My friend-for-life, Betsy, is having her first baby.  She just found out yesterday that it is going to be a boy.  Here is my Congratulations Gift to her: a virtual consultation.  She wrote me yesterday to tell me she didn’t want any kitschy character crap and her hallway upon entering the baby’s room had chocolate walls and vanilla trim.  (Hint Hint, right?)

When I give a client a Design Recap, the copy is formal.  But Betsy is my friend, not my client, and I am posting this on my blog for the world to see.  So just imagine me standing in room with her…

Run out NOW, Betsy, and get the DwellStudio Space Baby Bedding Collection because it is really really super cheap at $64 for Designer Bedding.   They have it at your Target (I checked) but in limited quantities. Plus, its blue and green and should remind you of my dorm at Westminster. (Readers, Betsy and I went to college together, but we go back  waaayyy  before that…) And space stuff is cool, not dumb like trucks or trains. The world needs more scientists. 

The paint swatches are from Benjamin Moore’s new Affinty Colors mixed exclusively in Aura paint.  Aura paint is scrubbable, which is good since you are having a boy, and is environmentally friendly.  It is more expensive, but take my advice.  This high quality paint is worth the few extra dollars.

An outdoor rug will protect your light carpeting, and can be hosed off when the baby has an explosion poop or barfs all over the place.  It doesn’t look like an outdoor rug, does it?  I have had great luck with Home Decorators Collection.  Go for as big as you can afford, but try not to get any smaller than the 5 x 7, which is more than I wanted to find at $169, but remember I saved you a bunch on the bedding.

I love this earth decal.  It’s pretty big at 27 x 27, only $30 and is removeable, so have no fear.  You can use it to point out where mommy and daddy are from.  And teach Biddy Baby how important it is to clean up after your oil spill.

Brown furniture will coordinate well.  I tried to find  something for you on CraigsList, but I wasn’t too successful.  The good thing is you have time to keep checking.  I do love this $99  small dresser from Ikea.  You can use it for a changing table, and buying it will give you a reason to come and see me. I found this crib at Target and it looks pretty nice  for only $149.

NO GLIDERS!  Get a Poang instead.  Plus I really want you to make an Ikea trip so I can rub your baby bump.

The drapery panels are from Pottery Barn Kids.  They are clearanced priced at $49, and if you have only one window, you will need two.  (A panel for either side.) They are Blackout, and if you have a baby that sleeps better in a dark room you will love me forever for suggesting them.  Choose navy in order to avoid Matchy Matchy Syndrome.

Last but not least, understand that every baby’s room needs a little kitsch.  It’s the American Way, Betsy.  This Rocket Lava Lamp is the bomb diggity and only $23!  The green goo sparkles as it warms up.  And when Biddy is the first man on Mars, you can tell him to thank his Aunty Denise.