It’s been an eventful, loooooooooong weekend at Casa Erin. Our brand new cast iron sink arrived shattered in pieces, my in laws came to assemble cabinets and sew seat covers for us (yay!), and we found out that we’re having a boy. Oh, boy! Now, somehow — despite my initial instincts — I had convinced myself I was having a girl, so this was a little shocker. And I hope you won’t think I’m a terrible person for saying this, but it’s kind of scary. I mean, I know what girls like. We like unicorns and rainbows, purple and pink, and we like glitter. Sparkles rule! But growing up with two brothers has taught me little about boys, except that the rubber wheels on Tonka trucks get excellent traction in long hair, and being drenched by a bucket of cold water is not a nice way to wake up in the morning.
Decor for boys? Complete mystery.
For months I have been stuffing the guest room/nursery with thrifty toys, snippets and remnants from other projects, hoping the whole mixture will magically congeal into a happy baby wonderland. Now, I’m confused. Really confused.
Will he appreciate my fondness for precious baby deer, other than to one day see them as dinner?
My dad is seriously going to jump straight out of his Carhart pants when he realizes we’re having a boy. He’s already got plans to buy baby hunting outfits and tiny rifles. I don’t suppose they make pink camo?
And I’m guessing my frilly scalloped pillow shams with mystery messages (anyone speak Vietnamese?) will have to go. I think boys like dragons, but I don’t think they like ruffles… unless I get really lucky and have a baby Miles Redd.
Maybe my favorite vintage piggy bank will make the cut. But I don’t know about these guys:
I think that coulrophobia is probably gender neutral. The little guy is actually pretty cute, but the fleshy one looks like he hasn’t shaved for days and may be hiding a bottle of ripple behind his back.
I wonder if my own little guy will appreciate the stellar deal I got on this gigantic Seguso for Marbro lamp ($25 at a thrift store). Or will it just end up all broken pearlescent glass, smashed into a hot mess by an epic Big Wheels accident?
Anybody want to buy a lamp?
Will he be soothed by the sounds of my Furby, or will he attack it with a hammer, ostensibly to figure out where the sounds come from? Not that I’ve ever seen one of my precious, precocious brothers do such a thing… (RIP, Happy Apple)
I’ve been saving these since I was a teenager. Surely everyone loves monkeys and Pikachu? And Kermit? No one likes Miss Piggy, not even girls.
When he’s older, will he enjoy the books I have so conscientiously selected for guests? Perhaps I should warn him that some are much better than others.
Or maybe it’s best that he find out on his own.
While I struggle with tiny, inconsequential matters — like how to raise a boy when I myself am completely wang-free — I thought I’d ask you wonderful readers for ideas on how to decorate the nursery. Here’s a few overview images to set the stage:
Don’t mind the rolled up carpet and stacked piles of art in the corner; renovations have caused a fair amount of deco shuffling. We’d like to keep the bed and dresser in here, but I was thinking about moving the tall chest into the closet and putting this crib in this corner, so I can easily see it from the door.
This is the only room in the house that still retains its original band-aid beige wall paint (just say no to flesh toned paint!!!), so I definitely plan to paint over it. I was thinking of doing pale gray with black on the window wall, but now I’m thinking of gray all over and painting a colorful super graphic on the wall opposite the bed. I love this post that Molly over at Designer’s Brew did for a chill, gender neutral baby room. How would pale gray, aqua, tangerine, and maybe a hint of tomato red look together? Plus black, white and gold as neutrals.
Don’t worry — I will be editing the accessories. Severely. (If you live in Austin, stay tuned for garage sale info!) But, if I can, I think I’d like to keep this guy in the room:
He might just make up for losing the deer.
Ok, readers — especially those of you with boys — any sage decorating advice for a first time, shell shocked, mother to be?
And for everyone who perishes the thought of decorating a nursery, not to fear! I’ll be back on Thursday with expert paint advice in our very first Ask Sanders column.
But, wouldn’t you know it — all the rooms will be blue.
May I be the first to say Mazel Tov on your bambino – he’s one lucky little guy to have such a wonderful mother. Imagine what a catch he’ll someday be with all of the photography and design knowledge you have to impart.
Now onto the task at hand – nursery decoratin’. I’m so so happy that Le Tigre may take center stage in the design scheme. Shades of blue will pop off those oranges and greens. And gray walls will be fab. I love the dresser for a changing table and would totally dig it if the white part of the crib were painted black. YUM!
Are you going to put that awesome rocker in there? I think I remember it having a teal cushion which would be just perfect. Save the striped blanket and the patchwork pillow, the colors are great!
Hugs from down under, Mamacita!
You know, E., some boys like sparkles and Barbies. Maybe you’ll get lucky.
I’d use that zebra rug with the white crib and baby deer but that’s just me. I think you’d like a pimped out baby’s crib, so to speak.
Again, congrats on baby boy!! Remember, you already figured out at least one boy (hubs) so I think you’ll do fine.
By the way, yes, I will absolutely take that lamp. What a great find!! Please do a post giving tips on where to find things like that. Every time I go antiquing or to the thrift shop, it just all looks like crap to me.
He’ll HATE the lamp. Definitely. So, you MUST send it to me right away.
I love black and metallics in a baby’s room. What about a photo wallpaper wall? Maybe combine black, blue-gray, silver, and orangy tones? My real advice is to totally do whatever pleases YOU. Because in about 8 years, he’ll have his own ideas and will undecorate all of your best attempts.
Congratulations Erin! You’ll be a great mother of a boy!
Firstly, congratulations Erin!!! From a mama of three boys, I think you will be pleasantly surprised how quickly nature will kick in and supply you with all you need to know, boy or girl. Now to the important stuff, the decorating. I loved NerF’s post on the baby boy room, those colors were fantastic and really would translate well for either gender, in my humble opinion.
I think the deer are adorable and a great choice for a little boy’s room. The dresser is fantastic and makes great sense and I think you could totally pull the lamp off. Ditto for the pieced pillow, colorful throw and the awesome little yello lion, all keepers.
Key element, finding a stylish and comfortable chair for all-nighters. I’ve had mine for all three of my children which at this point equals almost 10 years. It’s not the prettiest rocker, and frankly never was, but it has definitely served its purpose. If I had to do it all again, I would invest in something I would be happy to have in my living space after it has served its purpose in the nursery. There are so many great modern choices these days.
Lastly, I know you got the Star Wars covered and with Harry Potter at the ready, believe me you’ve got your bases covered in the boy department. Oh, by the way, they do make pink camo! ;0)
Congratulations! Boys, boys everywhere … everyone I know that’s recently had a baby have all had boys, and half of them are named Jack.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with on the nursery front – sounds bodacious.
Hi, hi, everyone! Thanks for the congratulations!
Raina and nkp, I do have a rocker, but it’s HUGE and currently vomit free. I’ll see if I can make it work, otherwise I am in the market for some kind of chair that moves.
Stephanie, around here everyone has girls, but all currently pregnant ladies are having boys, so our little wunderkind will have some playmates. We won’t be naming him Jack, but that is his grandfather’s name. Shame that it’s so popular right now.
For the record, that happy apple was lookin’ at me funny…so it had to go.
Ordinarily, I’d have a hearty laugh at your situation like a good brother does, but instead I’ll wish you and B*n the best of luck with Jr. Let’s hope he is not instantly drawn to hammers like yours truly.
Yes, and I forgot to mention the preoccupation with knives…
Thanks, Bub!
For the record, everyone, I have officially named Erin’s baby Berin Von Benanderin. It is final.
And it was so kind of you to come up with a gender neutral name early in the game. I REALLY appreciate it. Really.
Congrats on the boy! I cannot help with that, as I have a girl, but I am sure little Berin will love Le Tigre.
Don’t sell that lamp! Just keep it away from Tonka. And for god’s sake, hang on to The Tiger! He deserves worship…if not at your house, then gladly at mine.
Congrats on the news and all the excitement and fun stuff to plan! I like what NKP says about nature kicking in, because I sure hope that’s true (I’ve worried at times about whether I’m ‘good with kids’… at that point it’s too late, innit?) I like a tiger theme, animal energy is always good… we’re all about monkeys, tigers, toros, bunnies, pumas, chickens, etc etc etc over here (it’s the WP-ZOO!)
Totally have that throw in my house as well… I so love it!
AB, thanks for latching on to my name suggestion! I love having an army of intellects on my side!
Aww what a great post – looks like all of these would be something to love!
Berin Von Benanderin is a name for a king. Mucho love and congrats to you both!
When I found out not one of my babies was a girl I was a little sad BUT then I thought about the “bad” era of mother/daughter relationships that I will get to avoid completely. Yay! (Of course unless we have more chickies who will probably be girl triplets.)
As you know, I’m also a newbie to all this nursery decorating stuff but all I can say is go with whatever makes you smile or say, Damn! when you walk into the room. I mean, a baby really doesn’t have any say over it anyway, right?
Cortnie’s right, your baby won’t care how the room is decorated and when he does you’ll redo to a big boy room. Happy and comfortable Mom and Dad is more important now.
Cortnie, if you have girl triplets after this, I will bow down to your awesomeness. I’m scared stiff about one kid, much less the two you have incubating!
Connie, comfort is high on my list. We’re keeping the bed in part because I may end up just passing out on it during looong nights.
They do make pink camo by the way–A night I never want to repeat. Where was Clint and Stacy when I needed them? Not sure what to tell you about your nursery other than keep it stimulating and comfortable since you will need to enjoy being there at 1am..3am..5am..7am..etc..Lighting may be a very important factor.
I think you are in for a great adventure. My mother once told me that making a decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. Best of luck to you. I can’t wait to see him. I know I am going to want to order one one day. Where do I go to do that by the way and is there a return policy?
As I’m not yet what I affectionately refer to as a ‘Breeder’, I cant offer much advice on the subject -but CAN offer loads of opinion!!!!
As said somewhere above – do what ever you want now- as in a few years you wont get any say! Though when lil man demands black walls – I suspect you wont have such a problem with them!!
Congrats on the lil man!!
i am so excited for you, your hubby, and your little bambino! what a lucky little man to have a mom who is the queen of style.
Pink camo – yes, it definitely exists. I think Berin Von Benanderin would love it.
E., I have thrust award upon you and K. Come get.
I’ve got a couple of girls I’ll lend you sometime if you just have to get the purple and pink and sparkles out of your system.
Rande, your girls are so adorable you’d better not let them out of your sight! I may just end up keeping them…
CONGRATULATIONS! Boys are awesome. I know I’ve scared you recently, but please realize I am a grump and my boys are super high energy. My youngest as you recall carries dolls everywhere, dolls and dinosaurs. So sparkles and baby deer could easily be in your lil’ guys future. I won’t impart design decorating ideas as I have little knowledge but will say that dwell baby has fantastic baby bedding. Target even has some nice choices lately with bedding. I must tell you that I think “boy” toys are way cooler than “girl” toys and a lot of fun. not that either gender can’t play with both (my son carries dolls, ahem. Anyway, you will be a fantastic Mom to your son, he is one lucky dude!
Sherri, THANKS for your reassurance! I got worried when I didn’t hear from you, since I know you have 2 adorable boys of your very own.
I think I may start early with the dolls… Hee!
Boys are way cool and so much fun, Erin! Just had to reiterate that. And they worship their Mamas. Nice perk.
Congratulations!!!
First off, felicitations! Can’t wait to see the little guy. Secondly, I’m still in shock about Mr. apple.
Thanks, Mandi! And, shocked — really? You’ve seen how handy Ryan is with a hammer… and a chainsaw.
Satanic Versus and Harry Potter? What kind of crazy black magic trickery are you attempting on your firstborn?
Well, the best kind, of course!
I just wanted to say that I love this site
Oh goodness! I stumbled upon this blog when doing a Google search for Happy Apple. Long story short, I just e-bayed one of these suckers and was curious to see who else shared the memory, or the love. And then I kept on reading and saw the word Austin. Austin! I live there. Sort of. I live an hour north in the middle of nowhere (Fort Hood) but Austin is the only haven of civilization nearby, so I just say I live there. I pretend, anyway.
Great blog! I’m certain I’ll keep reading because I like visual stimulation, and this blog is rife with it. I’m a (wannabe) photographer and a lover (and dreamer!) of interior design, and all of the shots on here are so very lovely. Great work!
Hi Vicki! Always lovely to meet fellow Austinites… sure — you count!
I really wish someone would reissue the happy apple. I’m sure they would fly off the shelves.