Interior Designer, Stephanie DeBrincat of Rockabye Mommy

About Stephanie

Founder & PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

Tired of spending countless hours on Pinterest, trying to design a room your kids will love? Whether you're a soon-to-be momma or busy parent juggling it all, you've come to the right place!

Welcome to Rockabye Mommy, where creating enchanting and safe spaces for your little ones is my specialty. That’s me in the photo with my husband Tim. Not pictured is our 11 year old dog-child Rupert. The cutest french bulldog you’ll ever see. I’ll sneak in a few pics of him on the blog every now and then, so you can meet him there! With 18 years of experience in the interior design industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity to every project. I was formally trained at the Interior Designer’s Institute in Newport Beach, CA, and have a well-rounded body of work experience in various aspects of interior design. My journey began in model homes and has since expanded to custom residential and commercial interiors. Rockabye Mommy was founded in 2012 - specializing in healthy nursery & children’s room design. My vast array of experience has led me here, dedicated to helping you.

You’ve landed on my site, so I know you take your kids’ room designs seriously, and so do I. You have a vision and ideas for the perfect, dreamy space but need expert design guidance to bring that vision to life, right? Have you considered how to create a safe and healthy environment for your little one? That’s where my expertise comes in.

 

Your little ones will spend countless hours sleeping
and playing in what’s supposed to be their safe haven,
so doing what you can to keep toxins to a minimum is incredibly important.

 

Your child’s health and safety are at the forefront of my design philosophy. I collaborate with vendors who share my commitment to safety and sustainability, ensuring that every element in your nursery is crafted with care and integrity. From organic bedding to low-VOC paints, I select products that contribute to a healthy environment. I believe in empowering my clients with knowledge. By educating you about the materials and products I use, I help you make informed decisions with confidence. Creating a collaborative design process where you feel supported and assured that your nursery is a safe haven for your most important people to thrive in.

My goal is to create beautiful spaces that are not only stylish but also prioritize the health and well-being of your child.

As a mom of a toddler, I have firsthand experience with what you need in a nursery. I also understand the critical role of selecting safe, organic materials for your children’s rooms. I am passionate about interior design, and each new project offers an opportunity to create something truly unique and special. I always strive to find one-of-a-kind items because your space deserves to be nothing short of amazing. Through this blog, I aim to provide you with valuable information, decor ideas and inspiration to support you on your design journey, whatever it may be. Don’t forget to join the list below so you never miss a post!

A huge thanks for following along and I look forward to connecting with you all.

xo - Stephanie

Rockabye Mommy - Where posh meets practical.

Nursery nook - Monte Rockwell Bassinet by Rockabye Mommy
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why are LOW-TOX & ORGANIC products so important?

Low-tox and organic products are crucial in children's rooms for several reasons:

  1. Health and Safety: Children are more vulnerable to toxins due to their developing immune systems and faster metabolic rates. Exposure to harmful chemicals can affect their growth, respiratory health and neurological development.
  2. Reduced Allergens: Organic materials are less likely to harbor dust mites and other allergens, promoting a healthier environment and better sleep quality.
  3. Improved Air Quality: Low-tox products minimize indoor air pollutants, which can exacerbate conditions like asthma. Clean air is essential for children's lung development and overall well-being.
  4. Environmental Impact: Choosing organic and sustainably sourced products helps reduce the environmental footprint, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
  5. Long-Term Benefits: Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals supports proper growth and development, leading to stronger immune systems and better cognitive development.

Incorporating these principles not only aligns with our commitment to safety and health but also adds value to our unique, one-of-a-kind designs.

 

What is offgassing?

Have you ever wondered what causes the smell that we associate with new products? Whether it is a fresh coat of paint, new carpet, mattress or piece of furniture, you have probably noticed that some of these products typically emit a certain smell when we add them to our homes.

In most cases, the cause of this smell is off-gassing, and it happens when the new products that you bring into your home release chemicals, often volatile organic compounds (VOCs), into the air, which can sometimes be harmful. Knowing what materials your household items are made of will help in determining what is potentially offgassing.

Common sources of offgassing in household items: furniture, carpets, paint and mattresses.

 

Where do you find the unique furnishings you use?

With 18 years experience, I've built strong relationships with numerous trade and retail vendors. I love discovering new products, so I regularly attend trade shows to keep my product library up to date - not just with children's room essentials, but also with the latest trends in general furnishings. This ensures I can continue designing unique, sophisticated rooms for you. I also collaborate with incredibly talented craftsmen and artists for those special, customized items. This is just one of the many advantages of hiring a professional designer - you'll have access to items that your neighbors won't.

Aren't products on the market REQUIRED TO BE tested for safety?

While many people assume that products on the market are rigorously tested for safety, the reality is quite different. Current regulations do not require manufacturers to disclose all the chemicals used in their products, nor are they mandated to test for environmental safety or the potential toxic effects on the human nervous system. As a result, products containing harmful chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, benzene and toulene can still be found on the market. This places the responsibilty on consumers to be vigilant. It's essential to proactively read product and material labels to understand what chemicals are present, enabling us to make informed and safer purchasing decisions.

 

What are some common safety hazards in a nursery?

Adding decorative items are a great way to add personality and style to the room, but you'll want to keep a few things in mind:

  • Crib Safety: Ensure the crib mattress fits snugly, and avoid using loose blankets, pillows or stuffed animals to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Furniture Stability: Anchor furniture like dressers, nightstands and bookshelves to the wall to prevent tipping.
  • Decor Safety: Move any decorative items to a higher shelf or table top when your baby starts crawling.
  • Try to eliminate any sharp corners on furniture.
  • Electrical Safety: Use outlet covers to prevent little fingers from exploring electrical sockets.
  • Be sure to store your baby care items out of reach from your child.

These are just a few tips to ensure a safer space for your little one. Check out this post here from professional babyproofing service, Boo Boo Busters, for more info.

 

How can I consult with and hire Rockabye Mommy?

My Services page gives a breakdown of design and consulting options available. An understanding of the service you are interested in is all we need to start the conversation. Together we will evaluate your goals and budget to come up with best plan. Prospective clients should first understand that we cater to a specific clientele. We prioritize working with clients who appreciate the value of high-end, customized designs and are willing to invest in creating a safe, stylish, and functional space for their children. Additionally, clients should be prepared for a minimum lead time of four months, with the understanding that highly customized projects may extend beyond this timeframe. If you are ready to embark on a collaborative journey to transform your child's room into a dreamy sanctuary, we would love to hear from you. Follow the links on my services page or email your inquiry here.