Here it is… Arlo’s rainbow nursery REVEAL!!!
This whole process has been a dream. I’ve been working with The Land of Nod for years on projects for the blog and it was so fun to finally (FINALLY!) be able to partner with them for my very own baby’s room, in my very own home!! Still pinching myself. They have the best quality and most well-designed kids items, so much so that I often end up getting items from there for the rest of my home, too. They also work with a lot of small businesses and independent designers on their products, which was really important to me.
From the second we brought Arlo home, I’d been dreaming and scheming about his room. I knew exactly what I wanted it to look like and I could picture every detail. I wanted it to be magical for him. I wanted it to be full of color, culture and items created by people we love. I’m so proud of it, and so beyond excited to share ALL the details with you today! Are you even READY!?
Ok but first, can we take a look at this before and after….
BAM BAM BAM!!!!!!! What an upgrade! Haha!! I thought I’d take you through each element of his room and explain a bit about why we chose it and what it means to us. Let’s start with his gallery wall!
His room has this amazing ledge that we knew we wanted to incorporate into some sort of gallery. After much debate, we decided to hang the artwork above it, and use the ledge to display some of our favorite items we’ve collected, like his collection of handmade stuffed animals from Mexico. Each piece on the wall either carries meaning for my family, or was created by an artist or photographer who we know or admire. I wanted to be able, in a few years, to point to each piece on the wall and tell Arlo all about how that person is chasing their dreams.
We have several photographs by friends of ours, a poster gifted to me years ago by my best friend that I’ve been saving for this room, a huichol yarn painting from Mexico and a neon sign with a quote from our favorite movie… among so many others!! I might do an Instagram story or Live to tell you about each piece. Would you guys like that!?
We decided to put his changing table right below it because he loves to look up at all the art and play with the stuffed animals. It’s actually a dresser that we use as a changing table and it’s from Land of Nod’s Jenny Lind collection which I’ve had bookmarked forEVER. I love how whimsical it is!!!! (And it fits a lot, so BONUS. Ha!)
In the corner, we have our little reading nook! We sit here every night to read bedtime stories. I honestly got this mint leather rocking chair solely because I loved the color (LOL) but I’ve been SO happy that it’s leather. Arlo LOVES to scratch at furniture and if it was fabric, I’m afraid it would be torn to shreds like our couch currently is. This just looks better with age, so that’s been awesome. I paired it with a colorful foot stool which was made from Guatemalan and Mexican textiles.
Ahhhh and then comes my DIY projects!! This rainbow latch hook took me about six or seven months to complete. And honestly, it was totally worth it. It was definitely a labor of love but I really enjoyed having a project to work on gradually and I knew it would look SO GOOD above his crib. (Side note: we also got this organic mattress for him which we really love.) I have a full tutorial coming soon for those who’ve been following my progress on Stories and asking!!
And right next to it, the giant five foot plush cactus I made!!!! This was another one that I just had a vision for and knew I had to make happen. I really love how it turned out!!
And last, my rattan animal head! I chose this to tie in to some of the natural elements, like the changing basket, in the room. I added a little pom pom crown and garland to him for a pop of color!
Also, can we give a round of applause to this light fixture. ZOMG! It was the very first thing I bought for his room, actually. And what an improvement from that ceiling fan!!!
And last, my prized rainbow book shelves!!!!! We put these up back in… August!? And I’ve been dying to show you ever since!!! I get an insane amount of satisfaction lining up all his books by color every day. Ha! You can grab the whole rainbow of them here.
Of course, his room wouldn’t be complete without one of his dad’s photos in there! This balloon car one greets you right as you walk in his (yellow) door.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
And there you have it! I really poured my heart into every detail of this room. Every single piece in it has meaning. I love that so many items are handmade or designed by talented artists I know. I love that there are gifts from friends, near and far. I love that Morocco, Australia, Mexico, Guatemala, and more are represented here. I love that there’s pink and there’s blue and there’s every color in between because all colors are for everyone. I love that there are items that I worked for months to make, just for him.
I know I make a really big deal out of everything having to do with Arlo, but it’s because everything means so, so much to me. He’s such a gift and the least I could do is give him a happy, joyful place to grow up and learn in. Kiddo, thanks for making mamas dreams come true!
Below you will find a detailed source list. If there is not a source, unfortunately that means it was either a gift or I don’t have a source for that item!
Main Furniture + Storage Piece Sources
Crib | Organic Mattress | Organic Mattress Pad
Dresser | Rocking Chair
Rainbow Book Shelves | Storage Bench | Colorful Stool
Art Sources
Gallery Wall
Plush Unicorn Head | Pink Cactus | Chris Uphues Hearts*
Arlo Flag (DIY’d by me) | Abstract Art | Pineapple Print
Rainbow Print* | Paint Roller Print | Family Cross Stitch*
Neon Heart | Huichol Yarn Painting | VW Van
“Adventure” Neon Sign* | Acrylic Frames* | Acrylic Poster Hangers*
Star Wall Hook | Yellow Wall Hook | Cactus Wall Hook
Other Art
Balloon Car Print | Bright Side Banner
Decor Items
Cactus Pillow | Rainbow Pillow | Banana Pillow
“Like You This Much” Pillow | Ceiling Light Fixture* | Rug*
Giant Yarn Pom* | Changing Basket* | Serape Blanket*
Polka Dot Sheet | Pom Pom Garlands | Tassel Heart
Blinds | Curtain Rods | Pom Pom Curtains
Toys
Lion Rocking Horse | Rainbow Blocks (Similar here)
Rainbow Stacking Toy | Alligator Pull Toy
Dinosaur Stuffed Animals | Neon Wool Hedgehog
Wool Elephant | Neon Giraffe*
Outfits
Arlo: “The Future Is Me” Romper
Me: Pink Cardigan | Jeans
Paint Colors
Walls: Dunn Edwards “White”*
Door: Dunn Edwards “Highlighter”*
This post was created in partnership with The Land of Nod. All content and opinions are that of my own! Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep the Studio DIY party going! Read more about my editorial policies here.
103 comments
Michelle Harriman January 30, 2018
I LOVE everything about this. The rainbow bookcase is definitely my favorite. Congratulations guys!!! You did an awesome job on Arlo’s room and I know he will love it!
KATY January 30, 2018
I have been waiting for this. It was worth it. P-P-Popping with colour and perfect in every way! So much fun.
Monja86 January 30, 2018
SO SO SO BEAUTIFUL! I’m in love with every little detail!
Giu January 30, 2018
Serious nursery envy -from a mama who only deals with pastels and grays. Love love love the splash of colour which brings so much fun and joy to a white canvas and love the fact that each item is not there by chance. You feel blessed by Arlo but I’m sure he feels blessed every day to have both of you in his life and be surrounded by so much love. Big, fat congrats and well done!!!! (Catch up on your sleep now hahahaha) hugs from Trinidad and Tobago 🙂
Kaitlin Kirchner January 30, 2018
Oh my goodness!!! This is the most perfect, colorful, fun, unique, exciting and stunning room ever!!!! Can I have it as my own room?! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! You have completely outdone yourself! I knew it would look awesome, but it blew every expectation out of the water! I know Arlo will love it for years to come! IN LOVE with the custom neon sign, rainbow latch hook and rainbow shelves!! You definitely should be proud of yourself!
Kelly January 30, 2018
Awww Kaitlin!! Thank you so much!!
Ashley January 30, 2018
I’m screaming. Could this be any more perfect?!? You are amazing!
Grace January 30, 2018
I love this!!! I wish my room looked like this. And to answer your question I’d watch a live video about the meaning behind the gallery wall.
Josie January 30, 2018
Wow!!! Most amazing room ever! I want it for myself, haha!! You did such a beautiful job. This makes me sooooo anxious to see the rest of the rooms in your house now! Xo
Kelly January 30, 2018
Eeeeee!! Thanks Josie!!!! Can’t wait to start sharing a few of the other rooms we’re working on!!
Floor January 30, 2018
Love it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Laura January 30, 2018
This is the baby room of my dreams! What a wonderfully bright and happy room for Arlo! You hit it out of the park. Still dying over Every detail. That galley wall though…perfection.
Shae January 30, 2018
Kelly…..this room rocks! It’s the color explosion of my dreams. It will foster so much inspiration for Arlo for years to come!
Kelly January 30, 2018
Awww I sure hope it does!! Thank you Shae!!
OneHappyLaina January 30, 2018
👏👏👏👏 I could tell that every piece was meaningful and a lot of care and thought when into everything before I even read your full post! The print that says “The world would Have less colour without you” made me have something in my eye😢 Arlo is going to appreciate how much you’ve cared about every little detail of his life. That kind of love and energy is contagious, and he will take it with him as he gets older and continue to make the world more colorful🌈 thank you so much for sharing!💕
Susan January 30, 2018
l can imagine what a joy and feast for the eyes and heart it must be to lie down in the middle of that rug with Arlo playing around you or crawling on you. A dream come true. The room is amazing. l just had a vision of future Arlo hanging that beautiful rainbow latch work in his own first child’s nursery – and had tears in my eyes. Kelly and Jeff, this nursery truly feels like being wrapped in a rainbow of love and life and joy. Bravo!!! Having just traveled deep down into Mexico, l recognize SO many of the colorful pieces you are sharing from the street markets we visited. Just wait until you walk through one yourself! ‘SO hard not to want to scoop up all of the color and warmth and texture. Watching the people make the pom poms and felt pillows you’ve shared, plus colorful rainbow baskets and purses and shoes in person was an amazing gift. l think that experience will grow your love for Arlo’s heritage all the more. l know it did so for our family. Thank you so much for sharing, and YES! Please do some stories on everything!!! 💗💗💗
Supplementary Exam May 1, 2018
Thanks.. A Great Share 🙂
Susan January 30, 2018
I’m so sorry. l don’t know why that was in response to someone else’s comment! 🙈
Jodi January 30, 2018
It looks AMAZING!!!!!! What a bright and happy space. It’s so perfect for all three of you!!
Christiana January 30, 2018
WOW! Absolutely in love with Arlo’s room. You did such an amazing job and have such a great eye for detail. Arlo is one lucky kid!
Rosie January 30, 2018
The best kind of projects are the ones that bring you joy, and every detail of this room exudes the joy and love you feel for sweet Arlo! The UP face poster may have made me cry. I can’t wait for the latch hook tutorial!!! So happy for you guys! 💗
Mia January 30, 2018
THIS IS PERFECTION!!! Can it be my bedroom? PLEASE? (With an adult sized bed though). Seriously, I love it so much! It’s so fun and I love that it’s not overly babyish, you know? The bright colors and white really set it apart from the many nurseries that, while still cute, are all pastels. LOOOOVEEEEEEEEE
Kelly January 30, 2018
Haha! Yes!! Thank you Mia!!
Natalie January 30, 2018
Happiest room ever! It is just perfect.
Jaime Hamilton January 30, 2018
Arlo’s room is so lovely! I love the bright rainbow colors! I organized my books by rainbow colors too!
Anastasia January 30, 2018
GUYYYYYS! It’s just the happiest place ever. Fab partnership (obvs the land of nod stuff is to die for) but I love how many personal touches you added to it. So well done, friends! Congrats on checking this off your list Kelly!
Rhiannon January 30, 2018
I’ve been waiting to see this room for AGES now and I love it so much. It’s acthally quite similar to my own bedroom. The post was lovely and I’m going to be honest, I teared up a little 🙂 love you guys
Lauren January 30, 2018
WOW! This is my dream room! Absolutely stunning! You can see the heart and soul that was put into it. So pretty! Now, please come style my kids’ rooms. 🙂
Kelsey January 30, 2018
The space is adorable and you can just see the love and care you put into it radiating from every corner. Thank you for sharing it!
Katie January 30, 2018
What a beautiful, meaningful space, Kelly & Jeff! Arlo is one lucky dude! I love the colorful bookshelves and I’m wondering – do you have any adoption-specific books for kids that you read to him or you plan to read with him? Thanks!
Kelly January 30, 2018
Yes!! I’ve been thinking about doing a post on some of our favorite books (both adoption related and non-adoption related!), maybe I’ll get working on that sooner than later!?
Savannah Smiled January 30, 2018
After hearing about the latch hook for SOOOO long in stories, I couldn’t wait to see it. What a fun, rainbow dream room to grow up in. You can tell you put your full momma heart into it. Bye…gotta go cry now! 😍
Jessica January 30, 2018
THIS ROOM! This room is magical! Seriously, any child would dream of such a beautiful room. Arlo is one lucky little guy. Great work. It truly shows that you poured your heart and soul into this room and it’s absolutely breath-taking. Very nice work. By far my favoriate post I’ve ever seen from you guys and this is the first time I’ve commented on your blog. AMAZING!
Kelly January 30, 2018
Aw Jessica!! You’re going to make me cry!! Haha! Thank you so so much!!
Angela January 30, 2018
LOVE!!! The absolute best way to have a pure white room with so much color added in! I especially love the artwork from friends and special things you’ve had or collected for Arlo and how you’ve incorporated cultural items! You and Jeff are truly inspiring in so many ways!
NICOLE January 30, 2018
YOU KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!!! AMAZING!!!
Emily January 30, 2018
Oh my stars! The cactus! Welllll, all of it. Woah. Wow. Yay and holy amazing. You’re one heck of a momma! 👍🏻
DriverB January 30, 2018
So beautiful and fun. Thank you for sharing every detail!
Kasia January 30, 2018
I think I need this giant cactus for my self!!! And gosh all those colors.. OMG! Love it! I could live in this room for ever!!! <3
Stacey January 30, 2018
I can’t even begin to pick a favorite with this room. It’s all so beautiful, thoughtful and cohesive! You two are so talented!! I do love the mint leather chair and the Adventure is out there art!! Congrats on sweet little Arlo and his stunning boudoir!
Cinzia January 30, 2018
Beautiful and colorful room! I love the cactus so much. You are a great mum, you are great parents. <3
Pat January 30, 2018
No other words but 1 AWESOME
Kristina B January 30, 2018
YAY!!! It’s all done!!! Your latch hook and cactus came out AMAZING and so worth the wait.
My favorite parts of his room are 1) how you want to point out how all the artists on his gallery wall followed their dreams and 2) looking through his books and being able to pick out why a few of them might be there. The Good Dinosaur (duh) The Wonderful Things You Will Be (A kid hanging onto balloons!) and one by Jimmy Fallon (I mean, hello…)
It’s SO GOOD Kelly. Nice work! You should be VERY proud. <3
Kelly January 30, 2018
Thanks lady!!! Yes, good eye on those books!! Lots of them have a lot of meaning to us. =)
Charlotte Collie January 30, 2018
BEST PARENTS EVER!! This is truly incredible!
Coreen January 30, 2018
You guys, this room is so beautiful!! And I love all of your sentiments! Great work!!!
Kelly January 30, 2018
aww thank you lady!!
Michelle January 30, 2018
I keep imagining life through Arlo’s eyes like a Disney movie! How he’ll grow up remembering the bright and bold yellow door and this magic little world you guys have created for him :’)
Kelly January 30, 2018
that is the goal!! Thank you 🙂
Holly January 30, 2018
It is seriously amazing to me how you make colour look so NATURAL. This room looks like a dream. I wish I could live there! Such an inspiration. My son’s favourite colour is yellow and he would DIE to have that door!
Kelly January 30, 2018
what a compliment! Thank you!!
Brittney Guise January 30, 2018
WOW! This is so stunning! I’ve been following for years and it’s been such a hard, but beautiful journey. It’s awesome to see when things work out. This room is oozing with love for precious Arlo! X
Kelly January 30, 2018
ahh! thanks for hanging out with us through the years, Brittany!! Your words today are just.. wow -thank you!!
Bry January 30, 2018
Lalalalalalala loveeeee Arlo’s nursery. I wouldnt have ever thought to do a colorful room for a fun baby boy. You are so inspiring and creative. Arlo’s blessed to have you.
Kelly January 30, 2018
thank you x 10000000 !!
les January 30, 2018
no im not freaking crying at work over this right now!
not
at
all!!!!
ahh! i love this room SO MUCH!!!!
he’s the luckiest little guy ever!
and im so happy that you went COLORFUL vs basic “boy” colors.
i love this!
(come decorate my room now, please!)
those DIYS!
all the art!
the light!
the book shelves!!!
everything is so perfect!!!
but your reasoning behind this room!
that’s what made me NOT cry.
ahhh!!!!
love this kel. amazing job!
Kelly January 30, 2018
we never stray from the colorful over here! Thanks lady!!
Emily January 30, 2018
THIS IS SO AMAZING. OH. MY. GOODNESS. This is truly the most beautiful nursery & bedroom I’ve seen. Ever. I AM SO IN LOVE. AHHHH. Seriously, I cannot contain my excitement, it’s so wonderful. It’s so so so inspiring. Arlo is so lucky to grow up in this room, and so incredibly lucky to have you & Jeff (& Bella, ofcourse) as his family. It’s just so stunning. I can’t handle the beauty. And OMG, that latch-hook turned out SO GREAT. So so good. Also, YES to the Instagram stories on the gallery wall. I know I am only 1 of the many followers that lost their mind waiting for this reveal, but it was so worth the wait! JUST SO GOOD. Bravo.
Kelly January 30, 2018
thank you SO MUCH Emily!!! Means the world to me.
Amanda J. January 30, 2018
Holy crap!! This is… awesome! It’s like… out of a story book!!!!
Kelly January 30, 2018
yay!! Glad you love it!
Lily January 30, 2018
So much fun!! I’ve been waiting for this for so long. I’d definitely watch instagram stories about the gallery wall. (Please do that!)
Quick question: Do you anticipate this continuing to be Arlo’s room as he gets older? Or will it remain a nursery for any furture kiddos?
Kelly January 30, 2018
good question! One that we honestly don’t really know the answer to yet! Our guest room will eventually become a second kids room, but once we have more, we will have to re-evaluate at that time! 🙂
Kelly January 30, 2018
This will probably be his room to grow up in!
Marisa Morrison January 30, 2018
Arlo’s room is incredible, Kelly. I totally completely 100% get why you’re so pumped – I would be too!!!!!! I’m sure you’ve been dreaming about this moment forever, and I’m so happy for you that’s finally here. 🙂 Safe travels in Ohio!! xoxo
Marisa
Kelly January 30, 2018
thank you so much Marisa!
Jessica January 30, 2018
That bookshelf is the thing of dreams! 😍
Kelly January 30, 2018
ugh it might be my fav thing in the room!
Cari January 30, 2018
Amazing room, Kelly! Very inspirational. I love something Jeff saud too, about how you took the time to get it right and didn’t try to cut corners or settle. Also very inspirational! Which piece is from Australia?
Kelly January 30, 2018
He wasn’t kidding haha! We have a few items from Australia in the room, actually. Like the neon lucite frames on the gallery wall! They should be linked up in the post!
Brittany January 30, 2018
literally crying my eyes out! I love everything in this space, every inch you can see what love was put into this room by you. Arlo’s nursery just screams love and happiness!
Kelly January 30, 2018
thank you so much, Brittany!! We so appreciate your kind words 🙂
char January 30, 2018
As a color phobic person with a house mostly beige and boring (except for the daring red kitchen cabinet doors) I adore watching you incorporate color in everything. I love Arlo’s nursery.
Dorothy January 30, 2018
L O V E ! So beautiful, unique, colorful and a lot going on but doesn’t feel cluttered. It’s very balanced and I know how HARD “looking effortless” actually is. All the thought, planning and work shows, well done!
*Oh and now with that amazing stuffed cactus you don’t have to get a Christmas tree for his room every year because you could just wrap lights around the cactus and put little pins in to hang ornaments from! (even though I know you still will get him a tree because you love Christmas and want to) but just an idea, you could do both! Cactus Christmas trees are A THING you know! 😉
Amanda January 30, 2018
THIS IS AMAZING! #nurserygoals It’s so hard to choose a fave part, but I LOVE the cactus and the gallery wall! My daughter is 8 months old and I’ve been wanting to do a gallery in her room! This is great inspiration!
Random question: How did you hang the family cross-stitch? I don’t see a hook. Thanks!
Sylvie January 31, 2018
SO beautiful!! Colorize my room next? 🙂
Also, I would love to see a giant plush cactus tutorial? I think my room might need one, too!
Laura Bogert January 31, 2018
Best nursery ever! My kids had a yellow nursery, so I was so excited to see the yellow door…but then everything else…WOW! My favorite is the rainbow book shelf!!
Aimee Swindall January 31, 2018
LOVE! Definitely inspiring me to add more color to my sons room!
Rachel January 31, 2018
Love everything about this!! Would love to hear the story of all the gallery wall pieces on Instagram.
Ps you should hire an intern to start making latchhook rainbow murals to sell in the shop. It’d be a big hit! 🙌
Mariah January 31, 2018
This room is so amazing! I love following you on Instagram and seeing all the fun colorful things you use. I love color and view black, white, tan, and grey as so boring! I love how you use color and make it so beautiful, I want my room to look like this. I always do everything by rainbow, doesn’t get much better than that!
Trish February 1, 2018
LOVE all the house renos and everything that comes along with it. I CANNOT WAIT for the kitchen. I love that it leads me down a rabbit hole like ‘maybe I could do a latch hook – but its not what I came for… does that make sense? Its my absolute favourite thing.
Niki February 1, 2018
This nursery is amazing! Not that I expected anything less…I would love to see stories about each Pierce in the gallery wall!
Merlynn H. Wierzbicki February 2, 2018
I love everything about this! So many pops of color, in a fun way. Will you be sharing how you made his tall cactus? I would love to have one in my bedroom. No one should be too old to have one in their bedroom.
Merlynn H. Wierzbicki
Gabrielle February 5, 2018
I swear I fall more in love with this room every time I come back to this post. I know you worked so hard on it, and it really shows through. Arlo is a very lucky little boy to have such wonderful parents who have created such a magical, colorful, beautiful space for him to grow up in. I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with for the rest of your home 🙂
Jana Mclean February 5, 2018
I love your use of colour (u becuase I am canadian :)) and having all the walls white, AMAZING. I can’t wait for you DIY Rainbow Latch Hook post. I am totally making it for my boys room!
Fallon February 18, 2018
Obsessed with the cactus. Any tips on how I can recreate on my own? So so cute! Help, I need one now! <3
Katie March 5, 2018
I am turning a dresser into a changing table as well…I love your changing basket on top. Where is it from?
Nicole Bullock March 16, 2018
This made my day. Are you planning to/can you offer how to’s on making the rainbow wall hanging and the cactus?
THANK YOU!
Lyndsay // Coco Cake Land March 31, 2018
SMILING MY FACE OFF reading this post… Arlo’s room is BEYOND BEYOND!!! So beautifully colourful and fun, he will have such a blast growing up in this room! SO sweet Kelly, you really did an incredible job! You can feel the love in all the details. That rainbow rug is the cutest ever!! XO
Rachel June 24, 2018
Love your nursery SO much!! You did a beautiful job! Do you mind me asking where the crib sheet is from? It’s perfect! 🙂
Bets July 6, 2018
This is the happiest and most amazing nursery I’ve ever seen!
mohan July 28, 2018
Nice Art 🙂
Ilona November 18, 2018
Love this so much! I’m using this as inspiration for a rainbow room for my girls since I wanted it to be bright but not boring. Love love this so much. Any advice on where to find a similar rug? I’m having a hard time finding a bright enough rug. Thanks!