Tips from Interior Designer Elena Brooking
Congrats on your new (or coming soon) bundle of joy!! There’s nothing more exciting than those 6-9 months of planning for your little one to arrive. And with everything going on in the world right now, I’m sure throwing yourself into a DIY home nursery project is just the virtual escape you need to brighten your mood. That’s why I’m interviewing professional Interior Designer and Feng Shui Consultant Elena Brooking on how to get started with your babe’s DIY nursery.
Tell me a little bit about your background, what you do, and how you got started?
My name is Elena Brooking, I am a qualified interior designer + Feng Shui consultant. I am a mama of 2 little girls (Olivia 4 & Sienna 2) and a former motherhood empowerment coach.
I started my interior design diploma when pregnant with my first and finished my studies 2 weeks before my second was born. I went through post partum depression with Olivia and interior design helped me push through and make it out on my own so I could make my dream come true!
I am currently focusing on kids’ design and I help mamas out there raise confident & inspired children by creating long-lasting spaces that support their passions & personality!
Let’s talk nurseries! What’re your design principles for creating an awesome nursery?
Designing a nursery can be so much fun because anything you decide to include is entirely up to you while your baby doesn’t have a voice in it just yet! There are a few things to keep in mind when getting started:
Choose a specific style or theme. Although it's not absolutely necessary to limit yourself to a single concept, settling on a specific idea will help you to narrow your focus and create a more cohesive design.
Choose textile before paint: there is nothing worst than choosing the perfect curtains or bedding only to find out it clashes with the paint color.
Identify a focal point, most nurseries are centered on the crib, but there are many other options to choose from. A large window or alcove or even a signature piece, such as an over-sized toy or a painted dresser, can also draw focus.
Leave room to grow, when choosing furniture think long term: baby's small bassinet-style crib may look darling now, but have you left enough room to exchange it for a toddler-sized bed later?
Don’t neglect your windows. Properly dressing your windows is not a design choice—it's a safety concern. Always install blackout curtains or heavy blinds in the nursery. This will help the baby to sleep longer and more comfortably. More importantly, it will prevent the room from getting too hot during the day, dramatically decreasing your baby's risk of SIDS.
How should mommas who are waiting to find out their babes gender plan their nursery decor?
Neutral soft hues are always best, especially for the foundation of the room set up. Once the gender is revealed you can always add little pieces in pink or blue to give it more personality. There isn’t a right or wrong here, you can always pick a combination of colours you like whether it’s a girl or a boy!
What are your favorite on trend nursery themes for boys?
What I love about boys nurseries is the fact that there is so much you can play with. I love the brave little prints with animals hanging on the walls. Fur mats and cosy throws to create some hygge are a must.
What about for girls?
With everything going on at the moment I have noticed rainbows are going very big and it is definitely a very nice element to be adding, it’s also long lasting (who doesn’t like a rainbow?)
For even more great nursery themes, check out my curated Pinterest board arranged by theme!
How can mommas design a nursery that will grow with their baby into toddlerhood and beyond?
I know a lot of mums struggle with this and specifically in knowing, when is the right time to upgrade my child’s room? While every kid is different there are a few signs to look out when considering introducing a toddler bed or a Montessori closet. It’s important to keep in mind which pieces are you introducing that your little one won’t grow out of or a while? For example, when you don’t have room for both a stand-alone changing table and a dresser. You'll get more use out of the dresser in the long run. Thinking ahead will ensure you get the most out of your money and your space. If you are on a budget, what’s really necessary in a nursery and what’s fluff?
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for designing a nursery?
Consider going green, eco-friendly products can be beneficial for your baby and the environment.
Do decorate the ceiling, babies spend much time on their back and it can be stimulating for them.
Create a nursing station for you to relax in and make your journey into motherhood stress-free.
For the shoppers out there, what are your top 3 product must haves for a great nursery?
As a mother myself and as a designer I recommend:
An adjustable crib so you can have the flexibility to shift it’s functionality as baby grows. The Graco Benton cribs are very good for this, they are convertible and can turn into a toddler bed or a day bed.
A good dresser for organized storage space. Here you can get creative, I personally love the Harriet Bee style, minimalistic and classy.
A crib mobile. You are going to need all the breaks you can get and this is a great tool for keeping your baby busy while laying on his back. Usually the cut out animal ones with a little sound can do wonders!
Thank you Elena Brooking for all of your great tips and tricks on designing a DIY nursery! If you’re looking for more personalized advice, please reach out to Elena directly or join her Facebook Group for even more nursery collaboration. And of course, check out our printable nursery art & closet organizers!