Serene & Sophisticated: A boy’s NYC Nursery

Inslee Fariss is an artist and new mother living – and working – in a typical NYC apartment; teeny tiny, a little particular, and full of charm. Inslee used soft, muted colors, multipurpose furniture, and her own artwork to transform this West Village apartment into a sophisticated, serene space that feels at once cozy, and surprisingly grand.

Tell us about your nursery. I like that you called it "my" nursery. Because it is just that - mine! I mean, yes, it's technically Jackson's room, but this space is very much about my aesthetic. I focused entirely on what I wanted the room to feel like, and I am so glad that I did, because I now spend HOURS staring around the room while breast-feeding, when my hands are tied and I can’t do anything else! I wanted it to feel traditional, sweet and gentle, with just a touch femininity for me, even though it's a baby boy's room.

What was the first piece you invested in? The first thing I purchased was arguably pretty impractical, but I love it and it perfectly sums up my attitude about not being afraid to live with, and love beautiful things - even if they don't seem entirely practical. It’s a woven basket for Jackson to lie in during diaper changes. Yes, I know he's a boy and everything around the changing station should be washable and/or waterproof... but it’s so pretty, and I am willing to take the risk!

Favorite multi-purpose piece? I opted out of the often-favored glider and ottoman combination set and paired two separate pieces of furniture together for our little sitting area. I wanted the pieces to feel gathered-over-time, somewhat heirloom and eclectic, not like a "suite" of furniture that was delivered all at once. Both the circular ottoman and glider are from <a href="https://www.shopsocietysocial.com", style="text-decoration:underline">Society Social </a> and are really affordable for custom upholstery. The circular ottoman is oversized so it serves as a secondary sitting area for another adult, or a good place for me to put Jackson while I'm dressing him. I think it will be a nice little tool for him to hold on to when he's learning to stand and walk too! </span

How did you incorporate your art into Jackson’s room? I loved the idea of wallpaper for Jackson's room, but couldn't justify purchasing wallpaper - so I made my own! I used Spoonflower.com to upload a vine pattern I'd painted and turned it into a wallpaper repeat. And the best part - it is self-adhesive and designed for amateurs to install, so you can totally hang it yourself. It also peels off super easily when the time comes to remove it, which was a must for a rental apartment!