Modern Beginnings

At Home in Arkansas:

This isn’t a traditional baby-blue nursery. What motivated the look?

Designer Eric Ford:

I synthesized what both of the homeowners [Jamie and David Shipley] wanted. She preferred black, white and gray; he wanted it to be more colorful. So we fit in a little fun through punchy art and fabric while still keeping the overall look monochromatic. If we had enshrined it in pink or blue, or made it ultra-baby, they would have wanted to change it after a couple of years. This is more functional.

AHIA: What was the resulting color palette?

EF: The ceiling is gray with a tint of blue, like an overcast sky, as an extension of the natural birch tree print wallpaper. The palette is very clean, with punches of lime green, fuchsia and orange.

AHIA: How did the theme carry over to the textiles?

EF: For the fabric, we kept going back to the concept of men’s suiting—a variety of patterns and textures. I could see that striped bed skirt as a man’s tie; it’s actually by the fashion designer, Paul Smith.

AHIA: What elements were most important?

EF: Definitely furniture. A crib, changing table, and a place for Jamie to sit, put her feet up, and hold the baby. We added a storage piece to hold necessities. Lighting was also important. We did blinds as well as draperies—a nursery needs plenty of light, but you should have the ability to make it completely dark when the baby naps during the day.

AHIA: How is designing a nursery different than other rooms?

EF: You want to be more budget conscious because the baby will grow, whereas adults may be designing for the long-term. You can also be a little edgier and more whimsical. I love that. I would have to be more judicious using this wallpaper in an adult space. But for their nursery, the homeowners and I simply said, “I like it, you like it, done.”

Design Resources

Interior design Eric Ford Design, Little Rock

Art-above chair Lex Modern, Conway

Chair Mertinsdyke Home, Little Rock

Furnishings Soho Modern, Little Rock

Fabrics-bedding Larry’s Inc., Little Rock

Fabrics-draperies, pillow, wallpaper Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock

Paint Benjamin Moore, locations statewide

Storage bins Target, locations statewide