As a leading figure in public relations, Lily Chen’s journey into motherhood began with an inspiring vision for her baby’s nursery. When she and her partner decided to transform their home office in their San Francisco Bay Area rental into a space for their newborn, they infused it with creativity and personal touches. Towards the end of her second trimester, Lily embarked on a renovation that included adding vibrant wallpaper and a fresh coat of white paint, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere for their daughter, Mia, who is now a year old. We caught up with Lily to discuss her design inspirations, color choices, and the balance between style and practicality in her nursery.
What was your vision for the nursery?
During my prenatal appointments, my doctor was only somewhat sure I was expecting a girl—Mia was quite the mover! We decided to design the nursery with a feminine touch, but without going overboard on pink, as I’m not typically drawn to overly girly themes.
Where did you find your inspiration?
Three months into my pregnancy, we completed the office space. It was open and airy, primarily white, but my interior designer encouraged me to incorporate some color to liven it up. This experience made me realize the transformative power of color, which I wanted to replicate in Mia’s nursery, as it’s known to stimulate babies’ development.
How did you begin shopping for the room?
We are deliberate about what we introduce into our home. I wanted everything in the nursery to be both kid-friendly and practical. Even if something is specifically for Mia, it has to be an item we love and could potentially repurpose in another room. Initially, I aimed for neutral furniture, focusing on white or wood tones, but I prioritized selecting an accent color beforehand.
What led you to choose mint and turquoise?
It all started when I discovered some herringbone baskets during my pregnancy. I quickly decided to build the nursery’s color palette around mint and turquoise. I use one basket for laundry and another for toys, while the rest are neatly stored in Mia’s closet or a designated area in the living room.
What inspired the accent wall?
When we moved in, the wall was a dull mauve-purple that didn’t resonate with my vision. I felt it needed a makeover, especially since I envisioned it as an accent wall rather than painting it white, considering most of the furniture would be neutral. I wanted a design that complemented the baskets, so I collaborated with Chasing Paper for removable wallpaper.
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To Summarize:
Lily Chen’s nursery design story showcases the blend of personal style and practicality. Her thoughtful approach to color and decor reflects her desire to create a nurturing environment for her daughter, Mia. With a focus on quality and adaptability, her choices resonate with the broader journey of parenthood. Whether you’re designing a nursery or exploring home insemination options, resources like Make a Mom and Parents can provide valuable insights.