When a busy couple settled in a Philadelphia row house, they enlisted the help of interior designer Mia Johnson to transform their nontraditional space into a bright nursery for their newborn son. We chatted with Mia about how she turned a challenging room into a cheerful environment perfect for a baby boy.
What was the project scope and timeline?
The couple’s home is a newly built three-story row house with a unique split-level layout that features minimal walls, resulting in various nooks. Mia crafted a design plan for three areas: the living room, guest room, and nursery. After finalizing the layout, she sourced furniture to complement the existing crib and dresser. The entire project took three months, during which the couple’s son arrived a week ahead of schedule, prompting Mia to finalize the setup while they spent their first two days in the hospital. It was certainly an exciting couple of days!
Did the couple have a specific vision for the nursery?
They had already picked out a gray crib and a dresser, knowing the general area for the nursery—though it lacked traditional doors. Mia guided them through various design ideas, space plans, and decorative accents to create a nursery feel. The design focused on three key requests: incorporating mid-century modern elements with vintage touches, ensuring functionality without breaking the bank, and utilizing existing furniture.
Was there a design connection between the living room and nursery?
Yes, the design connection lay in using existing furniture while maintaining a mid-century modern aesthetic in new pieces and accents.
What was their budget, and how did you maximize it?
Operating within a modest budget, Mia creatively used paint to enhance the space, implementing a striped accent wall and chalkboard paint to stretch their dollars further.
The striped wall looks fantastic alongside the alphabet wall art. How did you come up with that idea?
The striped wall featuring Blik alphabet decals was inspired by a desire to do something playful and budget-friendly. The clients were particularly fond of the alphabet theme.
The chalkboard is a fun addition—was it custom-made?
Absolutely! Mia designed it using blackboard paint framed with painted wood. The base features a thicker wood section for holding chalk and an eraser, making it functional for the parents to leave notes and for their son to learn numbers and letters.
In a delightful twist, the quilt hanging on the wall adds a cozy touch, diverging from traditional wall art. It creates an inviting atmosphere while maintaining the room’s playful spirit.
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In summary, this Philadelphia nursery blends mid-century modern design with functional elements to create a warm, welcoming space for a new baby. The thoughtful use of existing furniture, playful decor, and a touch of creativity ensure that this nursery will be a cherished environment for years to come.
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