Congrats on your move! Decorating 'from scratch' is lots of fun but can easily get overwhelming :). We moved from a small apartment to a 3 story home few months ago and it's still work in progress.. My big and long living room is slowly being taken over by toys as well.. They seem to multiply faster than rabbits :O. I utilized the bottom 2 shelves of a plain white bookcase (Billy from Ikea), I put two of Target brown fabric bins at the bottom (filled with stuffed animals and lighter plastic 'junk') and a few books and 2 smaller rattan baskets filled with blocks and small dollhouse accessories on the next shelf. The rest of bookcase is my books and picture frames (it's great to hide eg markers and playdough and paint behind the books too ;)). I'm also planning to get a cube storage unit (Expedit from Ikea too), it's deeper than the bookcase and doesn't scream 'kids', I'll put her toys into bins or baskets so they're not out in the open... When she grows, I can always fill it with books, games, knicknacks like frames and vases as well...

I agree with the no lamps unless necessary. I have two little ones and while they have never knocked over lamps, I don't have any within reach in the playroom. We rely on natural light and then a floor lamp placed behind the couch that isn't easily accessible. I would do as Tib suggested and put pretty bookends and books on top, or random toys or big ones that don't fit in the cubbies. Love the map idea over the storage. Then I would get attractive baskets for some or all of the cubbies. Then even if they aren't filled, everything looks uniform. I like uniform. : ) Serena & Lily has nice baskets (I have some in my daughter's room) and they are having a 20% off sale in a few days. Land of Nod is also running 15% off bins and baskets right now. Pottery Barn Kids has some cute ones and you can find a coupon every once in a while. Bins and baskets in general aren't cheap but I love the look and function of them. Just make sure and measure your shelves before ordering.

Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate all your suggestions. I guess my downfall is that I'm a 'researcher' - I have to see ALL my options out there before I make a decision. Definitely no impulse buys for me - ha! But then of course, it drives dh bonkers because it takes me FOREVER to make up my mind! :) I was actually thinking of a warm cream or light yellow. Dh really wants to paint the floor sage green (which I don't really love, but I rarely let him have his way - haha). So do you think a pale yellow would look ok with a sage green floor? Does anyone have examples or pics of a nice soft yellow (I don't want anything TOO yellow). teacats, I love your art idea! I do really like some of those animal prints or we might even try to paint some ourselves. I was definitely thinking of having dh build a bookcase w/ colorful bins for storage, then I also want to have an arts/crafts area (with a dry erase wall to write on) then also a kitchen/baby doll area, reading nook w/chairs, sports area w/balls & bikes, and then a dress up area too. My problem is I have so many ideas - I just have trouble executing them all! Does anyone know of any cute kids rugs (bright stripes or some type of motif) for under $200? Thanks again for all your help!

Lovely view. I think the bed and the crib are in the best places already. Try moving the tea getting ready station under the window behind your desk. Or on the end of your desk near the window. That way it is out of the way of you and the little one. Place the babies changing station/dresser along the same wall as crib, where the soft chair is now. Move the soft chair in front of your desk under the window at an angle facing view out slider and room. Put a beautiful rug in front of the slider, it will delineate the play/lounging space in front of desk. Properly use (one or more depending on your needed amp load) high quality power strip with surge protection for the computer and other office equip (mounted on the desk not under it for safety) and turn them all off before bed. https://shedheads.net/power-strip-buyer-guide No or a very limited number of plants and only on a desk or dresser not on the floor in pots.