Journal — Maxpatch Studio

If there’s one piece of furniture every nursery needs, it’s likely a crib. Although I might debate the glider/recliner is equally as necessary, but I’ll save that for another post.

Some things to consider before making a decision about which crib will best suit your family:

Space considerations: Is a standard-size crib the right option, or do you need a smaller scale option? There are several great crib options designed specifically for small spaces.
Style considerations: Are you planning to use the same crib for future children? If so, it’s practical to choose a gender neutral option and a style that can adapt with any future changes to the room’s look and feel.
Material considerations: Do you have preferences about materials? I’m always a fan of solid-wood construction for longevity purposes and there are also many manufacturers that now offer GREENGUARD certified cribs (which means the product has met some of the world’s most rigorous standards for low VOC emissions into indoor air) at a variety of price points.
Convertibility considerations: Do you want a crib that can transition with your child as their sleeping needs change? Many cribs convert to toddler beds and some even convert to queen beds. If you think you’ll use your crib as a toddler bed, it’s a good idea to purchase the toddler rail (often sold separately) to ensure it’s available when you need it.

Below are my favorite standard-size crib options for a modern, timeless look that can be dressed up or down, for boys and girls, depending on your stylE.

Babyletto Scoot 3-in-1 Convertible Crib $399
A classic style crib with a light, two-tone look—I purchased the Scoot crib for Leo’s nursery and have been extremely happy with it. It converts to a toddler bed (with included rail) or to a daybed when your little one is ready to move on. Made of New Zealand pine and GREENGUARD Gold Certified-screened for 360 VOCs and over 10,000 chemicals.

Photo: Markie Walden for Maxpatch Studio

Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib $399
Another crowd favorite, the Lolly crib is the perfect addition to a modern nursery. Made of New Zealand pine and GREENGUARD Gold Certified-screened for 360 VOCs and over 10,000 chemicals.

Photo: Amber Interiors

IKEA SNIGLAR Crib $79
The IKEA crib is a fantastic wallet-friendly option made of solid beech wood. It’s loved by moms and designers alike. One side rail can be removed to create a toddler daybed and at only $79, you can’t beat it.

Photo: Sarah Yates Mora, House in the Hills

Crate&kids Hampshire Crib $599
Olive green is having a moment right now and this crib, with it’s sleek lines, can be dressed up with garden florals for a sweet baby girl’s nursery or paired with gingham for a little boy’s woodland retreat. Made of solid poplar, solid rubberwood, and low-emission engineered wood with a non-toxic finish.

West Elm x pbk Mid-Century Crib $499
The latest collaboration between West Elm and Pottery Barn Kids is so, so good. This mid-century beauty comes in two great colors—white and acorn, which is a great medium-tone wood option. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified and Fair Trade Certified, made of solid sap gum wood and MDF (medium density fiberboard).

DwellStudio Mid-Century Crib $359
I’ve loved this crib for a long time and it’s still a top contender. The cross-pattern legs are a lovely design detail that doesn’t get overlooked. It’s made of solid poplar wood, converts to a toddler daybed, and comes in both white and grey.

Photo: Stefani Stein

Kalon Studios Caravan Crib scandinavian nursery

KALON Studios Caravan Crib $1195-1495
You’ve likely seen this beauty make her rounds on Pinterest and Instagram, and for all the right reasons. The Caravan crib is designed in LA and made in Pennsylvania of solid American maple. It’s the ultimate convertible crib as it can be used as a toddler daybed or flexible seating anywhere in the house. You can make it yours by selecting from a collection of limited edition rail colors.

Photo: Kalon Studios

Oeuf NYC Rhea Crib $670
A great dark wood option, the Rhea crib is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and made of solid birch and baltic birch plywood with non-toxic finishes free of VOCs. I love Oeuf for their commitment to quality and design, both in their covetable furniture as well as their kids clothing and accessories.

Photo: Amy Skylar Design

It was January. My son was almost a year old and I had a sudden jolt of energy that I hadn’t felt since before he was born. It was as though the fog of that first year had finally lifted and I felt that I could do more than survive the day-to-day. It was also the beginning of a new year, which meant goals, routines, and resolutions. Shortly after speaking with a college friend, Ciara Burton, who offers personalized mindfulness and leadership programs to women, I started Maxpatch Studio, an interior design studio devoted to growing families. I specialize in nurseries and big kid rooms, play spaces, and family rooms—places to eat, sleep, and lounge.

I bought a domain, filed for an LLC, created a website, and then I contacted Amber Michels, founder of Your Milk Shoppe, which serves soon-to-be and veteran mamas in the Upstate and and beyond. During our first coffee date, Amber revealed she was expecting her second baby, a little boy, and asked if I would be interested in designing her son’s nursery in their new home. It was a no brainer! My fledgling business was off to a good start.

As the weeks went by, Amber and I started planning. For every new project, I start with a conversation. I ask things like: If you could describe your ideal space, what three adjectives would you use? And: How will you typically use this space? I also try to understand color and style preferences, if any existing furniture or accessory items will be incorporated into the new design, and budget considerations. Having majored in architecture and interior design during my undergraduate years, I know professional interior design services can feel out of reach for most people. One of the principles of Maxpatch is to offer affordable design services to families. And a way to do this is with thoughtful design choices, such as intentionally selecting pieces that will last for years and transition with families as they grow and change.

After understanding the hopes and goals for a new space, I create a style board—a combination of inspiration images from around the web and specific product selections from retailers and independent artists and makers. I love to incorporate one-of-a-kind pieces wherever possible (Etsy is a great place to look and makers love to work with you!). With Amber, we started with a mostly blank slate, except for the crib she had used with her first daughter and a vintage dresser she had purchased years ago while living in New Orleans. Both would remain in the nursery, but the dresser would get a face lift with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.

Next, we selected an area rug. It set the tone for the entire space. Lots of blues, from deep navy to pretty turquoise, plus the tiniest bit of golden ochre provided a rich color palette for the remaining pieces. We added a new glider/recliner and side table, a tall bookcase, a floor lamp, and blackout curtains, which matched the glider perfectly.

Then, it was time for art and accessories. I recently discovered Audrey Bodisco and immediately fell in love with her work. I sent her the style board and a photo of the rug and she created the most beautiful commissioned piece for baby Michels. It’s easily my favorite part of the room and something he will have for years to come. An oversized wall mirror and animal prints by Sharon Montrose added that necessary dose of “baby” to the space.

Lastly, we layered in the final details: a custom lumbar pillow with golden tassels, a pom pom mobile in saturated hues, a simple strand of wooden beads, baskets, bed linens, and plants! If you ever ask yourself, what is this room missing? The answer is always a plant. Lucky for us, Greenville has several great local plant stores who are willing to answer any questions you might have: Savereign in the Village of West Greenville, Urban Digs on the east side, and Roots on Augusta Road.

There you have it, baby Michels’ picture perfect nursery. We are ready for you baby boy!
All nursery photos beautiful captured by the lovely and talented Courtney Malone.

If you or anyone you know is nesting and waiting on baby and wants the perfect nursery, I’m your girl. If you need a grown-up space for your growing toddler, please reach out. And if there’s something from your dream home wishlist you’d like design help with, I’d love to hear from you! Email me at hello@maxpatchstudio.com, visit my website for more information, and follow me on Instagram!

Shop Baby Michels’ Nursery

Rug, Lulu & Georgia

Wall hooks, Loop Design Studio

Basket, Target

Custom artwork, Audrey Bodisco

Animal prints, Animal Print Shop

Wood frames, IKEA

Leather drawer pulls, Etsy

Changing pad cover, West Elm x PBK

Recliner/glider, Hayneedle

African Mudcloth pillow, Etsy

Safari quilt, CrateKids