In the June 2023 issue of Main Line Today, we featured the transformation of the kitchen and mudroom in Mike and Lauren McGrath’s Thornton home. Among other features, the mudroom has four lockers, which seemed to imply that the couple were planning on children. As it turns out, Lauren was a few weeks pregnant with her first baby, prompting yet another project—a nursery in what was once a workout space.
Though they’d soon be swapping a Peloton for a new crib and vintage furniture, the McGraths kicked off the design process by selecting wallpaper. “We didn’t know the gender, so I knew I wanted green,” says Lauren, who found the perfect print on Instagram. “I thought it was whimsical and fun—kind of jungle-esque.”
A marble-topped dresser and nightstand—both in the Victorian Era’s Eastlake style—were passed down to the McGraths from Lauren’s late aunt and uncle.
The McGraths kicked off the design process by selecting wallpaper. “We didn’t know the gender, so I knew I wanted green,” says Lauren.
An adorable animal theme seemed only natural from there. Mike’s dad and his friend installed wainscoting around the room, and the couple opted for a fandelier, a striking chandelier with a hidden fan function. A marble-topped dresser and nightstand—both in the Victorian era’s Eastlake style—were passed down to the McGraths from Lauren’s late aunt and uncle. Lauren scored a second dresser on Facebook Marketplace. The crib was purchased online from Namesake. Its vintage gold coloring was inspired by the metal varieties of the 19th century. It can also be converted into a toddler bed.
Baby Mason’s footprints hang on the wall in an antique frame, and a retro-style mini fridge sits in the corner of the room, adding ease to late-night feedings. Instead of a traditional changing table, Lauren opted for a topper on the dresser.
The crib was purchased online from Namesake. Its vintage gold coloring was inspired by the metal varieties of the 19th century.
Delightfully gender-neutral, the nursery is ready to be repurposed for the next baby. Lauren is setting her sights on renovating another room in the family’s home for Mason. Meanwhile, the Peloton has been moved to the first floor. “This was my happy room for workout reasons,” Lauren says. “Now it’s a happy space for a totally different reason.”
