A Nursery To Grow On

Southern Living, Jul 2004

Blend old finds with new ones to create a special room your child will adore.

You may never meet a real princess, but this nursery is fit for one. Designer Mary McWilliams helped Gracey Cobb's mom, Barbie, pull it together without spending a royal fortune. Here they show us how easy it can be to decorate a room that will grow with your child.

The dimensions of the space aren't huge. Basic pieces such as the crib, dresser, and cozy chair (for story time) are placed against the walls, leaving the center of the room free for play. A multicolored, braided rug softens the wood floor.

Gracey's nursery features four windows. Because window treatment costs can add up quickly, Barbie decided on inexpensive, ready-made sheer panels. While she desired an airy look, the crisp white panels didn't filter enough light, so she hung green sheers behind them.

The white walls provide a neutral backdrop for pretty artwork. Barbie created the painting that hangs above the crib; it is highlighted by a special angel received as a baby present.

Inspired by the pink in her floral masterpiece, Barbie painted the ceiling a fresh watermelon hue. It pulls the whole room together and makes the ceiling appear taller by drawing the eye up.

Buttery yellow-and-white frames accent pages taken from antique storybooks. Trends come and go, but these timeless pieces can be used in Gracey's room long after the crib has been exchanged for a big-girl bed.

To fill the nursery with personal details, Barbie also framed Gracey's birth announcement and birthday invitations. What a fun reminder to look back on those milestones.