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Name: Eulalie (8 months)
Location: Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Room Size: 3m x 4m

Before becoming a new mom, Claire was a fashion stylist in Sydney. Since then, a surprise to no one after taking this room tour, she has developed a true passion for interior design and styling. What might surprise you is that Eulalie's nursery was an evolution, starting out as a simple gender neutral room with just the handmade crib (that was Claire's as a baby!) and a couple of pieces of furniture. When Claire brought Eulalie home, with still no theme in mind, she started filling the room with things she loved and gradually it became more and more the whimsical and playful space she was hoping for; a perfect little haven for her girl.

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What was your inspiration for the room? Before I was pregnant, I spotted the antique green cabinet at a secondhand store in Sydney and fell in love. My husband and I were talking about starting a family, so I went ahead and bought the cabinet, thinking it was the ideal colour and could work in either a boy or a girl's space. I already owned the cot (which was handmade for me as a baby by my Granddad) and knew that I wanted to incorporate both pieces of furniture into something that was both aesthetically beautiful and meaningful, using lots of vintage bits and pieces that I had collected over the years. I wanted a space that was whimsical and playful, yet doubled as a calming and relaxing haven.

What is your favorite element in the room? The cot which was made for me by my Granddad when I was a baby. It's so special that my own daughter now sleeps in it too! The mosquito net is more practical than anything, we live in a tropical climate with lots of mosquito's! The cute owl mobile was a gift from a friend living in China.

Before starting, what did you know you wanted to include, for sure? The cot, the green cabinet and the Ikea hemnes chest of drawers (as a change table and storage). All of these items I already had, so I worked the space around them. I also knew that I wanted to incorporate a quiet reading spot, something low to the ground that felt accessible to Eulalie where she could relax and play, and where we could snuggle together and read stories before bedtime.

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Were there any surprises? Good or bad? I had been thinking that I wanted to include some organic, natural elements and one day at the very end of my pregnancy I found a branch on our driveway that was the perfect formation of a miniature tree. It was the perfect way (along with the branch rack and curtain rail) to bring the 'outside' in. Finding it was a lovely surprise and I love it for both it's aesthetic value and for what it symbolises. Bad surprise? Baby's like to peel wall decals off the walls! They may need to be moved away from her change mat where she can't destroy them. It's a shame though, because they look so pretty there!

What was your proudest DIY? Probably the branch curtain rail and clothes rail. They turned out beautifully and the branch softens the unattractive roller blind most effectively. I didn't have much of a budget for artwork so I framed vintage embroidered napkins to add some visual interest and colour. Her name on the wall was created in photoshop and printed off on my home printer and attached to the wall with double sided tape. Most people assume it's a proper wall decal ... so I'm pretty pleased with that!

What was your biggest indulgence? The vintage green dresser and the floor cushions. Oh, and the Mae wall decals. Even so, these items weren't really that expensive. Everything else we either already owned or collected over time at second hand stores, markets etc.

Any advice for other people starting this process? Eulalie's nursery evolved over time -- I added and changed elements as I got to know my baby and imagined what sort of person she was going to grow into. I think I've created a space that reflects my baby's personality and that will grow beautifully with her. In other words, don't rush -- take your time and don't try to get caught up on a theme. Just add what you love, it will create a much more personal space and somehow it will all come together.

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If money was no object, what would your dream source be? I would still much prefer to rummage in second hand stores and markets ... the character and charm that comes with vintage treasures is priceless.

Source List:
• Green cabinet: Antique
• Change table: IKEA Hemnes (changed hardware)
• White shelf with basket storage: Freedom Furniture
• Cot: Handmade by my Grandad for me when I was a baby
• Door sign: A custom made gift made by my friend Miriam
• Wall stickers (except name): Love Mae
• Floor cushions and cot canopy: Far Pavilions (Australian Asian import store)
• Rug: My Mum's!
• Curtains and various cushions: Tree of Life (Australian Asian import store)
• Branches: DIY
• Teeny Bunting: DIY via Ohdeedoh (Aubrey and Lindsay Little House Blog)
• "Eulalie" wall decal: DIY
• Soft ride-on camel: Locally made in Townsville
• Indian fabric lantern: local market
• Lamp: vintage
• Suitcases: vintage
• Chair: vintage

Thank you Claire! Readers, you can find Claire online at one claire day where she wrote about Eulalie's nursery. Pop over and say hello.

(Images: Claire Connell)

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