For the rest of the family too
BY LISA BOONE Anyone who has felt exiled from the rest of the family while trying to soothe or feed a fussy infant can instantly understand the appeal of the new Brentwood nursery of TV personalities Giuliana and Bill Rancic.
The couple’s love of the ocean inspired a nautical theme, but their interior designer, Lonni Paul, knew from personal experience that the nursery needed to be more than just a pleasant place for a baby to sleep.
“There needs to be a place for the family to get together,” said Paul, the mother of 6-year-old twins.
To create a space where E! News anchor Giuliana and “Apprentice” winner Bill Rancic could gather with loved ones, the designer anchored the nursery with a velvet sofa.
“I include a love seat or couch in every nursery I design,” Paul said. “It allows the whole family to be included in the arrival of the new baby.”
Four nursery design suggestions from the Los Angeles decorator:
Plan for guest seating
Though the focus is often on the crib and changing table, Paul suggests thinking about seating for guests, people who might want to join in reading a book or merely offer support for the sleep-deprived parent. So the Rancics’ sofa is joined by two ottomans from Restoration Hardware, just $129 apiece. “Ottomans are such a great thing in a nursery,” Paul said. “It’s so nice for parents to be able to pull one up and immediately get comfortable.”
Test the glider
“The glider is an important piece,” she said. “I sat in a lot of gliders where the arms were not right. You can get a kink in your neck if you don’t get it right. Pay attention. Hold your arm the way you’ll be holding your baby.” The one in the Rancics’ nursery is upholstered in linen, which can be cleaned with soap and water.
Invest in furniture, not accessories
Spend less on accessories, because you’ll be changing them anyway as the baby grows. If you don’t have a big budget, Paul suggested placing a waterproof changing pad on top of a dresser or a twin bed. (“You can sleep with the baby and not wake up your spouse,” she said.) The Rancics’ changing table can function as a dresser once 4-month-old Edward Duke Rancic is done with diapers.
Look up
Paul hung a boat frame from Restoration Hardware with heavy-duty fishing line tied to picture hangers on the ceiling. “I thought it would be so cool to hang a ship mobile,” she said. “It is so whimsical, and the baby can look up and see it from his crib.”