Date:  July 30, 2020  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Lauren Cerrato  |  

Designer Brittany Nixon Brun creates a nursery for her daughter that works for both now and later

When Brittany Nixon Brun and her husband, Trey, learned they were expecting a little girl, Brittany immediately began pulling soft fabric swatches and looking for classic pieces that would speak to the couple’s love of traditional design. As the owner of Little Rock’s Brittany Nixon Creative, the designer says she wanted her daughter Anna Claire’s nursery to feel current yet playful and to be grounded with pieces that will stand the test of time. “I always advise my clients to think long-term, and I did the same in this room,” Brittany says. “I am drawn to the ‘let them be little’ mantra, but I was also careful to choose things that could be used or repurposed as she grows,” she says. For example, the changing table easily transitions to a dresser while a pair of étagères hold mementos and stuffed animals but can be filled with books in years to come.

The same philosophy applies to the palette. Brittany went for soft and sweet hues in a range of floral, gingham, and solid fabrics. “Again, everything reads well for a nursery but can also translate to other looks so we aren’t reinventing the room every two years,” she says. White drapes with a geometric trim blend with a floral Roman shade that Brittany notes could be swapped for any number of fabrics through the years. The walls, covered in “Bashful” by Benjamin Moore, further play to the sweetness of the baby years. “Steel Magnolias is one of our favorite movies, so when we saw this color was called ‘Bashful’ [a favorite hue of the movie’s bride], we went for it,” Brittany says.

Layers of sophistication are seen in a gold finish on the petaled mirror and light fixture as well as in the artwork. Brittany commissioned local artist Ashley Saer to create the abstract watercolor seen over the changing table. “I gave her a color board of fabrics as inspiration, and then she popped in the magenta, which I love,” the designer says. Finally, keepsakes such as knitted heirloom blankets, pieces from Brittany and Trey’s childhoods, and family photos make the space special for the baby girl and her parents.

Following her love of traditional design, Brittany chose to use a timeless white dresser as the changing table. Pieces such as the abstract watercolor by Ashley Saer and the polka dot wool rug add a lighthearted vibe.

At 8 months, Brittany notes Anna Claire’s “personality is starting to bloom.” 

Sweet Spot
While the étagères are another piece that can be easily updated as Anna Claire grows, they currently hold special keepsakes, stuffed animals, and baskets to keep everyday essentials close by. A whimsical handmade mobile featuring swans hangs over the classic white crib.

Pretty and Playful
Framed landscape canvases lend a sophisticated feel to the room and will never go out of style. The lamp shade is trimmed in the same blue hue found on the nearby storage ottoman.

Design Resources
Interior design Brittany Nixon Brun, Brittany Nixon Creative Accessories, furniture, lighting, mirrors, and rugs Brittany Nixon Creative Art Lauren Anderson Art, Brittany Nixon Creative, and Ashley Saer Bedding Cynthia East Fabrics and Designer Effects Fabrics Brittany Nixon Creative and Designer Effects Paint Benjamin Moore Upholstery Robby Chism Window coverings Brittany Nixon Creative, Designer Effects, and Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies