Keep it simple: a calm and cosy nursery

Jaime Evans shares her son Theo’s simple, yet stylish, nursery.

Jaime Evans had a little bit of a challenge when it came to decorating Theo’s room. She wanted it to be different to her other three children’s rooms, and space was a limiting factor. With a large window on one wall and floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobe doors on another, she only had two wall spaces to play with, and couldn’t incorporate everything she wanted. Torn between going with a neutral, calming space or a more fun and eclectic room, Jaime started the decoration process with the speckled wallpaper as she knew that would work whichever way she went. She then purchased the Numero 74 canopy. Once these two key elements were in place, Jaime simply added smaller decorating accents until she achieved the look she was happy with. With plenty of light, texture and toys at the ready, Theo’s nursery became a happy medium between her two initial ideas.

What was your inspiration behind Theo’s room?
I had seen a beautiful product image by Numero 74 with their drapey canopy over a gorgeous cane bassinet. We also live surrounded by native bush, so I knew I wanted to incorporate natural elements like timbers and cane, as well as the soft floating fabric of the canopy.

What is your favourite aspect of his room?
I love his shelf with little decorations and bits and pieces on it, and the beautiful Olli Ella change basket on top of the dresser. I have constantly rearranged the things I bought to go in his room, adding little touches, such as a pair of moccasins and some dried eucalyptus to create a few different textures. I also popped some wee gallery art cards underneath the timber shelf for Theo to look at when I’m changing or dressing him, and we both enjoy these.

What was your biggest splurge, and your best bargain?
I fell in love with the grey scallop dots wallpaper from These Walls when I discovered it on Instagram. I had it sent from Australia, and even though it wasn’t a large wall to cover, it was still the biggest purchase for the room. I see it as an investment though, as it will last as his room evolves. My best bargains were the replica Wishbone chair which I bought second-hand from a friend, and the grey cot which I found in a terrific sale at The Sleep Store. 

How will you change the room as Theo grows?
The room is constantly evolving. I’ve swapped out a beautiful dusty blue and grey Mrs Mighetto print for the simple Kellie Murray one to create a slightly warmer look, and cushions and blankets have been added or taken away. As Theo grows I’ll change the play things, depending on what he enjoys. I’m a huge fan of heirloom wooden toys and Theo’s collection is rapidly growing. I’ll need to come up with a storage solution so he can easily access them on his own as he gets older. I’ll probably also take out the chair and create a reading or play nook in the near future.

Styling & photography: Jaime Evans, Instagram: fourminisandme

Cam Cam bed canopy in dot grey, $229.95, littlewhimsy.co.nz; Mocka Aspiring cot in natural, $199.95, mocka; Sarah & Bendrix pull-along bear in a car, $36.50, thegatheredstore.com; Wooden male lion and sitting fox, $29.95 each, naturebaby.co.nz; Olli Ella Reva baby change basket, $145, monkeykids.co.nz; Monsteria framed print, $12, kmart.co.nz; Yay hanging card, $14, thegatheredstore.com; Living & Co artificial fern in pot with bamboo stand, $32, thewarehouse.co.nz; Mocka Brooklyn midi drawers in white, $199.95, mocka; Knitted jute baskets, from $32, paperplanestore.com.