Bennett’s Nursery
Many months ago, while scrolling through Pinterest for boy nursery inspiration, I found and saved this French bee stencil. I thought, “That would be super cute if we give him a name starting with the letter B.” A few months later, after we finally decided on naming him Bennett, it was time to decorate the nursery. I scrolled back through my saved pins and there it was. The bee stencil. My mind was made up and I ordered the stencil immediately. My husband mounted the wood boards and painted everything. It was my turn to add my stencil and the decor.
Now, it’s important to note that I have never stenciled anything before. I assumed that given my innate craftiness the project would be easy and come naturally to me. But I was wrong. I tried a few different brushes and sponges, watered down the paint (I used regular wall paint, and later learned there’s special stencil paint) and even sought out advice from social media. And I just went for it.
At 7 months pregnant, I started the stenciling project and finished it around 8 months. It was quite the endeavor on my textured walls. I did the best that I could, yet the perfectionist in me isn’t satisfied. I still definitely achieved the vintage look that I was going for.
Given that Bennett is baby number 2 for us, we really didn’t need that much for his nursery. The Babyletto crib was Lillian’s and timing was perfect for her bed upgrade and handing this down to her baby brother. Changing table and mid century rocking chair were also from Lily’s nursery. The tallboy dresser was mine from childhood and got a makeover with white paint and new drawer pulls. I thrifted the rocking horse and the wooden toys on the shelves. I made the black and white letter art in Photoshop and bought the sun and rainbow prints from an Etsy seller. I already had all the frames. Table lamp, rug and wicker baskets all from Home Goods. I went with the gold crib sheet and curtains because I liked the brightness and energy it brings to the room. Plus the honey gold lends itself to the bee theme. I never thought I’d be one to decorate a themed nursery, but I love it and I hope Bennett James does too.
Decorating baby B’s nursery was a true labor of love. I am very happy with the overall look and feel of this room of the house. Even though he’s not sleeping in there yet, I find myself going in there to enjoy the bright space and feed him in the lovely morning light.
