She’ll be highlighting all sorts of design tips and tricks in the coming weeks and months, but today we’re turning our attention to one room in the house that has been at the forefront of our minds lately—the nursery. Or more specifically, why all of you new and expecting parents out there shouldn’t be afraid to embrace your inner interior designer and deck out your new babe’s nursery from baseboard to ceiling. So without further ado, keep scrolling for a peek into Gillian’s very own modern nursery (that we’re dying over BTW), and get that “Pin It” button ready. Let’s just say these nursery design ideas illustrate exactly why you should have FUN with this space and really go all out… Designer’s orders! Did we mention she’s also sharing her sources for all the swoon-worthy pieces in her nursery? Anyway, we’ll let Gillian take it from here…
It’s official: designing nurseries is the best part of the job (it doesn’t hurt that infants are slightly less demanding than my usual clientele. Although, speaking as a new mom that may be up for debate...) Working as an interior designer, it’s always an honor to work with my clients on creating their dream house and “forever” home where years of memories will be made. That being said, planning for enduring design that will stay timeless for the next 25 years can have its challenges. Fear of being “too bold” or “too trendy” can often prevent clients from taking risks and stepping outside of the box which, in my opinion, is what ultimately leads to great design.
Area Rug | Wallpaper | Dresser
Kids rooms are usually one exception to the rule, which is probably why I love working on them so much! Knowing that their children will grow out of a certain look (or inevitably destroy it with crayons, stickers or in the case of my nephew, the item all parents fear (the Sharpie), clients are often willing to embrace their inner child and just have fun with the design. Case in point: my daughter’s jungle-themed nursery.
Chair | Wallpaper
When it came to my daughter Gigi’s bedroom, I decided I needed to have at it and execute the nursery of my interior design dreams before she got old enough to have an opinion of her own and request a room covered in Paw Patrol posters. I started with a jungle wallpaper mural which I wrapped around all four walls, and layered it with TONS of texture, a healthy dose of pink and finished it with the cherry on top—Gray’s Disco Nap. She immediately pointed at the monkey and proudly exclaimed, “Bear!” (our dog’s name). While she may have a ways to go with nailing her animal vocabulary, she is excited by the animals and forest that surround her in her room which brings me so much joy as a mother and as a designer.
If I could offer any parent decorating their own nursery with a word of advice:
## 1.Invest in Great Black-Out Blinds
For aesthetics, I always recommend a fabric Roman shade or drape—it provides a great opportunity to include colour or pattern and also adds softness and warmth to any space.Not to mention it really helps with naps and night time sleep.
## 2. Mix & Match
It’s important to mix and match pieces, and by that, I mean don’t buy a crib, dresser and chair all from the same collection. It always creates a more collected and curated lookto source items that have different styles, textures and materials.
## 3. Go BOLD
…Even if it’s a small room. This nursery pictured below was a for a client who didn’t have a dedicated room for her little one. We overtook the space at the top of the stair landing and turned it into a nursery nook. A graphic mural, great drapes, and some beautiful pieces turned this unused space into my client’s favourite room in the home.
Area Rug | Dresser | Chair | Wall Mural
## 4. Rock-a-bye Baby
Invest in a great chair (you are going to be spending a lot of sleepless nights here). Make sure it’s comfortable, rocks and/or glides and (ideally) has a washable fabric or slipcover.
## 5. Splurge Wisely
Don’t waste your money on a dedicated “change table.” Buy a great dresser that your child can grow into and opt for good change pad to place on top.
When it comes to designing your home in general, there’s definitely a lesson to be had from children’s spaces. Nothing is permanent, nothing is a life sentence. Decorating should be FUN, and you should be surrounded by pieces that bring you joy, so take a risk now and then and I guarantee you will love your space that much more!
Do you feel as inspired by these nursery design ideas as we do?
Well, we can confidently say you’ve won us over, Gillian! To follow more of her work, make sure to give her a follow on Instagram and visit her website for more projects.
Xx Team GM
Photos: Ema Peter Photography