George’s Magical Woodland Nursery

Name: George (1)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Room Size: 11′ x 12′

There’s really nothing more magical than childhood, so it seems quite fitting when I come across a child’s room that feels more like a wonderland than a simple spot to sleep. Maybe it’s the twinkle lights or perhaps it’s the unicorn, but there’s something about this sweet nursery that is just so dreamy.

How would you describe the look and feel of this room?
I was going for a light, modern, magical woodland. My mom used to tell us stories about gnomes, fairies and talking animals, and I loved that there were no rules in the forest she created. We even used to go on hikes to find their homes or any evidence that they lived there, and I still sometimes look twice at old knobby tree trunks when I’m in the woods! I wanted to create a space where unicorns and lions are equally real, live peacefully together and maybe are also in a band.

What is your favorite piece or element?
The forest mural I painted while I was pregnant and nesting is definitely my favorite thing. I like that it’s specific and detailed but loose and free all at the same time. I hope it stays in our family forever and gets passed down from nursery to nursery!

What was the biggest challenge decorating this room?
There were two pretty big challenges. One was creating a space that might work for both a boy and girl since we plan on having more kids in the future, and they will definitely share a room. The other difficulty revolved around it being a rental. While we plan on staying for a while, we had to make sure that the paint was subtle and easy to cover. I chose a cream for the stripes that was only a tiny bit different than the white of the walls themselves, but when I removed the tape, the stripes were way more pronounced than I thought it would be. I love how they turned out, but it was definitely a happy accident.

What do your friends say about the room?
They love it and more importantly, their kids love it! When we have people over, all of the kids end up in the tent by the end of the night.

Do you have any advice for parents creating a room for their child?
While the nesting urge is pretty tough to shake when you’re pregnant, try not to get too attached to any one element. Keep reminding yourself that it’s for a beautifully messy, goopy, drool-soaked baby. That baby will grow up fast and want to change it themselves, and you’ll have to pack up the cute taxidermy and tent before you know it!

If money were no object, what’s your dream source?
I love The Land of Nod and Design Within Reach, but who doesn’t?!

• Crib: Ikea
• Crib Skirt: Dwell Studio
• Fitted Sheet: Target
• Tent: Ikea (no longer available) with some lightweight striped cotton fabric draped and pinned over it
• Bookshelves: Ikea
• Side Table: CB2 (no longer available)
• Lamp and Shade: Target (no longer available)
• Glider and Ottoman: Target
• Flying Sheep Mobile: Homemade
• Taxidermy: Homemade
• Dresser: Vintage
• Teddy Bearskin Rug: Homemade
• Ikat Rug: Overstock
• Mural: Homemade

Thanks, Delia! Readers, you can see more of Delia by visiting her blog, Delia Hauser or by visiting one of her Etsy shops, Haus and Home Handmade in L.A. and Lord and Little.

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