Ruby’s Gem of a Room

Written by

Lauren Hufnagl
Lauren Hufnagl
Lauren is a writer, DIYer, and Etsy addict living with her family in her tiny work-in-progress home in Pennsylvania. When not blogging, she can usually be found chasing around one very spirited little three-year-old and snuggling her new baby girl.
updated May 5, 2019
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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…..

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

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.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Source List:

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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