68 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • MARCH 2019
INSIDE JOB
TOT SPOTS: SUGAR ‘N SPICE
BY TAMMY SCILEPPI
They say that girls are sugar and
spice and everything nice, and boys
are into frogs, snails, and puppy dog’s
tails. And they’re all little angels, especially
when they’re napping … in a
soft crib surrounded by cool things
that mom and dad lovingly picked out
just for them.
Happy little girls’ rooms and nurseries
begin with a dreamy design
concept, and these magical spots
for little divas can easily grow and
change as their pint-sized occupants
get older. First, they’ll need a place to
play with their toys and imaginary
friends; later on, a space to hang out
in with real ones and do homework.
Just add a comfy big-girl bed, desk,
and beanbag chairs.
ROOM TO GROW
This one has it all: Cute storage ideas,
fun bedding and accessories, and
cool wall decorations that spark her
imagination.
“The nursery (my little kiddo's) started
with the world map that's above
the Wayfair changer — it set the
mood — and it built from there,” says
Crystal Sinclair of Crystal Sinclair
Designs, who lives in Baldwin and
works with Homepolish, a unique
service that provides clients with
accessible design expertise and gives
designers access to clients.
“I knew we needed items to be kid
friendly and fun, nothing expected,”
she adds. “Takes some sourcing out
of the box, meaning I steered clear of
kid shops for items that weren't baby
oriented (lights, rugs, dresser, etc.).
And I wanted a ceiling paper, so the
self-adhesive panels from Chasing
Paper were perfect!”
The expectant parents didn't want a
girly room for now 14-month-old Mira,
but a space that could grow with
her — playful enough for a nursery
but serious enough for a tweener
who would one day make it her own.
Sinclair’s nesting instinct took over
and she enjoyed gathering everything
she’d need for baby’s new digs:
Delta crib from Amazon, Wayfair
glider and square bookcase, Ikea
floor lamp, and RH Teen rug; the
West Elm mobile was modified to fit
the space better.
“We painted the walls Chantilly Lace.
Floors were great, just needed a rug.
We wanted to see the crib as we entered,
making it the focal.”
The windows are offset, so she added
extra wide custom drapes from Loom
Décor to give the illusion of larger,
more centered, windows.
“I was careful with lighting placement;
you want light for specific
tasks but nothing too bright to wake
baby at 3 a.m.,” Sinclair explains. “So,
we have a plug-in wall sconce by the
changing table, a light for nighttime
stories/feedings, and an overhead
pendant too.”
So, how will the room grow with
Mira?
“The colors and patterns are perfect
for a baby to teen,” she says. “Only the
furniture needs swapping as needs
change.”
Geometric,
high-contrast
papered ceilings are
baby perfect (use a spray
adhesive for extra stick
just on ceilings)
For timeless
items steer clear
of kid shops
Choose pieces,
colors and patterns
that are baby to
teen friendly
Photos courtesy of Crystal Sinclair
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
