Alessi’s Alcove

Grace Barbers-Baja isn’t just a woman of style, elegance, and yes, grace. As evidenced by her MEGA magazine feature earlier this year, she is also a doting wife, a loving homemaker, a new foodie and lifestyle blogger, and a very hands-on mom to her three kids. In fact, when she found out in 2010 that she was going to have a daughter, Grace couldn’t be more thrilled. “I think it’s every mother’s dream to have their own little version of themselves, their own mini-me. I have been blessed with two wonderful, amazing boys but deep inside I still wished to have my own little girl someday!”

Her daughter is the paradigm of cuteness, and indeed, a miniature version of her effervescent mum. Even before she was born, she’d already captured her mother’s heart in more ways than one. ”I couldn’t contain my excitement  (when I found out I was pregnant with a girl.) I immediately started envisioning her nursery in my mind! You can say, I really didn’t have a hard time getting inspired!”

1. What was your inspiration for Alessi’s nursery?

While planning, I knew I wanted a very cozy but comfortable room for my little one. Since both my boys’ rooms were in the shades of blues, this time I knew I can finally use the colors in the other side of the spectrum! I finally decided on the more feminine color combination of powder pink and sage green.

2.  It’s such a warm and inviting place! What are your favorite features? 

My favorite features in the nursery would have to be the crib and her closet. The white wooden crib has been with us for more than 9 years now (and counting) since this was also the same crib my two sons used from the day they were born. This is made of Australian hard wood, but bought in Singapore when we were still living there.

It is very sturdy and durable, although not scratch free, which I don’t really mind, as its marks and scratches only add to its endearing sentimental value. This, too, can be converted into a toddler bed which makes it even more practical. In fact, this was used by my eldest for 4 and a half years before my second son was born, who then used it for more than 3 years, before my daughter was born.

Meanwhile my little girl’s closet is also a favorite (probably my most visited, too!), since it’s actually bigger than mine! As any mother will tell you, it is so much easier and more fun to buy clothes and accessories for a girl than for a boy. I started buying her clothes as early as my 4th month of pregnancy (even if the doctor hasn’t technically confirmed the gender yet) because I just knew deep in my heart, that my dream of having a girl will finally come true! Her clothes, shoes and accessories are all organized according to size, color and style – for easy access and styling!

3. How early did you start planning the nursery and preparing for it?

When I was pregnant with our third, nesting mode hit me as early as 5 months! Since this room used to be our former guest room in the house, I knew I immediately had to change everything and renovate it to transform it into a nursery. So for almost 5 months, we reworked this room, repainted the walls, and had some of its furniture designed and customized.

By my 9th month, everything was ready…the paint was all dried up, the furnitures were all in place, her clothes were washed, ironed, folded and hung, and her name was finally hammered onto the wall …the only thing missing then was the baby, who came very late on her 41st week!

4. What are some tips you can give —based on your experience — for mums who are planning a nursery?

When planning your nursery, remember that it all starts with the BIG IDEA. You must at least know in your mind how you would like your nursery to look like and feel like. Once you have that big idea, everything else will follow. Know the color schemes you might like, the types of furniture you might use, the kinds of accessories you might need. You don’t have to pressure yourself to know and have everything all at once. Sometimes, little ideas will hit you every now and then ; sometimes, it comes in one big go! The fun part is actually in the conceptualizing and in the buying — through time!

The important thing to remember is to get inspired. I think all mommies-to-be are inspired anyway as they would only like to give the very best, the most comfortable nests for their children. And only you would know what is best for you and your child, since you two will be the one most using the nursery. So I say, use this “nesting mode” to your advantage! Ask other mommy friends too who’ve done it before for some suggestions or supplier recommendations and go through some magazines, books and websites to get even more ideas and inspiration.

Grace Barbers-Baja is a loving wife of an investment banker and hands-on mom. She is an avid world traveler, true gourmand and gracious host, all of which led her to recently start her own food, travel and lifestyle blog, The Spoiled Mummy. Very detailed oriented in everything she does, Grace is widely known for her unique and intimate style of celebrations, a happy and open home that’s always willing and ready to entertain even at a short moment’s notice.

September 10, 2012 by guest