Last weekend I rearranged Clara’s nursery—again. A few of you noticed things had moved and asked for an update, so here it is. I won’t make a huge production out of it: this was mostly quick, practical shuffling, but for a short while the room looked like it had been through a hurricane.
As usual, Clara was “helping Mommy decorate” — at least that’s how she pronounces it. She’s not tall enough to be seen in some of these shots because she was behind the changing pad “juggling” cloth diapers while singing along to Katy Perry’s Firework. It’s impossible not to smile at that.
For those who like a little context, here’s a picture from the last time I moved things around.
It looks similar, except she’s in summer clothes this time.
I sketched out the new layout so the changes make sense. Not that it explains my furniture-shifting habit, but here’s what moved:
- The crib moved from the wall in front of the door to the wall on the far side of the room.
- The dresser that was on that far wall went where the crib used to be.
- The chair and side table stayed mostly in the same place.
- The floor lamp that used to sit behind the chair was moved into the kitchen, where it now lights our sitting nook by the fireplace.
- Clara’s hamper was tucked where the lamp had been, which helps keep it out of constant reach (mostly).
Here are photos of the room after the rearrange. The crib no longer blocks the entryway, which was the main goal. It’s now back on the wall I’d always imagined it belonging to, and the room feels more open because the dresser is shallower than the crib.
The little C on the door was an Anthropologie clearance find. When we walk by, Clara always says, “C for Clara.” Small things like that make the room feel personal.
The hamper is tucked behind the reading chair. She still loves to empty it and create a chaos trail, but placing it a bit out of the way helps reduce the frequency—sometimes. Other times it becomes an obstacle-course game.
Having the crib on the back wall feels so right. For safety, the frames above the crib are well out of reach and the crib itself is pulled roughly 18″ from the wall. Frames are secured with screws or anchors when they hit a stud and reinforced with heavy-duty removable adhesive strips for extra peace of mind. Yes, I probably qualify as a first-time-mom worrier—and proud of it.
This corner opposite the green mirror and chair still feels like it could use some art. We have a lot of blank wall space around the house, and this corner is next on the list.
A few notes about that shot:
- The crib is pulled away from the wall about 18″, though the photo’s shadows make it look closer.
- There are still several bare walls waiting for art.
- Clara’s closet is my personal happy place—I admit I hang out in there sometimes admiring the potato-stamped walls.
One of our favorite projects is still Clara’s $20 Craigslist dresser. It’s been refinished and holds up to whatever toys and heavy play it encounters.
It takes a beating—wooden fruit, cars, and blocks get tossed at it daily—but it keeps on working.
Of course there are detail shots—this room has a soft spot for stuffed animals, including a favorite alligator.
Handmade pieces mean the most to me. The bookshelves John made are a highlight, and the mobile I crafted adds a personal touch.
The art wall is another favorite. It’s filled with meaningful pieces that make me nostalgic—there’s more about what’s displayed and why it matters to us.
And yes, more close-ups of the playful details—like a monkey motif—because tiny things like that bring so much joy.
All that said, this is the third layout Clara’s had since we moved in. I’ve learned to avoid grand promises like “I’ll never move anything again,” but I can honestly say I like this arrangement better than the previous two. It feels functional and cozy. For now, it’s a keeper—until the next bout of rearranging inspiration strikes.
Have you been rearranging rooms at home? Some rooms here, like the bedroom and living room, have stayed put since shortly after we moved in, while others—Clara’s room and the kitchen—seem to get the most attention. I’d love to hear which rooms in your house get rotated the most.