Name: Ruby (2)
Location: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
Room Size: 10' x 12', 120 sq ft
How to make a minimalist nursery still feel fun and inviting? Add color, texture, and a dash of whimsy. That's exactly what Ruby's mom, Danielle, did when she designed this space. The clean and simple design lends itself to easy changes as Ruby grows, while the hand woven hemp rug, crocheted pouf, colorful accessories, and wood floors add warmth and character to the space.
What was the inspiration for Ruby's room?
Inspiration for Ruby's Bedroom came from Oeuf's furniture and products. I wanted Ruby's nursery to be clean, simple, and organic. I didn't want to use anything too pinky or frilly. I also knew that her room would need to grow and evolve with her, so I wanted the big ticket items like the furniture to be timeless and neutral, as I plan to have another baby in the not too distant future. The Sparrow Collection is so beautiful and can easily be used for a little girl or boy.
What was the biggest challenge in decorating this room?
For me the biggest challenge is always settling on a theme and seeing it through. I have a habit of changing my mind...a lot! For example I love wallpaper, but knew that I couldn't commit to just one wallpaper. Budget was also a challenge so Ruby's room evolved very gradually over the last two to three years. I think this is the best way in the end - you collect things along the way, add to it, take things away 'til it all feels right.
What are your favorite items in the space?
The garland was a gift from my aunt for Ruby when she was born. No matter how Ruby's rooms change, I will always find a place for this as I am hopelessly sentimental, and it was the first decorative item in Ruby's nursery. Made even more special as they are not available in Australia, so they are very unique, just like Ruby.
If money were no object, what's your dream source?
Rachel Castle - she creates amazing artwork and beautiful bedding. She would have to be one of my faves. Also Oeuf for furniture and goodies. Luckyboysunday. Ferm Living. I have too many.....
How would you describe your style?
My style is modern minimal, but I love colour and interesting, unexpected pieces. I added the Armadillo Floor Rug as I love how organic it looks and feels. I didn't want too much colour on the floor but love that it is pretty and detailed and interesting. It softens all the modern pieces and feels a little bit vintage too. I think it's a piece that can also be used in an older child's room. The tulle pom poms again add softness and are girly and fun. Even though I am fairly minimalist, I believe a child's room should reflect all that is whimsical and colourful and sweet about childhood and the special little person that inhabits it.
Tell us about the reading corner.
Ruby absolutely loves to read. She loves her books, and I regularly take her to storytime at our local library. I read to her a lot and have done since she was a baby. I was the same as a child and was always reading and sneaking books to bed to read under my blankets with a torch light. I really wanted to nurture this part of Ruby's heart, so I added a reading corner to her room complete with a knitted pouf and beanbag.
The shelves are picture ledges from Ikea (I got the idea from Pinterest) — so cheap and easy. I love that the books can then be displayed front facing — it makes it easier for Ruby to see and select the books she wants to read. I had the shelves hung fairly low so Ruby could reach them. And as an added bonus, the children's books are beautiful, so it's a great way to incorporate artwork into the room. As Ruby grows into a teenager she can use them to display her favourite magazines, books or photographs.
Do you have any advice for parents creating a room for their child?
I would say to follow your own instincts. In the end your child's room is personal and should reflect your vision for their space and be able to evolve and grow with them. Make it fun and whimsical; don't be afraid of colour - it's a child's room after all. Above all else - when you walk into a child's room it should make you smile.
Source List:
- Cot & Dresser - Oeuf NYC from Kido Store
- Cot Blanket Zig Zag - Uimi from Maiike Store
- Garland - Oeuf NYC
- Pirum Parum Pear Poster - Fine Little Day from Minimecca
- Colours Wall Chart - Blink Designs from Kido Store
- Rug - Armadillo & Co
- Bunny & Mouse in Cot - Maiike Store
- Doona - Dwell Studio
- Chair - Matt Blatt
- Doll on Chair - Beauty Baby by LuckyBoySunday from Kido Store
- Cat on Chair - Donna Wilson from Safari Living
- Picture/Book Ledges - IKEA
- Floating Shelves - IKEA
- Framed Prints on Shelves - Nomuu
- All the Joy You Bring (card) - Poppies for Grace
- Polar Bear Lantern - Mozi
- Wooden R - Kids Interior Designs
- Wooden Windmills - Tivolivat Wooden Decorations by Swiden
- Bean Bag - Cocoon Couture
- Yellow/Grey Tutu - Big by Fiona Scanlan
- Pink Tutu Skirt - Big by Fiona Scanlan
- White Tutu - Bloch
- Tulle Pom Poms - Petit Atelier
- Baskets in Dresser - lark
- Felt Mushroom - Maiike Store
- Felt Wreath - Little Lamb from Down to the Woods
- Bedside Table - Matt Blatt
- Rabbit Lamp -Down to the Woods
Danielle plans to start a photography business and blog in the near future, but in the meantime you can see more of Danielle over on her Pinterest page.
(Images: Danielle Trovato)
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I love that the books are like art on the wall. Lovely.
Gorgeous, gorgeous room, but -- and I'm sure part of this is envy talking -- how much did this room cost to put together? Thousands of dollars, maybe? Still very inspiring (I love the artwork), but incredibly unrealistic for people like me who are on a budget.
Jaw dropping! This room has such eye appealing details from the rug to the wreath I'm floored : )
@BETWEENBARS - I agree completely! Fortunately, though, the "handmade" look of some of the things in the room can be achieved by DIY. Of course, it's much harder if you're not artsy/good at making things. Also, the overall concept of bright white paint with pops of color can be done pretty cheaply.
ADORABLE!!
I've got a dollhouse size chair just like that "shell on sticks" one!
LOVE that rug!
Gorgeous room! So many love little details! Ruby is one lucky girl :)
WMJR, what are you babbling about? What's wrong with the floor? By the way, Ruby is a girl.
Everytime I see a nursery with the changing pad parallel to the wall I wonder where they really change the baby, broken elbows and all
i am in love this room. it is all in the details. i really love the blanket, the wooden frames and prints. the wooden decorations are cute and i love the postcards on the wall - what a great and cheap idea. I love the unexpected items too like the lucky boy sunday doll on the chair. The only think i don't like is the rug or the bean bag. But i love the rest.
@betweenbars I guess overall including furniture it was expensive but something we worked at over 2-3 years. Pre baby I was working for a residential builder so was lucky enough to have the furniture ordered through work at a very discounted price. These were probably the most expensive items. There is some Ikea furniture and replica also. So not so bad in the end. :)
@mooonaaa I have had Ruby's change table in this position since she was a newborn! Honestly it is practical & is not right against the wall. The drawers are full of nappies and supplies & there is built-in-cupboards directly behind with easy access to clothes etc. I've never had any broken elbows! :)
@leegirls Thank you for your lovely comments & glad you love her room. It is a lot of fun designing your own child's space. :)
Sounds like a sweet room for kids.The carpet is my favorite!
Beautiful relaxed interior for a child with lovely thoughful objects on the shelves etc... Really lovely.
Oh, I love hearing that the garland has so much sentimental value. Beautiful job of designing her room.
BETWEENBARS: I think this is one of those rooms that could cost a lot -- or a little, if you DIY a bunch of the accessories and/or look for cheaper knock-offs. The overall design is definitely easy enough to replicate - and I think that is what makes it fun! You can personalize it while still staying true to the simple aesthetic. FWIW, I have seen similar rugs from the "home decorators" catalog. We have one in our house that was only $39, I think. TJMaxx, IKEA, HomeGoods, Overstock, and Target would be good sources for a lot of the basics. Books are colorful. Vintage storybooks also have awesome artwork that you can frame with simple white frames and mats. Sock monsters are really easy to make (my daughter makes them all the time) and could be fun accessories. Thrift stores have GREAT quirky figurines, etc. I love this look, but it doesn't have to be intimidating! :)
Love the entire room! Can you please tell me where you got the timber frames from with Nomuu prints in them? I bought the prints but can't find timber A4 frames. I live in Sydney so am hoping to find them or similar. Thanks
@bellocristo The wooden frames are from Ikea. Country Road also have some great timber frames. :)
Wow this room is incredible!!! I love everything about it! I love it so much I would love to see more photos!! Great job! Ruby is a lucky girl ;)
Adorable.