Author Cleo Wade Shows Off Her Daughter’s Jungle-Themed Nursery

Like many new parents, author Cleo Wade knew she wanted her daughter Memphis’ nursery to be “warm, light, and cheerful.” But since the space was formerly a guest bedroom, it needed quite a few changes before it became baby ready.

“My fiancé, Simon Kinberg, and I grappled with how we wanted to decorate her nursery,” Wade told Architectural Digest, adding that she “wasn’t sure how I wanted the room to look” but hoped to cultivate “the kind of space that makes us smile.”

Along with interior designer Eduardo Ardiles, Wade found plenty of inspiration in classic children’s books. That was quite fitting, considering the author was in the middle of writing her first children’s book, “What the Road Said“. “I spent a lot of time reading and analyzing classic kids’ books, and one of my favorite elements was the illustrations,” said Wade. Inspired by the colorful pictures in the books she researched, Wade settled on a theme of “a magical tent in the middle of a friendly jungle.”

But that could easily have gone the wrong way. Looking to avoid anything looking too circus-y, the group created a comfortable, happy space filled with soft colors and cozy vibes. 

“Both Cleo and Simon wanted a room that was practical and not too precious, so we chose a mix of mostly catalog furniture and accessories that I personalized to complement the artwork of the room,” said Ardiles. 

The group decided to eschew wallpaper because they wanted to embrace specific plant and animal motifs. Instead, they commissioned a custom trompe-l’œil mural from artist Evan Wilson, featuring joyful giraffes, zebras and elephants frolicking under the treetops of the jungle. 

 “It turned out absolutely stunning,” said Wade, who also added soft blue-and-white materials to the ceiling to embrace the tent theme.

To furnish the space, they chose a Ducduc crib, as well as a Crate and Barrel nursing chair and an RH daybed that are covered in fabrics that can withstand children but are still functional. Accent pillows with African motifs play into the theme, and a plush, circular rug covers most of the hardwood floor in the room since Ardiles knew the family would spend most of their time playing on the floor with their new baby.

“Together, we met our goal: We created a functional yet warm and comfortable setting for Memphis and her parents,” said Ardiles. “It’s a magical faraway place right at home.”

See more over on Architectural Digest.