Ta Daaaaaah… My ‘other’ labour of love; Rex’s nursery. This room was, as expected, so much fun to put together, especially as we (and by ‘we,’ I mean, ‘my boyfriend’) wanted to do a lot of the work ourselves. From building wardrobes at weekends, to fitting coving and moving spotlights, my scientist by day, and builder by night, really outdid himself. I meanwhile, being about to pop, took on the less physical task of scouring the internet for the most environmentally-friendly baby shops I could find, trawling John Lewis (a parent-to-be right of passage) and spending some glorious hours on the sofa searching for those little magical touches from small brands that really make a space unique.
When it came to the paint, we went straight back to Farrow and Ball and enjoyed another of their brilliant at-home colour consultations (although, this time via a Covid-safe Zoom), to make sure the different colours in the nursery blended well together, but also complimented the other connecting rooms. The in-depth guidance and peace of mind surrounding the colour palette and quantities provided by the consultant Emily Harrold was such a weight off our shoulders, and her expertise really helped bring my little African vision to life. You can read about my previous colour consultation here.
Walls, Ceiling, Radiator and Skirting Boards: Pale Powder
Coving and Double Doors: Webet
Cupboards: Lichen
Sunshine: Hay
The addition of the sunshine was something I knew I had wanted, having been initially inspired by a picture of Molly Madfis’ nursery my sister saw on Pinterest, and thankfully DIY aficionado, my friend Katherine Ormerod, stepped in (or more waddled in, both being prettttty pregnant at the time), masking tape in hand, and helped me. It really does makes the room, and I’m so grateful for her help - It would not have looked remotely this impressive had I been left to my own devices, that’s for sure!!
I always knew I wanted Rex’s room to be safari themed (you can take the girl outta Africa…) but obligatory giant giraffes aside, I also wanted to include some mountainous nods to his rock climbing Daddy!
Laundry Basket made in Kenya: The Basket Room, Lion Seagrass Toy Baskets: Belly Bambino, Luggy Basket and Stacking Bowls: Oskoe Living, ‘A Pod of Hippopotamuses’ Illustration: Fee Greeing for Polkra, Wooden Train, Play Tent, Bunting and Wooden Vans: Scandiborn, Vintage Penguin Books and Mountain Caps: Ebay, Bespoke Knitted Wire Word: Seventy Seven 84, Custom Hoop: Leo and Wilf.
I bought the main piece of furniture, the wooden dresser, from Mamas & Papas. It was the largest I could find and it really owns the space. I love that once Rex is older, we can just remove the baby changer top, and he can enjoy the dresser for years to come.
You may recognise a few things from my old flat. After moving into my boyfriend’s house, we decided that my much-loved Gray Malin leopard balloon photograph, for instance, fitted this room and the theme perfectly. The other art we chose to feature I either found on Etsy or on Instagram, having had some lovely artists and illustrators contact me; Tatiana Alida, Frances Costelloe, Rose du B Illustrations, and Jo Laing.
Lion Rug: Oyoy Living, Sea Shell Music Mobile: Cam Cam Copenhagen, Sunshine Cushion and Mountain Cushion: Scandiborn, Lion Cushion: Jungalow, Cot Bunting: Arnold and the Caterpillar.
Having found the perfect cot, I was determined to find the comfiest and safest bedding to accompany it. After a lot of research, I was set on Rex having the sweetest dreams on an organic, non-toxic and chemical-free Naturalmat mattress. Handmade in Devon, the sustainably sourced, natural fibres used are inherently breathable and self-ventilating which helps babies regulate their body temperature for a comfortable night's sleep. I then chose organic linen/cotton sheets in a honey colour pop from The Little Green Sheep.
Custom Wooden Baby Name Letter Blocks: Etsy, Lace-up Baby Boots: Each Peach Baby.
Photography: Claire Menary
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