Baby Lair: A glimpse of what is to come

So at 22 weeks along I have finally come up with a plan for a space for this new baby of mine.  I will keep the nursery discussion minimal but knowing me you can be sure that any posts related to the topic will be decorative painting related and not themey or overly juvenile!  


So this project has a few challenges.  Our current home will not be our home much longer, as we own it and adore the location it is not the best set up for a couple, an 80 pound hairy beast and a newborn.  The room that is soon to be the nursery has had many lives(space for the broken-hearted, homeless, and air-conditionless) since our marriage and will have one more transformation before we sell and move on.   


All of this being said the palette and items need to be restrained since it may need to be quickly transformed from baby lair to chic guest quarters very quickly if Mead Manor II presents itself!  Luckily, we have chosen not to find out the gender of the baby which also helps keep me on target and focused.


I thought I would start with furniture.  I swore to myself I would steer away from child/baby specific furniture with the exception of a crib.  I have been looking for a mid century credenza to paint and use as a changer and dresser for months but my Ebay dealers in NYC have gotten so pricey and then there is the shipping, a real heartbreaker.  This past week, I found these siblings on Craig's List locally.

I realize that their finish is very unfortunate but we should never judge a book by its cover or pass something along because it isn't love at first site.  These are actually vintage Childcraft children's pieces from the 60-70's.  This piece above actually is a changing table!  As I was very apposed at the beginning to a changing table specifically, this piece has useful storage and I could not pass up the solid wood construction and price including the other dresser for 200 bones.

Months ago, in the not so fun beginning months of pregnancy, a designer friend sent me this picture to cheer me up and get me re-focused.  Knowing Dorothy Draper is one of my all time favorite style icons, of course I think this changer is adorable and a practical piece for a new born and beyond.  The real truth is, I can't afford it since I will have to educate this little one!

Behold, the Uptown Changer from Nursery Works:

• Taking inspiration from the architecture and furniture design of 15th century Britain, the Uptown Changer is reinterpreted with a modern twist and playful and sophisticated colors. 
•  Designed by Tamara Honey of House of Honey

Not to be confused with the España Bunching Chest by Dorothy Draper:

The España Bunching Chest was designed by Dorothy Draper by invitation of the Spanish government to design a collection to raise the profile of Spanish design in the international market. 

Both historically based in their design, functional, simple and easy on the eyes.  These will be my inspiration for the dresser and changer from Craig's List; the whole room's design will start here.