Modern, Organic Nursery Gets Nap-Friendly Blackout Shades

Abigail Sawyer | 11 Nov 2022 | Child Safety

We continue to be amazed by the commitment behind Brittni Mehlhoff's 12 rooms in 12 months project. On her blog, Paper and Stitch, Brittni has pushed herself to design her new home by decorating one room per month. Her latest project was to finish off the nursery - just in time for the arrival of her new baby boy, Hayes.

After partnering with Brittni on her Dining Room Makeover, Blinds.com is thrilled to help out with another room.

modern nursery with blonde wood crib, brass mobile and white roller shade

Scandi-Minimalist Nursery Gets Blackout Roller Shades To Help with Naptime

When planning the design for the nursery, Brittni couldn't decide whether to keep the space neutral like the rest of her house, or to go with something more colorful and youthful. She settled on a look that's right in between.

This room flows perfectly with the pared-down style of the entire home but has some unexpected colorful accents that little Hayes will be sure to love.

Before and after of an empty room and finished nursery with modern wood crib, ikat shag rug, modern art and white blackout roller shades on window.

After getting some advice from friends who are parents, Brittni knew that the first order of business was to outfit the room's large window with a blackout shade.

Brittni Says:

"When I first started planning the nursery, I asked a few friends with kids what their practical must-haves were, since Jeff and I had no experience in that department.

Almost all of them specifically mentioned that blackout shades were a must-have item for helping with sleep training, so I listened! When it comes to things that might help Hayes (and me for that matter) sleep better, I’m all about it!"

scandinavian nursery with white walls, contemporary art and blackout roller shades

Brittni loved the clean look of the Blinds.com Roller Shades she had used in the rest of the house, so she decided to just opt for the blackout version of the same fabric - Interlude Canvas.

Brittni Says:

"I went with a Blinds.com blackout roller shade which blends in with the rest of the house, is safe for the baby (and as he gets older), and blocks out the light when we need it. We were actually able to get the exact same roller shade as the ones we have downstairs in the dining room – just in a blackout version. They’re the same color (Interlude Canvas) and have the same look when they’re opened so it’s totally cohesive with the rest of the house. The only difference is that it’s not light filtering, so when the shade is rolled all the way down, it’s nice and dark in the room."

Window with white roller shades in room with white walls, woven wall hanging and modern wood table with plant and accessories

Brittni Says:

"Just like last time, the roller shade is extremely easy to install yourself. And since we had installed them in another room already, the process was even quicker than the first time around…took less than 10 minutes!"

minimalst nursery with white walls, modern furniture, wood crib with curved legs, gallery wall of modern art and large double window with blackout window shades

Since this is a nursery, choosing a window covering without accessible cords was important to Brittni. She chose a cordless lift that can be adjusted by tugging on the bottom of the fabric.

mother in jean jacket holding new born baby and pulling down on white roller window shades

Brittni Says:

"The other great thing about these roller shades is the safety benefit. Childproofing this space has been a lot to think about / worry about to be honest. But knowing that this window covering is a safer choice for my kid (because it’s completely cordless) really helps ease all those crazy things that go through my mind."

Brittni finished off the room with raw wood furniture, clean-lined accessories, and plenty of natural greenery.

modern nursery with bleached wood crib, brass mobile and gallery wall of modern art

The Scandinavian-boho look gets a touch of childhood whimsy with art inspired by kids drawings.

Corner of nursery with unpainted wood crib, kids art hanging on walls and mid century credenza as changing table

Don't miss Brittni's tip for choosing a credenza over a traditional changing table:

Brittni Says:

"The changing table is a credenza that I got on mega sale. And it’s so much cuter than any actual changing tables I’ve seen, especially for the price. If you want to go the dresser or credenza route instead of a traditional changing table, just make sure the piece is deep enough to safely fit your baby on a changing mat on top and that it’s tall enough that you won’t have to bend down too far to use it."

To add a little color to the neutral space, Brittni added some geometric shelves and used picture ledges to hold and display books. This "flat library" allows the covers of the books to be visible so a kiddo can select one more easily than a traditional bookshelf which only shows the spines.

kids bedroom wall with picture ledge shelves holding colorful children's books.

A large scale brass mobile adds some glam and draws the eye up to highlight the room's high ceilings.

mid century nursery with unfinished wood crib, brown shibori print crib sheet, brass mobile and eclectic squirrel art.

Get the Look!

Brittni dressed the windows with Blackout Roller Shades in Interlude Canvas with a cordless lift.

See More Of This Space

For all the details on Brittni's modern nursery makeover and a bonus promo code for her readers, check out her post: 12 Rooms in 12 Months: Hayes' Nursery Reveal.

More Design Inspiration:

Kids' Bedroom Shades That Are Safer + They Can Open On Their Own

  • About Author

    Abigail Sawyer is the Manager of Social Media Marketing for Blinds.com. She's a home improvement junkie who is currently restoring a 1972 cottage with the help of her husband and goldendoodle, Biscuit. Walking in the footsteps of Martha Stewart, she’s happiest when she’s crafting or whipping up a new recipe; although nothing beats curling up with a good book and some Girl Scout Cookies. Follow her on twitter + instagram at @whatabigailsaw