This NYC Nursery Is a Perfectly Color-Coordinated, Hamptons-Inspired Oasis (That Wallpaper!)
People who live in small spaces likely know that available space is meant to be maximized, especially those who have children and live in major cities like New York. That was one of the main goals of interior designer Becky Shea, of Becky Shea Design, when transforming a home office into a dreamy nursery.
“The original home office was a mess — dark, cramped, and totally impractical,” Becky says. “It had all the hallmarks of a design gone wrong: mismatched elements, floating millwork that made the space feel even smaller, and a rug that was just too tiny to tie everything together. It was clear this wasn’t reflecting the homeowners’ style at all.”
But when the homeowners found out they were expecting, they reached out to Becky (they’ve worked together in the past) to design a nursery for their child that was not only stunning (think: a “Hamptons-inspired oasis”) but also super functional. The process started with the homeowners sharing some inspiration photos with Becky.
“Inspired by the hues of periwinkle and the warmth of summer days, we embarked on a journey to infuse the space with a timeless yet functional aesthetic,” she explains. It only took Becky 10 days to design and present two potential room aesthetics to the homeowners. Once she received the homeowners’ sign-off, it was time to order the furniture and hire a contractor to take on the millwork projects and painting.
The soffits (or ceiling molding) were updated to look like beams, and shiplap was installed to make the space feel warmer. A warm blue shade from Farrow & Ball was painted on the doors and shiplap, and blue checkered wallpaper was hung, which immediately added new life to the space, too. After two weeks, the contractor was finished, and it was time to install the functional furniture and playful decor (which included a whimsical hot air balloon!).
“In the bustling landscape of New York City living, space optimization is paramount,” Becky shares. “Thus, every piece selected was chosen with versatility and longevity in mind, ensuring seamless transition as the child grows. From the crib to the twin size bed and the changing table dresser, ample storage solutions were integrated discreetly to maximize functionality without sacrificing style.”
Both the crib and the bed have two drawers (four total!), and the dresser has a ton of storage, too. Luckily, the twin bed will become the homeowner’s son’s bed whenever he’s ready to graduate from the crib. “Our goal was to optimize every piece for functionality and longevity,” Becky says.
The project came together three months before the baby was born, and Becky had a wonderful time designing the space. It’s no surprise that the homeowner matched her energy. “It was the sweetest moment,” Becky shares of the homeowner’s reaction. “She was moved to tears of happiness and gratitude. She regularly sends me photos of her little one enjoying his room, which fills my heart with pure and utter joy.”
Nowadays, the family spends time playing and reading bedtime stories in the nursery. It’s also a lovely place for the parents to rest if their child needs comfort throughout the night. “This adaptability ensures the room remains practical and cozy for every member of the family,” Becky notes.