upstairs just yet. Polly and I have spent plenty of time nursing here, watching Netflix and enjoying the sunshine out that window. She can lay in my arms, staring over my should, for hours.
Inside the wardrobe is a place for a small laundry basket and a few of her nicer outfits, on the hanging rack. The upper mirrored cabinet is where we store extra diapers and wipes, and the lower drawers hold all of her gowns, sleepers, and daytime outfits. I always meant for her to have a “capsule wardrobe,” so this limited amount of space holds me to it. I had way too many clothes for Ella and Sophie when they were this age and since I got rid of most of their baby clothes before we moved, I have an opportunity to do things differently this time around.
The most nursery-esque space in our home, just happens to be in our master bedroom. I wasn’t sure what to put on those lower shelves when we decorated our room back in the spring, so it worked out perfectly that I could store a few more of her things here. We have a few books and toys, extra diapers and wipes, and plenty of storage to grow into when we need it. Her bassinet lives here during the day, but it’s still easier to move her nearby for overnight.
My favorite part of this area is definitely the rug. We got this Bereber Canvas Washable Rug from Lorena Canals back in the summer and I couldn’t wait to unroll it at the foot of our bed. Sure, I plan to move it upstairs once her nursery is complete, but I love that it’s neutral color and modern vibe will work well in so many areas of our home. It’s the perfect size to spend time snuggling our Polly girl and it is so comfy underfoot. We haven’t had to wash it yet, but since we have plans to migrate it upstairs, I’m sure I’ll appreciate that option in the days and months to come! They have so many pretty options for kids’ rooms and communal spaces, that I’m already itching to add another one to our home. How beautiful would this one be in the big girls’ room?! Not only do they have beautiful rugs, but they have blankets, baskets, and beautiful wall hangings and almost everything on their site can be thrown in the wash.
I can’t wait to combine all of the furniture and accessories in her room after the first of the year, but I have loved her living downstairs even more than I could have imagined. It is so much easier to take care of her when she’s always nearby and I feel like living with a few of these things (ahem, quirky dresser) has helped me see how I might do things differently once we move her upstairs. Since we didn’t know we were having a girl, I never put together a nursery ideas post while I was pregnant, but maybe it’s time? Her room is first on our agenda, so I better start pinning some ideas!
Thank you to Lorena Canals for gifting us this beautiful rug for Polly’s nursery!
