Situated in a townhouse in Brooklyn’s brownstone-lined Park Slope neighborhood, this nursery lacked the historic charm of the building’s exterior (the home had been renovated by a builder who removed most of the original details). To restore the room to its former splendor, designer Susana Simonpietri, creative director of the Brooklyn-based interiors firm Chango & Co., brought back a bevy of traditional details, from classic furnishings to distinctive moldings. “The home has a large amount of character and grandeur,” she says. “We kept the design choices on the higher end to match the personality of the house.” Below, Simonpietri breaks down how those refined decisions led to this surprisingly elegant nursery.
Embrace the obvious. Pink is a classic choice for a girl’s room, but it can also be grating. Follow Simonpietri’s lead and use subtle versions of the hue sparingly. “Pink was used but as an accent paired with off-white for a bit more maturity,” she says. “We stayed away from hot pinks and opted for more muted tones, which are easier for adults to appreciate.”
Keep with tradition. Adding crown moldings and replacing the mundane nursery glider and ottoman with a set of tufted armchairs lent a traditional sensibility, echoing the vibe of the brownstone’s exterior. Even better, the new furnishings are poised to grow with the child. “There are so many timeless designs out there that can add longevity to these kinds of rooms,” Simonpietri says.
Layer in practical pieces. “We wanted to make a room that was sweet and serene yet girlie,” the designer says. A simple standing bookcase to corral toys and books offers a nice counter to the distinguished ladylike elements. “We do built-ins when possible, but sometimes space won’t allow for it,” Simonpietri says. In this case, she opted for open shelves paired with baskets for easy access.
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