Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

Posted on

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

For starters, I'm sorry you had to see my swollen feet, ha! But if that isn't an accurate representation of the current state of events, then I don't know what is. 

The first couple weeks of the One Room Challenge can be a bit frustrating, to be honest. Instead of doing something exciting like ripping out a wall, I find myself waiting around for product to arrive. 

On the other hand, this "downtime" – if you can really call it that – is essential to helping narrow down our design direction. So, when product does finally arrive we know exactly what to do and can whip up the room into shape in no time.

For the record, that NEVER happens – but one can dream, right? 

As a result, I don't have much physical progress to show just yet. But I will be sharing 3-D mockups of the room (everyone always loves those!) and getting your opinion on a few topics that have been plaguing my I've-never-designed-a-nursery brain. 

By the way, if you missed last week's introduction of the ORC project, you can catch up here. 

Tricks for Maximizing Space and Making the Room Look Bigger

Before we dive into the nursery layout, here are a few tips and tricks I'm hoping will make our tiny nursery appear larger than it really is: 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

PRIORITIZE ESSENTIALS: 

As much as I'd love to have a daybed, play area, bookcase, etc. in the nursery, it's not possible in a 8' x 10.5' room. So, I've narrowed the essentials down to a crib, glider and a small dresser on which to place the changing pad. I originally wasn't planning to include a dresser, but then I thought, "Where am I going to change her diapers – on the floor?" That realization quickly brought me back to reality, so now I'm on the hunt for a small dresser, like the Jenny Lind 4-drawer dresser from Land of Nod, to match the Jenny Lind crib (which I have yet to order...) 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

MAXIMIZE STORAGE: 

The biggest challenge in any room – not just a nursery – is the lack of storage. That's why I'm so excited to be working with ClosetMaid to install a custom built-in closet to maximize every inch of closet space possible. The prospect of everything being in its designated place excites my little OCD-laden heart like nothing else. Of course, items that require daily use – diapers, creams, wipes, onesies, etc. – will be stored in the dresser for more immediate access. 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

SOFT COLOR PALETTE: 

A soft, monochromatic color palette is always a good choice for small rooms. Because the eye isn't distracted by strong contrast, it moves around more freely and perceives the area to be larger than it is. The gray and white floral mural from Walls Need Love will add a healthy dose of personality and keep the walls from looking boring. By the way, thanks to all who weighed in on my wallpaper decision on Instagram Stories. As much as I loved the drama of the "Irene," I ended up ordering the "Clara" and am eagerly awaiting her arrival. 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

PROPORTIONAL, MULTIPURPOSE FURNITURE: 

Instead of a rocking chair, I'm hoping to find a small glider. (Your recommendations are always welcome!) Rocking chairs typically require more clearance, whereas a glider is more compact in its movements – perfect for a tiny nursery. Similarly, instead of a standard size dresser and a separate changing table, I'm hoping to find a small dresser no wider than 38 inches – just enough to fit a changing topper on it. Talk about multipurpose, right? 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

TALL AND WIDE WINDOW TREATMENTS: 

This simple trick works in any room, not just the nursery. Hanging curtains higher and wider than the actual window gives the visual effect of a bigger and wider light source, which makes the ceiling seem higher and the overall room bigger. The Braswell blackout curtains arrived yesterday – and they are even more beautiful in real life. I've yet to source a curtain rod and am currently debating between black (like the rest of the house) or brass (to match the chandelier). Care to share your thoughts on the matter? 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

REMOVE THE CLOSET DOORS: 

To remove or not to remove? That became this week's hot topic across my social media channels. Many of you were against the idea, saying that 1) it would leave the closet on display at all times, 2) it would cause me daily frustration to organize it, and 3) that the issue could easily be fixed with bi-fold closet doors. As you'll see in the layout options, we really are working with a very small room. Every inch is valuable space, so the doors are coming off! Plus, I'm hoping my partnership with ClosetMaid will help motivate me to keep the space neat. 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

INCREASE NATURAL LIGHT WITH A MIRROR: 

When strategically placed, a decorative mirror not only serves as a lovely design element, but it's also extremely helpful in bouncing light back into the room – making the space feel brighter, thus bigger. If you've been a reader of FOXYOXIE.com for some time, you likely already know I own quite the collection of these round, brass mirrors. So far we've installed one on the fireplace and in the entryway. Soon, the nursery will join that list as well. 

Which Room Layout Would You Choose? 

Keeping the before-mentioned factors in mind, let's take a look at a few layout options. Which of these make the most sense to you? Am I overlooking anything important? 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

NURSERY LAYOUT | Option 1: 

Pros: 

  • Good flow

  • Crib is centered to feature wall 

  • Crib is not next to the window

  • Dresser and crib within close proximity

Cons: 

  • Limited access to closet

  • Glider partially blocking window light

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

NURSERY LAYOUT | Option 2: 

Pros: 

  • Crib is framed by the window

  • Full access to closet

Cons: 

  • Crib partially blocking window light

  • Window draft and not as safe

  • Layout feels awkward

  • Lamp isn’t next to dresser for nighttime diaper changes

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

NURSERY LAYOUT | Option 3: 

Pros: 

  • Good flow

  • Crib is not next to the window

  • Dresser is framed by the window

  • Full access to closet 

  • Dresser and crib within close proximity

Cons: 

  • Aesthetically dislike placement of crib in the corner

  • Placement of glider feels awkward

  • Dresser partially blocking window light

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

NURSERY LAYOUT | Option 4: 

Pros: 

  • Crib is not next to the window

  • Dresser is centered to feature wall

  • Dresser and crib within close proximity

Cons: 

  • Limited access to closet

  • Glider partially blocking window light 

  • Dresser becomes focus of the room

  • Aesthetically dislike placement of crib next to main door 

  • Tight space between crib and glider

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

NURSERY LAYOUT | Option 5: 

Pros: 

  • Crib is not next to the window

  • Dresser is framed by the window

  • Full access to closet

Cons: 

  • Dresser partially blocking window light

  • Pouf would need to be constantly moved 

  • Aesthetically dislike placement of glider against feature wall

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

NURSERY LAYOUT | Option 6: 

Pros: 

  • Crib is not next to the window

  • Dresser is framed by the window

  • Full access to closet 

  • Dresser and crib within close proximity

Cons: 

  • Dresser partially blocking window light 

  • Aesthetically dislike placement of crib in the corner

I was hoping that after seeing the options side by side and listing out the pros and cons of each, I'd have a more clear idea of the best layout. But honestly, things are about as clear as mud right now. 

Help me, please? 

Option 1 was my original plan – and it's definitely one of the more functional and aesthetically pleasing layouts, which is the reason I used it for the 3-D room renderings. I'm sure once baby girl arrives and we're actually using the space, we'll notice ways to improve the layout.

In the meantime, feast your eyes on the gorgeous mockups, below!  

3-D Room Mockup 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room MockupSmall Nursery Layout & 3-D Room MockupSmall Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

One element I haven't yet mentioned is the ceiling medallion. I'm obsessed with the idea of offsetting the modern chandelier with a traditional, ornate medallion – even blogged about it ad nauseam. What do you think – is it too much frill for the space? 

What's Next? 

Next week I hope to have the wallpaper installed; order the artwork; find, purchase and install the curtain rod (and the curtains); and hopefully finalize and order the big-ticket items like the crib, dresser and the glider. Oh, and the ClosetMaid closet is scheduled to arrive later today, so hopefully we can begin installing that! 

Tune in next Thursday to see just how much we get done! You can also sign up for the FOXY OXIE newsletter or follow on Instagram Stories, where I'm sharing behind-the-scenes peeks at items as they arrive – like the dreamy curtains I shared yesterday. 

Small Nursery Layout & 3-D Room Mockup

Now, it's your turn to talk. (Imagine that!)

Which nursery layout would you choose? Do you think I can fit all three – a crib, dresser and a glider – into an 8' x 10.5' room? What do you think of the 3-D room mockups? Should I buy a black or brass curtain rod? Yay or nay on the ceiling medallion? 

And last but not least, how did you decorate your small nursery? Share your tips and advice in the comments section, below! 

Shop the Room Plans 

Huge thanks to Linda from Calling It Home for organizing the One Room Challenge. To see the other bloggers' transformations, check out Week 2's “One Room Challenge” linkup.

Another thank you to this round's sponsors, including ClosetMaid, Walls Need Love, Lamps Plus and Minted. 

Most of all, thanks to all of you lovely people who continue reading, sharing and commenting on FOXYOXIE.com. You make this blog (and projects like this!) possible.

One Room Challenge, Week 1: The Living Room Renovation

About the One Room Challenge

The One Room Challenge (ORC) is a wildly anticipated design event hosted by Calling It Home in partnership with House Beautiful.

Twice a year, 20 featured designers along with hundreds of guest participants are challenged to transform any room they so choose, but they must complete the entire project in six weeks.

Learn more.

Posted in HOME DECOR, OUR BUNGALOW RENOVATION and tagged , .

57 Comments

  1. Oksana,
    Thank you for a wonderful inspiration, first of all. I am expecting a baby girl and trying to incorporate wallpaper as well. My room is 10×11 ft and similar to layout 1, only the closet is on the opposite wall, and the door and window more shifted to the south (bottom of the picture). I am trying to incorporate the wallpaper, maybe partially covering the wall. Could you give me your professional advice which wall is to use as an accent wall please? Your help will be much appreciated. Warm regards, Masha

  2. Pingback: Spring 2017 One Room Challenge, Week 6: The Sweetest Nursery Reveal You've Ever Seen

  3. Pingback: Spring 2017 One Room Challenge, Week 5: Adding Personality to the Nursery with Accessories and DIY Projects

  4. Pingback: Spring 2017 One Room Challenge, Week 4: Nursery Progress

  6. Pingback: Spring 2017 One Room Challenge, Week 3: Designing a Custom Nursery Closet (+ Wallpaper Update!)

  7. I think you should also consider, as far as layouts go, putting the crib in the back corner (intersection of window wall and feature wall ) on a diagonal. I love placing thing on a diagonal – it seems to soften the corners! One thing I found to be important as far a cribs go it to make sure you can see into the crib from the door easily, so you won’t have to go into room to check on baby and possibly wake her!

  8. I love the wallpaper! It’s going to be a beautiful baby room. I like Option 1 in that the crib is centered on the feature wall. I would just perhaps angle the glider a little so that it faces away from the window slightly and more into the room, like in Option 5. Can’t wait to see what you decide.

  9. The 3D plans look AMAZING (no surprise there)! As a mom who finally has no more diapers in the house, I can tell you I think it’s a great plan to use a dresser with a changing tray on top… it’s so much easier to not bend down for every diaper change, but it’s also great to be able to remove the changing tray when the diaper-free days roll around and still have a functional dresser!

  10. While I’m not a mom, I know just how important it is to be flexible with storage. I definitely think you made the right call with the dresser and the changing pad on top!

  13. I definitely like option 1 the most, but you’ll just have to be sure to find the right sized glider for the space. I don’t like the options with the crib in front of the window – I’m just imagining the sun coming up and waking the baby up! If you end up taking those closet doors off, then it won’t be too much of an issue having the glider in front of it like that I don’t think. And love the mirror! I know you got yours at Target, but I love to get giant mirrors for cheap at Homegoods!

  16. You are literally the most organized, handy woman I have ever seen online! I need to just pin everything for future reference! Also, THAT RUG!!!

  18. This is going to be a gorgeous room! I don’t have a specific vote, but after four kids, I definitely say keep the crib away from the window. They are only inactive lumps for a very short time. Then, it’s all about keeping them safe and asleep. :D

    • Thanks so much for your input, Stacy! We’re definitely not fans of the crib-in-front-of-the-window scenario – I was just brainstorming in hopes of finding the best solution. And LOL on your inactive lumps comment – literally made me laugh out loud.

  19. I like layout 1 and 5. I think you have something good here. Those curtains are gorgeous! If you do not mind me saying, I think the glider might be a little oversized for the room based off of the image. It is nice though.

    • Thanks so much Jess! I totally respect and appreciate your honest opinion – I’m afraid it might be too large, too. Granted, the 3-D room renderings aren’t mocked up to scale, but you’re so right – the glider will be the last thing we purchase, after all the other essentials are situated in the room, just so we can see if it’s feasible or not.

  21. I love all the things you’ve picked out for this room! I wish that mirror were bigger; I need one that’s in the 40-inch range, but they are crazy expensive!

  22. I love the design plan — I think I like Layout 5 the best due to the flow. It’s hard to know exactly how it would look with the dresser/window combo, though.

    • Option 5 is definitely a crowd favorite – something I was surprised about, to be honest! I just really, really dislike the glider being in front of the mural wall – gliders are just so ugly…haha

  23. We live in a 140 year old house…and a few years ago I bought a beautiful ceiling medallion – it made perfect sense. It only took two years to get it installed and wow what HUGE addition… one tricky part is to make sure you get it centered on the existing light fixture, because once you get them up they are hard to move and the adhesive is strong! Also, do ALL painting of it before you put it up…all those nooks and crannies are tricky…but I say go for it…you can see mine here: http://myoldcountryhouse.com/the-living-rooms/

    • OH. MY. GOODNESS. Your living room is stunning, Lesli. Thanks so much for the tips – I will definitely paint before installing, and I’m hoping my OCD will help me get it perfectly centered. My hesitation is that the nursery is so tiny… Do you think a 24-26″ would be too big for a 8×10.5′ room? Is there a sizing standard to follow?

      • There probably is some “rule” but I think those leave lots of room for individual interpretation !!! I say do it!!!! It will be sweet!

  24. I like layout one or three I think. For some reason I feel weird about the crib being in front of the window or where someone could potentially look in and see the crib. Could just be me, though!

    • Interesting – you’re the first person to mention layout 3! I totally agree with you on the crib – not a fan of that scenario either, despite our windows being quite far off the ground so it’s impossible to look in.

  25. I LOVE your design plan! That’s exactly the crib I wanted to put in our nursery, but I just couldn’t rationally explain to the husband that I was going to get rid of a perfectly functional, sturdy, and well built crib to get a different one. But I love it and obviously love all your plans for the room!

  30. I don’t have any layout tips or opinions – sorry! But man is this going to be so pretty!! Very excited to see next week’s update. I do have a thought about the closet situation, however…have you ever read HouseTweaking’s blog? She uses curtains for closet doors in a bunch of her rooms to save space. I’ve never tried it but I feel like it could look really cute!

    • Oh yes, I love Dana from House Tweaking! I’ve seen it done before, but I’m afraid that because the closet is right next to the window, it might look a bit awkward with so many curtains at different heights so close to each other… I don’t know, we shall see! For all I know, my OCD just might not be able to take it and the doors will be back on before the challenge is over, ha!

  31. Your plans are gorgeous and I LOVE the curtains – so soft and pretty!

    I think I’d go with option 1 or 5 for the layout. 1 definitely looks the best with that stunning feature wall, though having a heavy mirror above the crib might not work so well once the babe is standing. You could always rearrange then though.

    And I love the ornate ceiling medallion paired with the modern pendant. Can’t wait to see it all come together!

    • That is such a good point about the mirror! See, I knew there’d be a million scenarios I hadn’t considered, especially being a first-time mama – which is why I’m so thankful for readers like you, Lizzie!

  32. I think we are cut from the same cloth. I had the same crib in my son’s room (PS – we didn’t know what we were having), it’s an amazing crib and looks great! Also, I’m using the same Clara wallpaper in my ORC (isn’t it amazing!?). I like your option 1 layout the best (it seems the most natural). Great post! Can’t wait to see more : )

    • Option 1 seems to be the favorite at this point (which makes me feel good about myself since that is the layout that makes the most sense to me, too). I cannot wait to see the “Clara” in your laundry room – I just know it’ll make doing laundry a million times better!

  34. What a beautiful room! I love the wallpaper, and cannot get over those curtains! They look like a tulle skirt…beyond gorgeous! What a great find. I do like the idea of the medallion with the modern chandelier…

    • Yes, that is EXACTLY how the curtains look – like a beautiful, luscious tulle skirt! (Can you tell I’m obsessed with them?) I love them so very much, I’m considering buying the same kind for our dining room… Thank you for your sweet words and for stopping by! XO

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *