When Sandy and Aaron Flores hired designer Jennifer Bishop to turn an everyday bedroom into a nursery school, the goal was a gender-neutral space that would work for their second kid — and the next one after that. Pregnant with her second child and hoping to get a third down the street, Sandy did not wish to go through the potential hassle of creating an entirely new space twice. So Bishop made this “modern forest,” complete with kelly green walls, tree trunk decals and owl accessories.

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Jennifer Bishop Design

The green and aqua colour scheme functions for sex and will also be appropriate as the baby grows up. “The secret to a fantastic nursery is longevity,” says Bishop, who stays away from creating nurseries that sense “too baby” “With the economy being in the state that it’s, it simply does not make sense to need to update an entire room just a couple years down the road.”

Jennifer Bishop Design

This piece of art by Avalisa from Art.com motivated the nursery’s colour palette. “The colors were just so beautiful to me, and also the quilt layout proved to be a fantastic way to present a typical baby thing in a contemporary and lively manner,” says Bishop. Polka-dot upholstery on the glider is playful without being too juvenile.

Jennifer Bishop Design

For each room she decorates, Bishop attempts to make a minumum of one accessory, such as this throw pillow topped with sensed buttons. “I love giving them special, unique pieces,” she states.

Jennifer Bishop Design

Bishop admits that the kelly green paint colour was a small risk. Happily, due to the room’s abundance of natural lighting, the colour worked. “When it comes to specific daring colors, you really need a lot of natural light to bring out their true beauty,” she states. 2 IKEA Billy Bookshelves with an Ekby centerpiece provide the space .

Jennifer Bishop Design

It is hard to believe, but the nursery’s bulletin board was initially a gold and brown mirror found at HomeGoods. Bishop knew it had potential, so that she started by painting the entire item white, then painted each inset with colors she pulled out of the above inspirational bit of art. Believing a bulletin board could be more helpful than a mirror, she topped the mirror with rigid cardboard cut to size. She subsequently cut cork tiles to the shape and spray-glued the bits to the cardboard. Bishop removed the demand for miniature, possibly harmful pushpins by adding criss-crossed ribbon to the cork to get tucking in photos and mementos. “Kids are always collecting things or are fascinated by certain interests,” says Bishop. “Bulletin boards provide them a place to be creative and corral their inspirations at 1 spot.”

Jennifer Bishop Design

The secret to keeping a nursery organized: plenty of storage. “In no time you will wonder where all this child stuff came out,” she states. “Having spaces for toys before that moment will save you a hassle. Think shelves, bins, baskets and baskets to help keep it all clean.”

Jennifer Bishop Design

“Always place breakable and collectible items on upper shelves,” says Bishop, “and leave the lower shelves for the toys and other things children can catch.” A photo of this Flores’ is blended among children’s books (found at the dollar bin at Joann Fabrics) and colorful knickknacks. “I always try to integrate photos in all my rooms,” says Bishop. “Kids love looking at them, plus they make spaces much more personal.”

Jennifer Bishop Design

A mirrored owl from Target keeps company with a stacked owl set from Urban Outfitters. “Knickknacks,” she states, “are my favorite part of decorating”

Jennifer Bishop Design

This stuffed dog is out of World Market, however, Bishop suggests scouring Pier 1 or 2 Etsy for endless options of unique stuffed creatures. “For something different, look for those made with materials like patterned cloths or a tight knit,” she says.

Jennifer Bishop Design

Bishop created playful silhouettes by outfitting the wall with stickers. Her program tips: Before applying stickers, make sure that your paint is cured. Once you’ve peeled off the backing and stuck the stickers to the wall, then help it stick by rolling out a rubber roller across the decal whereas the front paper is still attached. Then, slowly peel the off paper and then use the rubber roller to smooth out any air bubbles.

Jennifer Bishop Design

The dresser, a hand-me-down, was initially a honey oak colour with a floral detail painted in the upper center drawer. By the time Bishop arrived on the scene, it had been painted white, but the flowery detail remained. “I had them fill in the flowery area and sand it down to create a flat drawer front,” she states. “Then, I took big sheets of paper that comprised a wood grain and then decopauged them to the drawer fronts”

Jennifer Bishop Design

Sandy requested Bishop to include a location where she would hang the baby’s hats. Rather than using pegs or hooks, Bishop opted for a birdcage stand from Urban Outfitters to add a small unexpected fun. Finished in red, it provides a complementary contrast to the green wall.

Jennifer Bishop Design

“The Flores’ understood my job really well, so they gave me free reign to do exactly what I needed,” says Bishop. “It is the most daring I’ve ever gone with colour, and it was amazing. It is modern and daring, with just a bit of whimsy.”

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More amazing kids’ spaces

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