Creating a Nest: Handmade Rooms for Children

by Debra Norton of Vintage Paper Parade

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I remember the days when I was pregnant with my children and the excitement of creating a warm, welcoming nursery. It was so much fun to plan and shop for their spaces. I loved pouring over the pages of Martha Stewart Baby (how I miss that magazine!) for decorating ideas.

My children are a little older now (ages 7 & 9) and we have updated their rooms to suit their stage in life.

Their rooms aren’t small they’re cozy.  Filled not only with objects they love, but also with treasures created for them by the people who love them.

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I love to use vintage pieces as well as a bit of modern to keep it fresh. My daughter’s room is furnished with a mix of vintage, handmade and Ikea. However, what makes it special are the personal items: the dollhouse made by Grandpa and the treasured Josef Original figurines collected by my daughter and my Mom on trips to antique markets.

decorating children's rooms, handmade rooms for children, creating a nest, vintage paper paradeIn my son’s room we have used mostly vintage furniture. It is a cozy 73 square feet. The dresser was made by my grandfather and used by my mother as a child. The spindle bed was a gift from a friend (his childhood bed) that we painted a cheerful red. The desk is a find from a favorite thrift shop near a cottage we spent time at for many summers when the kids were small.  The handmade reproductions of vintage airplanes that hang from the ceiling are extra special … they were made by Grandpa.

I don’t see a child’s bedroom just as a space to sleep but a place to dream, play, create, laugh and cry.

Debra Norton designs stationery and paper goods for her business Vintage Paper Parade. She loves hunting for vintage treasures, sharing her love of handmade and producing and styling events to share via her blog.

11 comments

  1. Lisa says:

    oh I miss Martha’s baby magazines also – you would think that they, well I am pretty sure a kids and a baby book will be out soon – but come on a special magazine here and there would be great! What is the strawberry a pillow? It looks darling.

  2. Katrina says:

    I love these rooms! More so than any other space in the house, I was very deliberate in everything chosen for my daughter’s nursery – I have the same mix of new, refinished by me, and special furniture. My favorite thing in the room is my grandfather’s bentwood rocker – it was handmade by him and he used it every single day. I sit in it now and feel so lucky to keep his memory (and skill) alive and also feel a little like he’s there getting to know my daughter as well.

    Thanks so much for sharing your kids’ beautiful rooms! My daughter is 17mos now, but I’m excited to see what she considers special enough for her personal space in the future 🙂

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