apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

When asked about her design philosophy Meg, who writes the Elsie Marley Web site, responds: "I don't have much of a style philosophy. Mostly I work with what is given to me or what I find or buy on the cheap. I like a clean and modern look and old and threadbare stuff too, so I try to find a balance. Shopping to me is a chore and though I do very much enjoy thrift stores, but with two kids in tow, browsing is difficult. I always have my eye out for the treasures people throw away. The rocking chair was a curbside find and after 5 coats of (Dragon Fire by Behr) orange it looks good as new."

"The room is very small (10' x 10') so I wanted a big, bright color and one that would suit both a boy and a girl. When I first saw the color on the wall, I was a little shocked--it was pulsating! But once the room was put together, it toned down a bit. It is very cheery and nice to look at in the middle of a long Wisconsin winter."

We love the fun Ikea rocking chair and the gorgeous dresser which originally had glass drawers but Meg painted the same shade as the wall. Like many of our readers, Meg is blessed by the "Good Finds" gods as the milk crates, rocking chair, ottoman and side chair are all curbside finds. Score!

The changing table was a DIY project made with found shelves and some plywood. Also a DIYer are the curtains made from an Ikea fabric and the adorable foot/butt print painting on the wall. The softie digger, in the room, is also a labor of love created by Meg.

When asked to give advice for decorating a nursery, she replied, "…stop looking in the baby section. Look anywhere but there, really. Kids don't necessarily need childish things. There are amazing pieces at your local thrift store, they just need a good cleaning or a coat of paint. And there is beautiful, affordable art all over Etsy.

They won't be babies forever, they won't even be babies for that long! I think if you decorate a nursery with what you like, not with what you think a baby room should look like, then you will be happier and so will your baby."

Good advice, Meg! Thank you for sharing your lovely room.