apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in putting together this room? This room does it all: it’s a master bedroom, nursery, playroom, and even a laundry drying area (we have a washer but no dryer). Besides the obvious size constraints, we had the added challenge of living in a rental and knowing we would be moving when the lease was up. That meant no renovations and white, white walls. We’ve been saving to buy a home as well, so add a limited budget to the above limitations and it was no small task putting this room together.

We didn’t purchase many decor items: I made most of them using an old book of French nursery rhymes I found in a Paris garbage pile, some pictures I drew, an heirloom sweater, and my own knitting. The other items are sentimental or hand-made gifts from family, friends, and mementos of our time living in Paris. The primary color scheme is red, light blue, and white (a look that preexisted the baby’s arrival), but really all the rainbow colors work here. I made the bold red curtains years ago, which keep the light out for naps, and use a white bedspread to keep the space looking as light and spacious as possible. Even though it's small and somewhat temporary, surroundings matter to me and I'm pleased I was able to create a clean and fun space where our baby has begun to explore the world.