Dreamy Baby Girl Nursery: A Whimsical Retreat for Matilda Mae

Lisa Gilmore Design’s Baby Girl Nursery

Designing a magazine-worthy home might come naturally to Lisa Gilmore, but when it came to her own baby girl nursery, the challenge was surprisingly tough! For an interior designer, one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is creating that special space for your little one. Yet, when Lisa set out to design Matilda Mae’s nursery, she hit a creative roadblock.

Matilda Mae’s Modern Baby Girl Nursery

“As many people know, my style is all about layers of color and pattern. Naturally, I started with that same aesthetic for the nursery, but something just didn’t feel right,” Lisa explained.

Thankfully, she had plenty of time to find her groove before baby Matilda made her grand entrance. The first piece she fell in love with? The crib.

Baby Girl Nursery Green Crib– A Dreamy Centerpiece

Lisa found the perfect crib—the rattan Palm Crib by Nestig, in a lovely shade of green. “It was the only thing I had saved for months that I knew I absolutely wanted in the room.”

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Moroccan-Inspired Baby Girl Nursery Rug

Then on a recent trip to Morocco, Lisa stumbled upon a soft lambswool rug with stripes in cream, terracotta, and blush. “It was so far from what I had in mind, but I couldn’t resist. I pictured telling Matilda one day how I picked out her rug in Morocco when I was five months pregnant!”

And that’s when the magic started to happen—the nursery design began to bloom.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Floral Meets Modern in Matilda's Baby Girl Nursery

Knowing Matilda's birth flower was the daisy, Lisa fell in love with a whimsical daisy wallpaper from Nestig. It paired perfectly with the modern rug and the charming green crib. This playful backdrop set the stage for the room’s stunning artwork: a watercolor Parisian map hanging over her crib gifted by a close friend, the special mama leopard and cub art created and gifted by dear friend and artist Rebekah Lazaridis, and the original Madeline art by Ludwig Bemelmans gifted by her uncle and found at an auction in Peru. 

A Chandelier with a Story

Lisa’s love for antiques brought another touch of whimsy to the room: a vintage French palm leaf chandelier she found years ago while antiquing in Atlanta. “I didn’t know where it would go at the time, but when I pulled it out for Matilda’s room, I knew it was perfect. It casts such lovely light, and I could imagine her gazing up at it! And now she does!”

And the cozy Crate and Kids glider with a cute little lumbar pillow in Willow Mint with pink piping by Pepper Home is the perfect place to cuddle. 

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

A Sentimental Baby Girl Nursery Mobile with a Family Connection

The finishing touch? A mobile of tiny ballerinas, hand-stitched by Lisa’s great-grandmother in the 80s. “These delicate dolls hung in my room as a baby, and I was so happy to use them for Matilda’s nursery.” 

The mobile looks so sweet against the Pepper Home custom-made-to-order pink drapery with green tassels. (These were so easy to order online with everything Lisa wanted– blackout lined and pinch pleated with the beautiful tassels that tie everything together.)

Lisa’s dreamy design for Matilda’s nursery is a blend of stories, sentiment, and stunning design—perfect for a little one’s first adventures.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About a Baby Girl Nursery

1. What age should a baby have a nursery?

There’s no hard and fast rule for when a baby should have a nursery. Many parents set one up before their little one arrives, but some wait until the baby is a few months old. Ideally, the nursery is ready when you want your baby to start sleeping in their own room—typically around 6 months, according to many parenting guidelines. It’s all about when you feel ready for that transition!

2. What are the best colors for a baby girl nursery?

The best colors for a baby girl nursery depend on the vibe you're going for! Soft pastels like blush pink, lavender, and mint are classic choices, but modern nurseries are branching out with neutrals like cream, taupe, and sage green. If you want a bold pop, deep mauve or peachy coral can add a fun twist. 

3. How do you make a girly nursery?

Creating a girly nursery can be a delightful mix of soft colors, charming patterns, and sweet accents. Think floral wallpaper, plush rugs, and maybe a chic chandelier for a touch of whimsy! You can play with feminine touches like ruffled curtains, pastel-hued decor, or delicate wall art. The goal is to make it cozy and pretty, but also functional and comfortable for you and your baby.

What a dreamy nursery for little Matilda! Before you know it, Lisa will be looking at big kid room ideas for her darling daughter, and we’ll be ready to see her next design adventure

Interested in hiring our team for your design project? Simply fill out our design inquiry form and we’ll contact you for more details.

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design specializes in luxury design services for busy professionals. Our full-service, interior design firm, based in Tampa Bay, Florida, creates exclusive spaces through artisan-crafted pieces, antique elements, and personalized designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.

South Tampa Florida Home is Filled with Color and Style

Before and After: Art-Saturated South Tampa Florida Home

Picture this: a two-story, four-bedroom home in South Tampa, Florida, looking all nice and neat but just a bit too vanilla for our art-loving clients. They craved a splash of color, a dash of pizzazz, and rooms that felt as vibrant as their personalities. That's where the Lisa Gilmore Design team came in, ready to transform their unimaginative abode into a colorful casa!

Color-Filled South Tampa, Florida Home

The homeowners' extensive art collection, including several dazzling Ashley Longshore pieces, made this project a dream come true for the LGD team. We had a blast weaving these artworks into the design, adding even more layers of color and texture to their home.

HOME OFFICE BEFORE

Inspiring Home Office with Custom Touch

Our client, a high-profile financial advisor, needed a workspace that was both fabulous and functional. Bland, white walls? Begone! We teamed up with a local artisan to create a gold-plated ceiling and hand-painted walls with pink and gold detailing. Add in a blush pink, champagne, and gold rug from the Lisa Gilmore Design Collection and custom drapery designed by Lisa herself, and voila! A workspace that oozes inspiration and energy.

photo: Home Office After

TV ROOM BEFORE

Bold Den/TV Room Design in South Florida, Tampa

Ever seen a more striking, jewel-toned TV room? We took this space from drab to fab with a complete makeover. Our artisan crafted a textured ceiling and walls, perfect backdrops for art by Davina Shefet (to the left of the sofa) and a piece from the clients' own collection (above the sofa). A reupholstered sofa in Emma Shipley fabric and a custom-designed ottoman by Lisa completed the look, making it the ultimate lounging spot.

photo: TV Room After

DINING ROOM CHANDELIER BEFORE

South Tampa, Florida Dining Room with Vintage Chandelier

The dining room before was nice, but it didn't leave much of an impression. We decided to spice things up with a few vintage pieces, including a stunning chandelier made of vintage Murano glass from the 1960s, imported all the way from Italy. Most people might shy away from such a bold statement piece, but it creates a sculptural experience for visitors. We also reupholstered the dining chairs in zebra hide and added Ashley Longshore butterfly art near the ceiling.

photo: Dining Room Chandelier After

PRIMARY BEDROOM BEFORE

Luxurious Primary Bedroom Retreat

Though the primary bedroom isn’t as colorful as the rest of the house, its palette of whites, grays, and golds creates a luxurious, restful retreat. Our artisan used hand-scraped plaster to create cascading weeping willows on the walls in monochromatic white hues. Lisa designed the custom drapery, and we finished the space with art from the clients’ collection, making it a serene sanctuary.

photo: Primary Bedroom After

GUEST BEDROOM BEFORE

Tiger-ific Guest Bedroom in South Tampa, Florida

The tiger portrait in the guest bedroom, part of the clients' existing art collection, is a real showstopper. We complemented it with textured, patterned latticework on the walls and custom drapery designed by Lisa and made locally. It’s a space that’s sure to impress any guest.

Photo: Guest Bedroom After

FAQs: Interior Design in South Tampa, Florida

1. Is South Tampa a good area?

Absolutely! South Tampa is a fantastic area known for its vibrant community, excellent schools, and diverse dining and entertainment options. The neighborhood boasts beautiful parks, scenic waterfront views, and a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It's a place where you can enjoy a lively urban lifestyle while still feeling close to nature.

2. What is considered South Tampa?

South Tampa generally refers to the region south of Kennedy Boulevard and includes well-known neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia, and Davis Islands. It's bordered by Tampa Bay to the west and south, and Hillsborough Bay to the east. This area is a blend of historic homes, upscale condos, trendy shops, and gourmet restaurants, making it a sought-after place to live.

3. Why is South Tampa, Florida so expensive?

South Tampa's high cost of living can be attributed to its prime location, excellent schools, and high demand for real estate. The area's proximity to downtown Tampa, beautiful waterfront views, and a wealth of amenities make it a desirable place to live. Plus, the mix of historic charm and modern luxury, along with a strong sense of community, drives up property values and rental prices.

For lovers of art and color, this South Tampa, Florida home is a dream come true. Check out this post to see other ways we have incorporated original art into our designs.

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow Lisa on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm that offers luxury design services to busy professionals. We have been named a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor and an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer. Lisa Gilmore Design has been featured in top design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, Clearwater, and South Tampa.

Mixing Original Art and Interior Design

Embracing Your Artsy Side: How Original Art Elevates Our Interior Designs

At Lisa Gilmore Design, we're like kids in a candy store when it comes to choosing art for our interior designs! Original art isn't just a decor choice for us; it's the cherry on top, adding pizzazz and personality to our luxurious designs.

Art is like the fairy godmother of our design dreams, sprinkling color and charm wherever it lands. Whether it's a funky sculpture or a timeless painting, each piece tells a story and brings our clients' spaces to life.

Art in Interior Design Sprinkles Color and Personality

We sprinkle color like confetti, and original art? It's our secret sauce for an extra pop! Not only does it splash color into a room, but it also whispers tales of the homeowner's vibe and style. 

Dive into these seven Lisa Gilmore Design projects and see how art waves its magic wand over each space!

Anything Can Be Art in Interior Design

This client had an impressive art collection that we were thrilled to use in our design, along with a few pieces we collaborated in adding from the Liz Lidgett Gallery in Iowa.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

And who says art has to hang on walls? In the den, we turned heads with a vintage Hermes scarf framed in a window, adding whimsy and style without taking up precious wall space. And let's not forget the golden rule of window art: get the scale just right and secure it like your design depends on it (because it does!).

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Photography Art in Interior Design

In another home, we waved goodbye to heavy Tuscan vibes and welcomed the lightness of ocean photography. Esther McFarland's stunning film photos bring the serenity of the sea into the living room, creating a tranquil oasis for our clients to unwind and dream.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

And the formal living room’s gallery wall, filled with original art and reproductions, is a starting point for great conversations.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Mural Office Wall

Who says work-from-home spaces have to be boring? Not us! We jazzed up a waterfront office with a bold mural by Chad Mize, channeling tropical vibes and endless inspiration. 

We took the art vibe even further by selecting this amazing hand-drawn fabric for the drapery. 

Because when your office feels like a vacation destination, Mondays aren't so bad after all!

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Drapery Doubles as Art in Waterfront Interior Design

Forget plain old curtains; we like our drapes to make a statement! In this project, hand-painted drapes by Porter Teleo transformed the room into a gallery-worthy space.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

And the water-inspired art piece by Erin McIntosh tied the whole entry together in a stroke of genius. (Sourced through St. Petersburg’s ARTicles / Leslie Curran Gallery)

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

The Show-Stopping Water Lily Painting

In another coastal-inspired haven, a custom sofa and pillows found their perfect match in a breathtaking water lily painting by Lilia Orlova-Holmes. It's like they were destined to be together, creating a serene oasis that's as calming as a day at the beach.

Check out this post to see another work of art in this home– a vintage chest in the den that Lisa had hand-painted locally.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Vibrant, Art-Inspired Interior Design

Color lovers, rejoice! In a vibrant condo project, original art pieces by Erin McIntosh (left) and St. Petersburg’s Babbette Herschberger (below) set the stage for a creative office space and a lively living room.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

With their bold and bright shapes, these artworks bring joy and energy to the home, making it a true reflection of its fun-loving owners. Their two Australian labradoodles seem to be big fans of Babbette’s art in the living room as well.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Ashley Longshore Art Welcomes Visitors

At the entrance of this South Tampa home, Ashley Longshore's hot pink masterpiece steals the show, greeting guests with a burst of color and personality.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

And that's just the beginning; Danish artist Davina Shefet art piece round out the design, making every corner a delightful surprise.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About Art in Interior Design

1. What kind of art do interior designers like?

Interior designers have a soft spot for all sorts of art! Whether it's classic paintings that transport you to another era or funky sculptures that add a touch of whimsy, there's something for every design palette. From traditional to avant-garde, the art chosen contributes to the vibe and personality of the space. 

Lisa’s motto is that art doesn’t have to perfectly match their interior; art can stand on it's own and work wonderfully!

2. Where do interior designers source art?

Interior designers are like treasure hunters, scouring art galleries, online marketplaces, and artisan markets for the perfect pieces. We might stumble upon hidden gems in antique shops or strike gold with original creations from talented artists. Sometimes, we even weave our magic to commission custom artwork that's as unique as the space itself!

3. Why is art important in interior design?

Art isn't just for walls—it's the secret ingredient that adds flavor to a design cocktail! It's like the cherry on top, sparking joy, igniting conversation, and setting the mood. Art injects soul into spaces, telling stories and reflecting personalities. It's the glue that binds colors, textures, and vibes, creating a masterpiece that feels like home.

To see more of our love for art, check out our Instagram reel from the pop-up event we recently hosted with our friend and Tampa painter Stephanie Ong. 

To see our projects and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is a luxury interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida providing white-glove service for busy professionals. We design and manage renovations and new home construction projects from consultation to reveal. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in St. Petersburg,  Clearwater, South Tampa, Hyde Park, and worldwide. 

St. Petersburg Florida Home Gets a New Floor Plan

Before and After: St. Petersburg Florida Home Renovation

When it comes to turning a house into a dream home, sometimes you need more than just a great design. You need a complete overhaul! That’s exactly what this charming St. Petersburg, Florida home needed to fit this family’s unique vibe.

We didn’t just give this place a facelift; we gave it a whole new identity! The Lisa Gilmore Design team waved their magic wand and redesigned everything, from the exterior to the interior, creating a fabulous new floor plan. 

We added a full laundry room, a powder room, and a music lounge to the already cozy 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. The kitchen, bathrooms, home office, living room, dining area, and sitting room all got a dazzling makeover. 

Our mission? To make this home feel like a tropical getaway on a Caribbean island, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

Art, Music, and Travel-Inspired Florida Home

Everything in this St. Petersburg Florida home was handpicked with artisanal quality and uniqueness in mind. The homeowners love art, music, and travel, so we sprinkled these elements throughout the design like fairy dust.

Tropical Exterior

Before, this house was just another typical Florida home. But now? It’s a Caribbean dream!

photo: Home Exterior Before

ST PETERSBURG FLORIDA HOME EXTERIOR AFTER - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

We extended the threshold to line up with the garage, creating a wide, covered porch. The new bright white exterior with turquoise Bahama shutters pops against the blue skies and green landscaping.

Now, this revamped home boasts a picturesque driveway lined with swaying palm trees, which create a serene and inviting atmosphere. With the addition of double doors and stylish sconces, we've elevated the exterior to a whole new level of sophistication. 

LIVING ROOM BEFORE

Puerto Vallarta-Inspired Living Room

The living room used to be cozy but kind of generic. We transformed it into a vibrant haven with a custom-designed adobe-style fireplace inspired by Lisa’s visit to an art gallery in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The new stylish side chair, sofa, and a show-stopping coffee table carved from mango wood and featuring a bone inlay add warmth and character. It’s a room that invites you to kick back and stay awhile.

photo: Living Room After

SITTING ROOM BEFORE

SITTING ROOM AFTER

LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Sitting Room Highlights Waterfront View

The sitting room’s best feature was its stunning waterfront view, so we made it the star! 

The family now gathers here for their morning meditation, surrounded by love and the memories of a coffee table built by our client’s father. It’s a tranquil, heartfelt space.

DINING ROOM BEFORE

Dining Room with Caribbean Vibe

The dining room had a country flair that just didn’t match the tropical vacation look our client wanted. Now, it’s a feast for the eyes!

Woven seagrass chairs, a deep turquoise upholstered bench, and a surfboard-inspired dining table handmade by Buckmanhaus create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The ARTO handmade cement tile flooring adds charm and elegance. Bon appétit!

photo: Dining Room After

KITCHEN BEFORE

KITCHEN AFTER

Light, Airy, and Modern Kitchen

The country vibe continued into the kitchen with stained wood cabinetry and dark countertops. That just wouldn’t do for our tropical oasis.

Now there is a harmonious blend of colors and patterns in this kitchen. The soft happy blue cabinets create a cheerful atmosphere, perfectly complemented by the timeless black and white checkered floor. The backsplash, with its intricate small rectangular stone pattern, adds a touch of visual interest. Natural stone counters offer both functionality and natural beauty. 

OFFICE BEFORE

Home Office with Mural

This home office went from utilitarian to inspirational. We recreated this space to be the perfect blend of functionality and artistic flair. This workspace is brought to life by custom elements that add a touch of personality. From the hand-painted mural created by St. Petersburg artist Chad Mize, to the vibrant drapery and custom-designed and fabricated colorful glass door, every aspect was thoughtfully designed to create an inspiring atmosphere. Creativity flows freely here!

Photo: Office After

Gold-Accented Primary Bath

The primary bathroom was once dark and uninspiring, but now it's a sleek sanctuary! Picture a white marble floor, gold hardware, and gold-accented mirrors and sconces. We even added palm wallpaper in the water closet for a pop of color and pattern. The black-and-white cement floor continues in this space, and we selected natural stone in the shower to keep the nature-inspired vibe. It's pure sophistication!

Photo: Bathroom Before

BATHROOM AFTER

LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Exquisite Blue Tile Bath

A boys’ bathroom can be quite the cautionary tale, but we turned this one into a dream! We’re obsessed with its new look. The biggest transformation happened when we swapped out the tub for a spacious shower and added a larger window to let in more natural light. The cherry on top? A handpainted vanity tile wall and the beautiful, varying shades of blue zeiliage tile in the shower. It's pure magic!

Photo: Bathroom After

Style Meets Function in Laundry Room

One of our favorite transformations in the new floor plan was the laundry room! This dreamy laundry space is the perfect mix of elegance and practicality. We jazzed it up with beautiful zeiliage tile for the backsplash and added oodles of storage to keep everything in its place. Who knew doing laundry could look this good?

Photo: Laundry Room After

Glamorous Powder Room

The new powder room in this St. Petersburg Florida home is a little slice of luxury. The LGD team created a space that exudes sophistication, complete with a marble vanity and exquisite gold fixtures. The highly textured, natural wallpaper mimics a patchwork pattern, and the distressed antique mirror hanging behind the sink? Chef’s kiss!

MUSIC LOUNGE AFTER

LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Music Lounge: A Melodic Masterpiece

For this music-loving family, we created a paradise! The lounge features the homeowner’s zebra chairs which we had restyled locally and an adobe-style bookcase to display instruments and the client’s father’s wood carving collection. But the pièce de résistance was the piano that was handpainted by Chad Mize. The crowning glory? A cow skull for a quirky twist.

One of the best parts about this home is its waterfront location. By recreating the floor plan, our clients were able to enjoy the view from many vantage points. You can view the entire project photo gallery here or check out another waterfront St. Petersburg Florida home project here.

FAQs: The 411 on a St. Petersburg Florida Home

1. Is St. Petersburg, Florida expensive to live?

Well, St. Pete isn’t the cheapest place to live, but it’s not as pricey as some of its Florida neighbors like Miami or Naples. You get a lot of bang for your buck here! Think stunning waterfront views, a buzzing arts scene, and endless sunshine. Housing costs can vary, but with a little digging, you can find something that suits your budget. Plus, the vibrant lifestyle and beautiful surroundings make it worth every penny!

2. What’s special about St. Petersburg, Florida?

Oh, where do we start? St. Pete is like Florida’s little gem! It’s famous for its stunning beaches with soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. The city is a paradise for art lovers with the Salvador Dalí Museum and a thriving local art scene. You’ll find funky murals, lively festivals, and outdoor markets. And let’s not forget the amazing restaurants, charming downtown, and the fact that it’s known as the Sunshine City – because who doesn’t love endless sunshine?

3. What part of St. Petersburg, Florida is best?

Choosing the best part of St. Pete is like picking your favorite ice cream flavor – it depends on what you love! For beach lovers, you can’t beat the laid-back vibe of the St. Pete Beach area. If you’re into arts and culture, downtown St. Pete is a must with its galleries, cafes, and waterfront parks. Historic Old Northeast offers charming, tree-lined streets and beautiful bungalows. Each neighborhood has its own unique charm, so you really can’t go wrong!

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

An interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida, Lisa Gilmore Design provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We are a full-service design firm that creates one-of-a-kind spaces through custom designs, artisan-crafted pieces, and antique elements. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, and South Tampa.