When former Interiors Addict journalist Lauren Ellis stumbled upon a watercolour print of Tillie – an adorable mouse with flower crown, wings and a dandelion double her size – she knew she had to have it for her future daughter’s nursery. Having grown up on acreage in northern NSW, some of Lauren’s fondest memories included collecting dandelions — just like Tillie — and blowing the seeds to make a wish. So it seemed only natural to replicate some of that childhood charm in her new home.
Positioning it above the cot, from there everything fell into place, with the colour scheme of dusty pink, magenta, grey and mustard all being inspired by the Sailah Lane print. Yet to meet baby number two (she’s due in February), Lauren designed the room with growth in mind. What a forward-planner!
“Having already designed a boy’s room for my 2-year-old son Harvey, I was excited to create a feminine space for my baby girl. Two walls feature tiny dot decals from The Lovely Wall Co, which can easily be changed to create a whole new look without the need for paint. And instead of a change table, I opted for a classic chest of drawers with a removable rubber change mat from Leander.”
Inspired by Pinterest and Instagram, some of Lauren’s favourite pieces came from trawling the web. “I love supporting small businesses found on Instagram and I am head over heels for the origami balls from Titt-tei that hang inside her canopy. Their creator – Olga Kovgar from Norway – sent me the most beautiful handwritten note with the parcel saying she does a little‘happy dance with each order, so they feel really special.”
Her other favourite piece is the embroidered letter M (her daughter’s first initial but shhhh, the name is a secret!) handmade by Lauren herself: “It’s the first time I’ve tried cross-stich and it took two full days to finish! It’s far from perfect but that’s exactly what I love about it. I hope it becomes an heirloom she treasures.”
When it comes to decorating a nursery, Lauren recommends buying items that make you smile, shopping small where possible — “It gives the room a more personal feel” — and picking a colour scheme and sticking to it! And her biggest no no? Impulse buying! “I could have filled her room three times over with beautiful purchases found on Etsy and Instagram.”
