Baby Nursery: French Country Re-Imagined

By Chris Frey
January 29, 2010

For future parents, the baby nursery stands apart as splurge-worthy design capsule that begs for innovation and playfulness. It’s the room that gives you license to experiment with interior design ideas that you might not otherwise attempt in the rest of your home. That being said, though this may be the one place where bunnies and ducklings are allowed (even encouraged), you want to steer clear of too frilly (smothering!) without venturing into too sleek (cold!). Ultimately, you want to create an inviting space that is appropriate for an infant but doesn't require a complete do-over once your child turns three.

As part of our baby nursery series, we've already imagined rooms in orange (the new baby neutral), inspired mid-century modern art, and with an animal kingdom theme. For my turn, I chose ten elements for a room inspired by the French countryside and the picturesque farmhouses and cottages that pepper its meadows and hills. My choices present a subtle mix of soft and hard, with elegant details like scalloped edges playing against raw materials and more primitive patterns and texture. The soft palette provides warmth and serenity without feeling too fussy—or too dull. So even if the rest of your home screams chrome-and-white, this dose of farmhouse chic will infuse some rustic warmth into your world and won't feel out of place.

1. Antique Wood Frame (buy it now price, $39.99): In the age of digital photo sharing here’s a romantic way to highlight one of many favorites the old fashioned way. 2. Antique Egg Basket (buy it now price, $6.25): A pretty catch-all for small toys, towels or blankets. The wire is a refreshing update to your standard straw basket.

3. Country French Armchair (buy it now $329): Elegant, serene and perfect for watching baby sleep (or to relax while dad takes over diaper changing duty). 4. French Linen Fabric (buy it now price, $111): A gender free palette and graphic pattern that plays well against the softer, scalloped edges of the furniture.

5. Hansa Stuffed Bunny (buy it now $18.99): Looks and feels so real you imagine it just might bunny hop of the shelf. Display now, play later. 6. Antique Country French Cabinet (buy it now price, $175.00) Sweet French detailing on an otherwise simple chest that doubles as a changing table.

7. Wood Baby Blocks (buy it now price, $40.99): These new wood blocks look vintage and are painted in a soft pastel palette that’s completely non-toxic and baby safe. 8. Vintage Wooden Rocking Chair (buy it now price, $249): Toss on a cozy sheepskin to soften those long nights of rocking baby back to sleep.

9. Square Tin Wall Plaque (buy it now price, $8.99): This unique tin plaque can stand alone or with a group of frames and other wall décor. 10. Wooden Baby Crib (buy it now price, $100): A seemingly simple crib made even prettier with gently carved surfaces and a warm finish.

A freelance editor based in New York, Chris Frey previously served as the Fashion Market Director at Cookie and the Accessories Director at Lucky.

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