Alison Roman, a Brooklyn-based cook known for her best-selling cookbooks and popular YouTube series, is creatively redefining her home life with the arrival of her first child. She embraced the process of transforming a room in her historic Boerum Hill townhouse into a baby’s sanctuary. With an eye for timeless design and personal touches, Roman collaborated with Babylist to craft a stylish yet functional nursery that aligns with her home’s authentic aesthetic. The room continues to evolve organically, integrating personal mementos and seasonal elements.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Alison Roman
Collaboration: Babylist
Furniture: Babyletto
Location: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Home Style: Historic Townhouse
Featured Items: Bouclé glider, Walnut wood crib, Vintage dresser
Roman’s approach to the nursery draws from her long-held interiors philosophy: showing respect for the existing character of the home. The room features key pieces like a bouclé glider and a walnut wood crib from Babyletto, complemented by a vintage dresser she repurposed as a changing station. Her sensitivity to design is apparent as she coordinates the baby’s room with the rest of the home, maintaining a palette of neutrals highlighted by jewel and earth tones, creating a cozy, inviting space.
Accents that speak to the personalities of both Roman and her husband, Max Cantor, are subtly scattered around the room. A bear from the Bowery Hotel and Mets memorabilia provide a glimpse into their lives, while an inadvertent animal theme emerged as various playful details were added. Above all, Roman wanted a room that felt consistent with their home rather than a departure into conventional pastels and cutesy motifs, emphasizing warmth and comfort without forsaking sophistication.
The room retains the original charm and detail of the townhouse, boasting elements like a vintage mantel and moldings, which Roman was keen to preserve. These historic aspects require little enhancement beyond fresh paint and personalized decorations, showcasing her preference for homes that need minimal intervention to shine. The room’s ambiance is described as peaceful and serene, with views of the backyard adding a natural sense of tranquility, ideal for bonding with a newborn.
Acquiring the essentials was made straightforward through Babylist, a platform Roman utilized to consolidate advice and necessities into manageable lists. Practical items were prioritized, such as the crib and a comfortable chair, while other personal accents were sourced gradually. This pragmatic yet personalized approach reflects Roman’s general attitude toward decorating, favoring meaningful and functional objects over trend-driven pieces, and importantly, ensuring the space remains safe and suitable for a child.
As the nursery develops in tandem with their growing family, Roman articulates a vision that is instinctual and fluid, akin to her culinary style. Although necessity dictated certain choices like the selection of a durable crib, much of the process was guided by preference and intuition. The presence of new and old furnishings interwoven with textural and tonal variety achieves a harmonious balance. Through thoughtfully curated details and strategic planning, Alison Roman creates a nursery that embodies a genuine sense of home.
