Out of Africa! Nursery Design on a Dime

I love designing nursery’s. Maybe it’s because my kids are all ALMOST teens? Maybe I just love the warmth in creating a space that is home to many first memories for parents and those chubby cheeked babies.
Hands down this nursery was my FAVORITE! I wanted to share the low down on this room because it’s easy to go crazy designing a nursery. It’s an exciting time and you want everything perfect for your new bundle of joy. But honestly, you don’t have to spend a lot to make something special for you and your bambino.
The previous owners of our last renovation, excited to move to their new home with fresh new furnishings left many pieces behind. Of course, when asked if that was ok, I said “ABSOLUTELY”, having no plan on what to do with any of it but not passing up an opportunity to try.

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I wanted a fresh new look but was struggling on committing to a theme. Until I started digging through a bunch of prints left behind in storage I stumbled across these gems. I have to admit, they were destined for Goodwill until I took a second look and realized the 3 lovelies in the prints were all babies! And my theme was set in motion.
Some spray paint and a little CERAMCOAT paint I had on hand is all it took to really bring out the beauty in these prints. The images just pop now!

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The crib was also left behind and the best part, it’s light and easy to move—great for future staging projects!
I set out to find some fun accessories without breaking the bank. The crib skirt by LIZ & ROO was a little more than I wanted to spend but I resolved its neutrality and future use to justify the $99 tag.
The rug, OH how I wish you could touch it…this WAYFAIR find is sooo dreamy! After I discovered the end tables, trunk and lamp all FREE left in the house and perfect for the Out of Africa theme I knew I had to have the rug!
Y’all know I love me some HOBBY LOBBY and again they didn’t disappoint. I found the rest of the wall art on clearance with an additional 50% off. My total cost, $20…SCORE!

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The biggest project but not an expensive one I had yet to tackle. I had this vision of mosquito netting…a necessity in the African Outback…and started getting creative.
My daughter Demi and I decided a hula hoop would make the perfect frame. I wrapped it in white duct tape I had at home, grabbed 4 sheers for next to nothing at WALMART, added some gray ribbon I had, clipped the hula hoop, threaded the panels, and duct taped it back together. I finished it off with some tulle attached to the hula hoop and a silver ring to hang it. The coolest part…it took me only an hour to complete! Total cost if you were to purchase all materials about $40.00.

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To complete the room my mom painted the rocker left at the house. (Side note, my mom paints almost all our pieces with oil based paint, it lasts and doesn’t chip!) I found a burlap canvas I had in my art sanctuary and added the saying to it. The rhino I had from a previous room I did and that cute little smooshie stuffed elephant I scored on Amazon. If you like the paint color it’s Sherwin Williams Steamed Milk. I use it in a lot of nursery’s very neutral and warm.

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I know…I got lucky with a lot of free finds but I’m telling you once you decide on a theme start searching you will stumble on deals and be so excited. Ask friends, if you want something specific. I’m a huge fan of using Facebook to find what you want either from friends or on marketplace.
Are you doing a “safari” room? We would love to see your photos! Please share them with us here or on our Facebook Page @restorationharmony14   Have fun and happy designing!