How Far is Too Far?

8.11.2011
Children's spaces can easily go too 'cutesy' or 'sweet' very easily. That's why I think it's so important to bring in decor elements that are not necessarily for babies or kids. But when does it go from a refined child's space to a grown-up room that happens to have a crib in it?


I love everything about this space - the moody gray walls, the graphic geometric rug, and the gorgeous textiles. And that art? Killer. But this space in no way reads child to me. Sure the fabric is leaning toward the whimsical/playful side and there's the token sheepskin rug, but I'm just not feeling it for a kid. Is it just me or can you go too far with adding 'sophistication' to a nursery?

What do you think?





Image via elements of style

22 comments:

  1. I think the issue isn't the stuff in the space, it is the parent's attitude. With the child be able to make a mess, throw balls, roll around and be creative? Could stuffed animals be added to the pillows on the couch? Would a pile of tutus for dress up be acceptable if places in a corner? If the parents have the right attitude, I think it could work.

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  2. Directions Not IncludedAugust 11, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    It's a beautiful space but I think it leans just too much to adult. Will the kid even feel at home in that space? Or maybe there is a more playroom like side that we can't see.

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  3. If you visit the link there are more photos - one has a rocking horse in it which helps for sure!

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  4. The attitude does make a huge difference for sure. I think with a few really small changes this room would feel perfect to me, but I feel like it has just one or two too many adult items in it that tip the scales. Just wondering where to draw the line.

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  5. I agree. I'm all for doing something that doesn't scream Kids! Elmo! Stuffed Animals Galore! But there definitely is a line. This just looks too stuffy for a nursery. Now, this would make an excellent guest space for a grandparent or someone who has a baby visit often.

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  6. It's the combination of the bookshelf and the couch that makes it a bit adult for me. Our problem is we'll have to share a nursery room with the baby until it's a bit older... so we have to blend our adult room with an infant. I have lots of ideas on how to make it work and how to sort of define the space-- but there will definitely be creative things going on and stuffed animals, etc... even if they aren't directly in the sleeping area (animals will be there but I don't know that I will have our bedroom turn into a play room-- since we live there too... but probably more the living room's domain.

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  7. It totally makes sense to make the room more adult if you need it for other purposes! I think I'm talking more about if it is meant as a nursery or kids' room specifically.

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  8. I agree... and it doesn't look like space was a hindrance here :)

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  9. Although I don't go or like the standard kids decor (read Elmo, Disney, etc) this space is too adult for me. I like a place with more color for my child, something they can call their space and feel happy in it, I have the rest of the home to bring my style.

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  10. I agree with you, that doesn't say "child" to me at all. I didn't even notice the crib at first glance! I can't imagine a child running around and playing in there, it just looks too posh for that. Otherwise it is a great room though.

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  11. Maybe it's meant as a multi-purpose room? I didn't click on the original link but I have a friend who is having a baby and the "nursery" space actually has to function as her guest room/office too. So they kept the decor sophisticated but added a few whimsical touches, much like this space. It's not technically a nursery but it's not totally JUST a guest room or JUST an office either. I think it depends on if the space is multi-functional. If this was meant as JUST a nursery, then yes, it's probably too adult & sophisticated. But if they are using it for more than one purpose, then I think it actually works just right.

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  12. I love this room, but not necessarily for a child. Right now I am currently updating my 3yr olds room and I am staying away from the standard ‘Elmo, Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh… etc décor, however I want to incorporate the things he likes. Dinosaurs, Robots, cars… and lots of color to stimulate his mind and bring out his creative side. A room where he can run into and just have a ton of fun.

    A room like the one in the photo would work awesome as a multi-purpose room.

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  13. This space may very well be a multi-purpose space - there wasn't much information in the original post where I came across the photo. Either way, I'm not trying to put down this (very stunning) room as much as try to figure out where it all becomes too much. I've been thinking about this topic for a while as I've been seeing more and more grown-up looking children's spaces and this image just happened to serve as a visual for what I'm talking about.

    What makes a space feel right for a child? At what point does it swing to too cute and at what point does it look too grown up? Of course it all comes down to personal taste, but I wondered what you all thought. Thanks for the thoughtful and insightful comments so far!

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  14. I totally agree! Multi-purpose rooms should obviously feel more adult. This was listed as a nursery in the original post, but there wasn't much information so it may very well have been meant to serve multiple functions.

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  15. I think that's a big thing for me - does the space feel happy? I think this one is pretty close with the colorful art and pillows. Maybe if the rug or window treatments had a little more color it would hit the right chord for me?

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  16. Good luck with the update - it sounds like it's going to be great!

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  17. The Distressed MotherAugust 12, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    I think it looks like a lounge room with a cot shoved in the corner. It would work so much better with a single armchair.

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  18. I agree that the sofa is one of the major detractors of the nursery feel.

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  19. Dina @ Honey + FitzAugust 12, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I'm going to guess based on the fact that Erin described this room as being in a Beacon Hill apartment that this room HAS to be a multifunctional space (notoriously small apts in that part of town unless you happen to be a senator!). It looks to me like they are trying to have the room do double duty as a guest room (I bet that's a sleeper sofa) and a nursery. I agree, not very "inspiring" for a baby but I bet they're just trying to make the most of what little space they have.

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  20. Michelle Bourdon-BastianAugust 15, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    I love the room but I don't like it for a child's space, and the main reason is that everything is sized for an adult and is not at all proportionate or accessible for when baby becomes toddler. It would be hard to imagine a young child feeling at home or enjoying this space. Oh, and the sofa is white....who is this person kidding? I love stylish kids rooms, but this is just a stylish room with a kid in it.

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