Transforming a Nursery: A Labor of Love and a Stellar Nursery Renovation
My daughter Kirbie and her husband Jake are expecting their first baby, my first grandchild! With Callie Jane arriving in just a few months, we tackled a big nursery renovation project in their new South Austin home. Kirbie had a vision for the space, and I was thrilled to help bring it to life. We focused on built-ins for the baby’s closet and assembling some furniture, including, of course, the dreaded Ikea pieces. But the main event was undoubtedly the tall bead-board chair rail.
The Bead-Board Chair Rail: A Custom Touch
Kirbie wanted a classic, sophisticated look, so we designed a bead-board chair rail that stands almost four feet tall. This wasn’t just a simple add-on; we integrated the existing six-inch base trim, the bead-board (which I cut down from four-by-eight sheets), a three-inch trim board, and a two-inch cap. It was a multi-day project, covering about 36 linear feet around the room.
To ensure everything was perfectly level and consistent, I started by using a laser level. This is crucial for a professional finish, especially with something so prominent. Once I marked my lines, I glued the bead-board panels to the wall using construction adhesive and then secured them with finishing nails. For the miter joints where the trim pieces met, I used wood glue to create tight, seamless corners.
Once all the pieces were in place, the real magic happened with the finishing touches. I caulked every seam, ensuring a smooth transition between the different elements. For any larger gaps or corners, and to fill all the nail holes and joints, I used Bondo. This stuff is fantastic for creating a flawless surface.
The Closet and Furniture: Practicality Meets Style
Beyond the bead-board, we also focused on the practical aspects of the nursery. Kirbie wanted custom built-ins for the baby’s closet to maximize space and keep things organized. This involved careful measurements and precise cuts to create shelves and hanging areas that will be perfect for all of Callie Jane’s tiny clothes and essentials. And yes, we assembled the inevitable flat-pack furniture. Those Ikea instructions can be a challenge, but we conquered them!
The Finishing Touches and Future Plans
Kirbie is absolutely thrilled with how everything turned out, and so am I. The room already feels so much more complete and inviting. She still needs to tackle the painting and wallpapering, which she’s still deciding on. She’s leaning towards colors from a beautiful large rug she plans to use in the room, which will tie everything together beautifully.
This nursery renovation wasn’t just about building and assembling; it was a labor of love. As a first-time grandparent, getting to contribute to this special space for Callie Jane is truly meaningful. We’re all so excited to meet her and see her in her new room!
