Annette pictured in Violet's nursery with the babyletto Kiwi Recliner in Ivory Boucle (far left) and Hudson 3-in-1 Crib in Washed Natural (right)

Annette’s older daughter Harlee’s Colorful Boho nursery featured our Lolly Crib, our Sleepytime Rocker, and a whimsical mix of contemporary prints and crisp Scandinavian silhouettes. “I knew right away that I would get the crib and glider from Babyletto which is the same brand we trusted with Harlee since their products are eco-conscious and sustainable,” she said. For her younger daughter Violet’s nursery, Annette went in a different direction. “I wanted a very specific and ‘high design’ space that we can all enjoy as Miss Violet grows up,” she said. Such an elevated space required a degree of versatility, which, luckily, is synonymous with Vintage Maximalism.

Vintage Maximalism is a brazen contender to the design throne, which has for so long been occupied by Scandinavian Minimalism and Mid-Century Modern. If you delight in contradictions, this style is for you. It involves marrying the old and new and arranging seemingly incompatible prints to create a unique kind of visual harmony. Aside from being strikingly stylish, eclectic patterns and saturated colors serve a practical purpose. Like Montessori toys that nurture confidence, curiosity, and independence in children, varied textures encourage creative exploration and play. When describing her choice of bold statement rug, Annette predicted, “It’ll be a great sensory experience with all the prints and colors.”

Annette started building Violet’s nursery with a tastefully weathered French Provincial dresser she found at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. She styled our Hudson Crib in Washed Natural and Kiwi Recliner in Ivory Boucle with unique thrifted décor, like Japanese silk tapestries she discovered at an antique store. Curtains featuring a dramatic, inky black and white floral print provide cool-toned contrast to the array of vivid colors and patterns.

SUSTAINABLY STYLISH

Objects with Histories: the French Provincial dresser that Annette found at a flea market (left) and the marbled end table and West Elm Abacus Table Lamp (right) she repurposed from Harlee's nursery.

As a thrifting expert, Annette’s interest in sustainable design comes at no surprise. Going vintage had two crucial benefits: Annette achieved timeless style and practical longevity. While we don’t encourage the reuse of cribs due to the risk of expired warranties or safety certifications, one of the best ways to craft a sustainable nursery is to recycle décor elements. Annette embraced the opportunity to get creative with what she had on hand. Many of the accents in Violet’s nursery, like the lamp, side table, and bookshelves, were all from Harlee’s nursery. She also chose the Kiwi Recliner because she knew it would serve a purpose beyond the nursery, explaining, “I went with the Boucle since it’s so soft and luxe, plus it’ll work with our decor for the long term (we can move it into a den or playroom and use for a comfy lounger).”