Leanne Ford's Renter-Friendly DIY Tips for a Charming Nursery
Leanne Ford, known for her work on various home improvement shows, had the chance to create a nursery for her niece while navigating the constraints of a rental property.
With her extensive experience as an interior designer, she excels at crafting easy, budget-friendly DIY projects. In our chat about the vibrant nursery she designed in collaboration with Crate & Barrel and Crate&kids, she revealed her design secrets.
Ford emphasizes the importance of personal touches, starting with a fresh coat of paint. 'In a rental, you can't make structural changes, so how do you infuse warmth? Painting is key,' she explained.
Her sister-in-law requested a cheerful mauve shade called Vintage Charm from Behr. However, Ford doesn't settle for just the walls; she believes in making the ceiling a focal point. 'People often forget the ceiling, but it's crucial to the overall aesthetic,' she remarked.
To enhance the ceiling further, she added DIY molding, stating, 'We incorporated a medallion, which is easy to install. We sourced one from Amazon and painted it to match the ceiling for added depth.'
Attention to detail defines her style. 'We also painted the closet interior, making it feel like an extension of the room,' Ford added.
To create visual interest, Ford used simple line drawings for wall decor. 'I had my friend Alex Mayr-Graycik create beautiful charcoal pieces, inspired by French style. We executed a box trim that added a nice touch,' she explained.
Ford notes, 'Charcoal art is forgiving; it embraces imperfection, which I find delightful.' This approach adds a charming, relaxed feel to the nursery.
If you're thinking of a similar design, she advises balancing aesthetics with practicality. 'When kids start exploring, you'll want to ensure the decor is durable. We used several coats of fixative on the charcoal to protect it,' she cautioned.
For those eager to learn more about Ford's design approach, her first book offers insights into her philosophy and practical tips, set to release on October 1st.
Her final advice for aspiring DIYers tackling a room makeover? 'Don't be overly meticulous. If it doesn't work out, just paint over it,' she encouraged. 'The beauty of DIY is the freedom to experiment.'