I have seen a lot of nursery designs as a South Florida newborn photographer but this Bison & Buffalo inspired nursery stuck out to me because it was so different! I had to know why bison and water buffalo? Don’t worry I got that answer and more for you!
When doing an unusual theme I think it really helps to keep your colors neutral. Alina chose white and black along with creams and greys as her neutrals and then added pops of orange in her Bison & Buffalo Inspired Nursery. I love that the orange is a subtle accent, it makes everything very cozy and cohesive.
Bison & Buffalo Inspired Nursery
What inspired your nursery design?
“I did field research in college near Yellowstone National Park and loved being amongst all the bison. One of the posters in the nursery is one I picked up in a gift shop while I was there. So the nursery is a nod to one of my favorite animals (hopefully my son’s too).”
Did you have a particular budget in mind for your Bison & Buffalo Inspired Nursery?
“I didn’t but I did shop around for discounts on all the big items.”
On which items did you splurge vs. save?
“The dresser was the biggest splurge since we wanted something that was sturdy and that would last beyond the nursery years.”
Did you experience any challenges with your nursery design?
“It was challenging to find bison items that weren’t also “tribal”. I was hoping to avoid any cultural appropriation.”
“I have to credit Etsy for having all of the unique finds that tied the nursery together. It was nice to also support small businesses.”
Any final tips or advice?
“Don’t forget to invest in a good crib mattress! I budgeted more towards the nursery design and initially purchased an “ok” crib mattress that was waterproof and noisy. My baby ended up not liking it, which led us to a late night purchase of a Newton mattress, which we wish we bought in the first place.”
Plus this session included their gorgeous grey long haired kitty ????! I love dogs but I’m a cat lover too! Cats are always funny at newborn sessions because as long as they aren’t scared they are very curious. You can’t pose a cat like you can a dog, you have to let the cat decide they want to be in the photo. Then you have to be ready to catch your shot before they are done with you lol! So far I find that putting the baby on the floor draws the cat in to check things out and I can get a cute photo of them together.
Bison & Buffalo Inspired Nursery Shopping List
- Crib – Babyletto
- Dresser – AllModern
- Crib Sheet – Solly Baby
- Bunting Flag – Etsy (SmallBranches)
- Blanket, Change Pad Cover, and Crib Skirt – Little Unicorn
- Rug – Lorena Canals
- Mobile – Dundry Hill Feltworks
- Bison Pillow – Etsy
Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2023.
