Photograph by Ryan Hayslip
When April and Ryan Hayslip were expecting their first child, they decided not to find out whether they were having a boy or girl. As a result they eschewed traditional blues and pinks in the nursery, instead creating a modern room that—with the exception of a few playful touches—doesn’t scream “baby.”
Looking up
The fanciful wallpaper on the ceiling launched the design, says April, who helps run Ryan’s photography/branding business, SlipVisual. “I loved thinking about our little one staring up at the playful sky. And it’s a great distraction during diaper changes.”
Sunny spots
Yellow tassels elevate simple white window treatments.
Mix & match
A white ceramic lamp base is livened up with a colorful Anthropologie shade resembling a watercolor painting.
Going dotty
The textural pouf serves as an ottoman. Later, it’s a soft place for a toddler to flop.
Rock on
April searched for months for a comfortable, colorful rocking chair. She finally found this inexpensive teal glider at target.com during a night of online browsing.
Gray matters
The modern-style crib, which the couple purchased at Baby Braithwaite, doesn’t require a dust ruffle and converts to a toddler bed.
Tip: Beyond baby
Don’t feel stuck in the kids department. The Hayslips chose a Restoration Hardware dresser for a changing table (outfitted with a portable changing cushion) and storage chest. “It has plenty of space for a fidgety baby, and we can continue to use it as our needs change,” April says.
This article originally appeared in our May 2016 issue under the headline “Sweet Dreams.”
