Hello Baby / Nursery Reveal

I loved creating this cute yet elegant woodland-themed nursery for a baby boy – it was such a fun and rewarding project! Here are the design tricks I used to create a flexible space that works as a nursery but also a kids room in years to come. 

Make shelving a design feature

Creating a shelving area in kids rooms is not only a practical storage solution, it also creates a styling opportunity! You can buy individual units from retail stores, modular systems from hardware stores or upcycle your own. This custom-made bookshelf was made by a cabinetmaker so it fits the space perfectly, and features dowel rods to keep items in place which can be made in painted timber or brass.

Create magic with murals

Wallpaper or wall murals are the perfect choice for kids rooms as they can have fun discovering little details, and the design often inspires a colour scheme for the rest of the room. Wall murals also achieve the effect of feeling completely surrounded within an environment which can be very calming especially if the design is nature-inspired. This little boys nursery has a seriously high stud so I added a themed wallpaper mural with treetop detailing up high. This fills the void of white space above and adds a sense of wonder to a little one looking up.

Create a custom headboard

Headboards are a great way to add a playful vibe to a kids room because you can customise the shape, colour and size. Upholstered panels that cover an entire wall are a stylish (and soft) way to add impact and create a focal point when the bed is not that big. Not only does it create wow factor, it’s a handy leaner when kids are sitting on the floor (it will also accommodate a larger bed once the little one is out of a cot). Choose a fabric like a velvet polyester blend that is soft, durable and can be easily cleaned – little fingers can be big stain spreaders!

Light it up

If you only have downlights in the kids rooms hire an electrician to add pendant light wiring if that’s an option with your home design. Pendant lights play a double duty role in kids’ rooms – they provide a lovely ambient light plus can be grouped or clustered to create imaginative formations. Put them on dimmers for a cool cosmic look at night!

Choose furniture that’s fun

Look for furniture designs that aren’t necessarily made for kids but have playful features. I had this dresser lacquered in a soft green rather than white to add an accent colour to the woodland theme. It was then easy to take this accent colour and use it around the room in the way of objects and accessories.

Add wow factor to windows

A beautiful window can be a focal point for an entire room, especially if you dress it with statement window treatments. While these curtains are neutral, making them with a split two tones in line with the window ledge adds interest. Blocking out light is important to keep kids asleep for as long as possible, so either have curtains lined with blockout fabric, or choose a double track with blockout lining at the back and a more decorative fabric in front.

Use storage smarts

Use the vertical space as a storage opportunity. Adding these carved wooden animal hooks allows a place for bags and scarves while also being a cute detail kids will love.

Go for groupings of art

Framing and hanging a collection of smaller art is a great way to create a bigger feature while saving costs. In this nursery I created a symmetrical grid of four baby animal prints on one wall, and also grouped gorgeous felt animal heads on another wall to make a larger design.

Kids Room Design TIP

When it comes to decisions like colour, wallpaper or furniture, use your child’s likes and interests as a guide and choose a range of designs you think they’d like, that you can also live with. Then, let them choose from that selection. That way they feel like they’re part of the decision yet you still retain some say!