Our Nursery Makeover and Design Plans for Baby Gibson
There are certain posts I’ve dreamt of writing for years and this is one of them. I’m sitting at my desk feeling all sorts of emotions, because I finally get to share our next project and it feels extra special. We’re designing a nursery for Baby Gibson and saying that out loud still makes my heart flutter. After a long road that wound through infertility, loss, and ultimately surrogacy, we’ve landed in this season and chapter of our life. We’re having a baby! That’s what we’re most looking forward to in 2026. I can’t wait to take you along as we transform this empty bedroom into the sweetest space for our little one. Click through for all the details!
While I’ve designed plenty of nurseries and children’s rooms for clients and a few close friends, I can’t believe I’m actually designing a space for our own little one. It’s surreal! Emmett actually wanted to transform the maroon guest bedroom into the nursery, but we eventually agreed this bedroom made more sense. Let’s dive in and I’ll tell you all about it…
The Nursery Project: Where We’re Starting
If you’ve been following along with our home renovation, you know we’ve slowly been working our way through each room with intention. We have one untouched bedroom upstairs (excluding our own), we’ve yet to renovate. It’s a blank slate. Emmett and I always envisioned this last bedroom to be a nursery someday, so we held off… dreaming and hoping. It’s wild to think we’re finally ready to dive in for that exact purpose.
Before Images
Believe it or not… this is the LAST set of those weird corner shelves in our home. Every bedroom had them. Emmett was quick to demo those- and I’m happy to report, they’ve already been tossed. I’ll sprinkle more before images throughout this post, but you can get a good idea of where we started. We did end up replacing our upstairs carpet back in 2021. Before we covered the carpet for demo, I removed the dents. Here’s how to remove furniture indentations from carpet, by the way!
Our Nursery Design Vision
I’ve been gathering inspiration and swatches for months, tucking away ideas for when the timing finally felt right. Now that everything is moving forward, I’m excited to jump in and create a calming and cozy space that feels like it belongs in our home, just for our little one. Here’s what we’re thinking:
- A soft, serene color palette (we’re going with green)
- Layered textures to add warmth
- Classic furniture that can convert as our little one grows (I’m keeping longevity in mind)
- Built-ins or custom storage to keep things functional, organized, and interesting
- An updated closet system (Emmett has fully taken over that project- before image below)
I keep coming back to the idea of creating a room that feels creative and timeless. I don’t want the nursery to read overly themed. Instead, I’m picturing something that will grow with our child. I’m most excited about designing a built-in window seat. I’ve also been paying extra attention to lighting in this room. My plan is to update the existing fixture with a DIY pleated shade. We’re also planning to add dimmers, for functionality… and perhaps we’ll install a sconce or two for ambient light. Of course, I’ll also layer a floor lamp for late night feedings. This room will be a blend of beauty and practicality, which feels like the sweet spot for most of our home and design philosophy.
A Personal Note About Our Journey
I wasn’t quite sure where this part belonged, so I tucked it here, where it feels natural and honest. Our path to building a family has been long, winding, and one I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Infertility is isolating in ways you can’t fully prepare for. It’s impacted nearly every aspect of our lives (our marriage, relationships, career, finances, etc). Surrogacy brought us hope after many years of difficult conversations, doctor appointments, and heartbreak. We’re incredibly grateful for the miracle unfolding in front of our eyes, and that’s not lost on us.
While the nursery itself is a design project (and very much in our comfort zone), it’s also a milestone I wasn’t sure we’d ever reach. Sharing this room with you feels deeply personal. Part of me has been very protective and reluctant to make this public knowledge, while another part of me feels ready to share our journey for the educational, hopeful, and encouraging conversations I know will follow. All of that to say, thank you for cheering us on and supporting us through all the chapters that led to this one. Now for the fun news…
It’s a…
I can’t tell you how excited we are to share that baby Gibson is a girl! With IVF, we’ve known from the beginning, so it hasn’t really been a big secret… no crazy gender reveal. Knowing this definitely influenced the design plan, as you probably might have guessed based on the color palette, patterns, and details.
What’s Happening Next
Over the next few months, I’ll share more mood boards, the floor plan, paint colors, exact furniture selections, and behind-the-scenes renovation moments as the room comes together. If you enjoy project reveals and room makeovers, buckle up. This one is going to be fun! I think you’ll enjoy some unexpected design elements, too.
Our To-Do List
Design PlanRemove the Plantation ShuttersDemo the ClosetSmooth the Textured CeilingWire for Updated Electrical- Order Furniture
- Install Custom Closet
- Install Built-Ins and Bench Seat
- Install Perimeter Shelving
- Paint
- Make Bench Seat Cushion
- Make Pleated Shade for Pendant Light
- Install Window Treatments
- Deep Clean
- Style the Space
Questions?
Not specifically. My goal is to create a classic space with subtle personality rather than a strict theme. I’m leaning into the color green.
We’re aiming to complete it before baby arrives, but we’re cutting in close with all the custom elements… hopefully March. We’re both trying not to stress!
I did… in 2024. Emmett & I were able to complete a round of IVF before my emergency surgery. Given this, I knew I wouldn’t be able to carry a child.
I’d be happy to share a bit of our story. I will say- it feels very personal, and while my job is quite public- another family is involved who I feel protective of, because their life is private. As we get closer to baby’s arrival, I’d be happy to answer some of your questions, sharing more of our story and the experience that brought us here.
We’re actually lifelong friends! We grew up together. As a fellow horse girl, we were in 4-H together, and also attended the same elementary, junior, and high school. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a meaningful friendship with someone so special, who is now such a big part of our life. Emmett and I both feel grateful to be on this journey with her- and her family. It’s overwhelming to put my gratitude into words.
April… we’ve got our primary bathroom renovation and a nursery to complete before her arrival, while simultaneously working on the cabin. We’ve got a lot going on over here!
Related Posts
If you missed any of our past rooms, project reveals, or the process behind each one, I’m going to link some recent favorites for you below. We had fun with all of these!
- Our Basement Home Gym Reveal
- Entryway, Staircase, & Hall Reveal
- Outdoor Kitchen Reveal
- Basement Media Room Reveal
- Basement Bar Reveal
- Basement Bedroom Reveal
- The Camper Reveal
- Maroon Guest Bedroom Reveal
- My Home Office Reveal
Emmett and I are both thrilled to be starting this project and to bring you along from the beginning. It’s not lost on me how meaningful it is to be designing this room and to be able to share it with such a supportive community. Thank you for being here for this journey. I can’t wait to show you what’s next! I’m happy to answer any questions in the comment section below…
I’ve followed your blog for years and have been so appreciative of your expertise, insight and recommendations. This post brought me so much joy this morning. I am so, so happy for you both, and wish you the very best in this new season. Welcome Baby Tuesday!
Aww, thank you so much Laura! For sharing our excitement, and for following along all these years. I can’t tell you how much that means! Hope your year is off to a great start.
What lovely news to share with your community of readers! Congratulations to you and the family you are building. Wishing you all happiness and health!
Thank you so much, Elaine!
Congratulations! That is wonderful news. I can’t wait to see this beautiful room and baby! Thank you for sharing something so personal. Best wishes for you and your family.
Thank you, Kristin! I can’t tell you how much that means. We’re so excited to share and things unfold!
Congratulations! The joy you will feel as parents will be bigger than you imagine. Enjoy each phase and keep a healthy mindset. It will be the best journey you’ve been on together!
Thank you so much, Christine! We’re so excited for the next chapter. I hope 2026 is also treating you well so far!
Congratulations!!!! Can’t wait to see your little skier!!!!
Thanks, Britt!! OMG, we cannot wait to take her out!! We’ve been dreaming about this for years, ha.
Congrats on this beautiful news! This will be one very lucky and very loved baby, enjoy all the prep!
Thank you so much, Jess! We’re so excited. Prep has been really fun! Hope your year is off to an amazing start.
Oh my gosh, Sarah!! Congratulations!! How wonderful, and somehow still a little bittersweet to remember all the sadness and pain from the whole journey. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable 🤍. I’m so glad you get to have this project now, what a joy! Q1 sounds incredibly busy now 😅
Thank you, Amanda!! Definitely bittersweet… and why we waited so long to share. I feel like we’re far enough along at this point, that it finally feels like this might actually happen for us. We’re very excited about the next chapter, and the nursery! Can’t wait to share more! Hope your 2026 is off to a great start.
Oh this announcement gave me goosebumps! I am so incredibly happy for you guys!
Aww thank you so much, Maggie!! Hope your year is off to an amazing start!
What a way to usher in 2026!! Good morning Sarah, and congratulations to you & Emmett on the wonderful news!! Already I love where the space is headed; your design plan is timeless and classic as always. I love the idea of a pleated shade for the light. What a sweet touch! The plaster details are probably my favorite element; but I’m most excited for the window seat and built-ins. I’ll be following along closely with that, and crossing my fingers for a tutorial. I have the same vision for Brooke’s room and no idea where to start. Thank you for choosing to share something so deeply personal with all of us!! The level of excitement I’m feeling over here is unreal. Congratulations!!!!
Thank you so much, Lauren! For being so sweet and such a great friend along our journey, and for sharing our excitement. I’m coming to you with all the questions now, ha. I’m really excited to see this room come together- I just picked out the cabinet doors yesterday! Maybe seeing the process will help you brainstorm the order for Brooke’s room! Thank you again for everything!! Xx
I am THRILLED for you! I admit I have been wondering if there was an update from a post you made several months ago and I’d walk on glass before I ever asked someone that question. Very, very happy to see this great news and I laughed out loud when I saw the last set of corner shelves. Out with the old, and in with the new… baby! Yay!
Thank you so much, Dawn! For both your tasteful patience in not asking (hah, that gave me a laugh!) and for sharing our excitement! Goodbye corner shelves- how will we ever manage without those?! Hope your new year is off to a wonderful start.
Ok and now I’m hoping you name baby girl Tuesday! :)
Ha! I think that would be so cute… Emmett was not on board, lol!
A thousand contributions! Absolutely thrilled for you both and this next amazing chapter.
Thank you so much, Isabel!!
What a terrible autocorrect error I didn’t notice in time! Many congratulations to you and Emmett!
I read it as congratulations and didn’t even notice, Isabel! Thank you!!
Congratulations! I could not be happier for 2 internet strangers :) All the best to you & your family!
Thank you so much, Monica! Not strangers anymore :)
Congratulations to you both! Lovely news after what you’ve been through healthwise. Wishing you the best for 2026 and beyond! (From a long time reader but rare commenter.)
Thank you so much, Quinn! We’re so excited for 2026 and the next chapter. Thanks for following along all these years.
congratulations!! i’m happy for you both, even tho i don’t know you. best wishes. wscott
Thank you, Wenda! I feel like I know you, after all these years… thanks for following along!
I love this so much! Congrats Gibson family!! We’re also ttc for 3 years and this is a wonderful reminder that we’re not alone, thank you for sharing. This room and baby girl will be beautiful!
Thank you, Ali!! I’m here if you ever want to reach out about anything fertility related. You’re definitely not alone!
And a glorious good morning to Family Gibson! Such heartwarming, welcome news! I am thrilled for you two, and of course eagerly await every detail and update. Cabin, nursery, primary bath, prepare for baby. What will you do with all your spare time?🤣 Congratulations to you both on this incredibly exciting time. High fives, Sarah and Emmett!!!💜💜💜
Aww thank you, Peggi! Surprise! Ha- we definitely jam packed the calendar over here. Can’t wait to share all the fun things! Hope your year is also off to a good start! Xo
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Thank you, Teri!!
Congratulations! Extremely happy for you, and can’t wait to see the room!
Thank you so much, Cindy!
Such wonderful news! I’m so excited for you. I can’t wait to see the finished space!
We have also been through years of infertility and multiple losses, but finally got three euploid embryos from our fourth IVF cycle. I recently redesigned my office with the hope that it’ll be a nursery in the future, and it shares a lot of elements with your space (creams, white, and greens!).
Wishing you all the best and a safe arrival for your little one!
Thanks, Abby! I’m so sorry to hear you’ve also had a rough journey. It’s hard. Congratulations on your embryos!! Hey, that’s more euploids than we had, so that’s very positive and promising. Fingers crossed for you!
I’ve read your blog for over a decade and I’m really happy for you and Emmett. I’m so excited that you had the chance to write this exciting post after a long emotional journey. Best wishes!!
Thank you so much, Amanda… for the congratulatory comment and for reading all these years!! That means so much to us.
What exciting news! Congratulations Gibson Family! Can’t wait to see the nursery come together!
Thank you, Michelle! We’re so excited!
Congratulations! I just want to cry with joy for you and Emmett.
Aww thank you, Sara!!
I am so happy for both of you ! I love your designs and therefore looking forward to see the nursery you are planning. Wishing you and the baby the best.
Thanks so much, Mize! We’re looking forward to sharing the nursery as it progresses.
Congratulations! Your daughter is so blessed that you worked so hard to become a family <3 I'm so happy for you!!
Thank you, Jen!! We can’t wait to meet her!
Congratulations! My heart is so happy for you. Thank you for sharing this with us – I’m sure it all feels so tender. Best wishes for your family, and your angel surrogate too. 🩷
Thanks, Jamie! It’s definitely an emotional topic for us, but I’m so thankful we’ve made it this far and we’re able to share our news. We’re so thankful for our incredible friend and carrier- she’s the best!!
Hello and what wonderful news!!!!!! Having traveled my own infertility journey which ended in the birth of our daughter, I read your post with tears in my eyes. I am so very happy for you both! Thank you for sharing an intensely personal story; I know you will help countless women in similar circumstances by providing hope for their own happy ending. It’s a sisterhood, for sure! Please share my congrats and best wishes with Emmett, too. Partners are also impacted by infertility, and deserve their own huzzahs! Can’t wait to see Baby G’s nursery unfold, it’s going to be fabulous!
Thank you, Molly! I loved reading your comment about your daughter… that is so sweet and special. I’m hoping to share more soon, it all just feels so nerve-racking and anxiety inducing given our past experiences. Would love to be helpful for others in similar situations… definitely a sisterhood! Emmett also says thank you. Can’t wait to get to work on the nursery!
I’ve followed your blog for a long time and have often wondered if this would be part of your journey. I am so happy you were able to find a way to make your dream a reality. I can’t wait to be here for this next chapter.
Thank you, Abby! We’re very much looking forward to the next chapter!
Congratulations. Such exciting news and thank you for sharing with us. Really like the nursery plans (like all you do).
Thank you so much, Rita! Can’t wait to share the nursery as we get going on it.
Oh how special and exciting for you! This precious little one is going to be the most cherished being you could never imagine. Can’t wait to see the progress on your nursery. Enjoy ❤️
Thank you, Pam! She is already so loved… we can’t wait to meet her!
Oh my, I got tears in my eyes when I read the title of this post! Congratulations! As a postpartum nurse at a hospital that delivers a fair amount of surrogate pregnancies, I have to share that we nurses get so excited to care for these special babies and parents. One baby, twice the happy families!
Your nursery design is so very wonderful. I especially love the window seat. I know the whole room will be just right.
Congratulations again!
Aww, thank you Jennifer! This made my day. Honestly, we’ve struggled with our hospital and inclusion (they’re not as experienced with surrogacy), but a certain nurse has made all the difference for us. We appreciate all you nurses do! Can’t wait to share more of the nursery as it comes together. Thanks again!
Oh, Sarah! I’m am so happy for you and Emmett!! Children are wonderful, and I’d have more now if I could! I’m glad the hard times you both have had have turned so joy-filled now! Your online followers are celebrating with you!
Thank you so much for sharing our excitement and joy, Brittany!!
Wonderful news. Have fun on designing the nursey and having it a room to grow. Infertility is so hard, we had a journey with it but the route was not as long and it was very difficult and emotional.
Thank you so much, Mary Kay! I’m sorry to hear you also struggled with infertility. It’s a tough road. We’re excited for the next chapter!
Happy New Year and congratulations! Thank you for sharing your lovely news, in addition to the generous, thoughtful and beautiful design you always give us. Looking forward to following along with the nursery progress!
Thank you so much, Alissa! We’re so excited. Hope your year is off to a great start!
Congratulations.
Thank you, KJ!
Congratulations Sarah and Emmett! This is such wonderful news. I can only imagine how ecstatic you both are. I am thrilled for you both. I can just feel the love! Thank you for sharing this with us. I sent many prayers up for you after reading about your hysterectomy. Can’t wait to see the nursery, and meet your Little Girl. So happy for you.
Awww thank you so much, Karen! That means so much to us. Looking forward to sharing more as the nursery unfolds!
I’m so very happy for you and Emmett. I’m also sad this path to parenthood has been fraught with so much pain and heartache. You have handled your health challenges in a very discreet and classy way and I commend you in that. Your style is impeccable and I frequently refer to your blog for ideas and inspiration. I’ve shopped your Amazon storefront many times and just love that you share your wealth of design knowledge with us. Thank you! It will be so fun to see the nursery!! Regarding your friend carrying baby G, did she offer to help or how did this come about? It’s such a beautiful gift that I’m awestruck.
Thank you so much, Julie! I’m thrilled to hear my blog has been helpful for your home. Can’t wait to share more of the nursery as it unfolds! Our gestational carrier is one of my lifelong friends (we grew up together), and she offered to carry for us. I can’t imagine a better gift to receive, and I’m constantly in awe of her! We definitely have a special bond and story.
I was 42. thirty years ago surrogacy was not even on my radar. the IVF treatments were under 2 percent effective. and they cost a lotta cash. I lost a number of pregnancies. suddenly there was a baby on the way. I expected a boy, a blond Shirley temple showed up. she runs a ranch, never got less than straight A grades and is smart as a whip. she’s been a mountain climber, river guide, wrangler and is now a mom of 2 little girls of her own. this is not the journey I imagined. this little person is on her own journey. you’re her guides, but she leads your family into a future you cannot see. support her, find all the joy. never apologize to anyone for all you have done and will continue to do. those who have not had this struggle – they cannot understand. never once apologize. I am so thrilled for you. and, it’s gonna be a lot- do not start apologizing for the mess or the chaos and enjoy her over cleaning up the house. they grow away so so quickly. do not miss one minute. the real moms and dads. they get it. go find joy
I am so happy for you and your family, Sarah. So, so many congratulations!