Belinda Nihill is the creative force behind Nest Design Studio. Synonymous with designing the most covetable children’s spaces, her business was established in 2010. Over the years, her many clients have tasked her with designing their whole homes, not just the spaces for their little people. Nest is one of the most experienced boutique children’s design specialists and has been named in the House & Garden Top 50 Rooms in 2015 and 2018. Today we take a look inside her son’s bold blue bedroom which was recently refreshed during the long days spent in lockdown.
A Team Effort
Belinda’s son Hugh is 11 (almost 12) and since spending more time at home during lockdown in Victoria, a workspace was essential. With that in mind, together they set out to transform his space into something special that would last into his teens.
Belinda shares “Hugh loves our dog Louis, playing with his friends and his Nintendo! He’s very organised, kind and sensitive and his favourite colour is blue.” When it came to finding the inspiration for the room, Belinda and Hugh selected the colour together, ending up with Dulux Carters Scroll. “We wanted something bold, so by picking a darker blue colour we knew the artwork needed to be bright. For that reason, the kookaburra by Pete Cromer was perfect. We also layered lots of texture with timber, leather, felt and canvas” says Belinda.
The use of a dark blue paint brings a sense of warmth and the overall design will evolve with Hugh for years to come. His new bedroom exudes a cosy and vibrant energy. punctuated by Australian artwork and the use of handy storage.
Belinda’s favourite feature is the bedhead by Create Estate. She explains “It’s double sided so we can change it to grey when we want to and it’s just a fabulous shape.”
The main challenge on this project was accommodating the must-haves into a fairly small (3m x 3m) bedroom. On the list was a double bed, desk, ample storage and a bean bag. As you can see, the result is a functional yet playful space that will see Hugh well into his teens.
Quick fire Q’s for Belinda:
(Design Style) Less is more or more is more: “Somewhere in the middle. I’m not a minimalist but I also think everything should have a place.”
(Netflix) Can’t switch off: “I’m a massive Ru Paul Drag Race fan.”
(Motherhood) Defining parenting moment: “I think the very first time you hear your babies heartbeat during an ultrasound.”
(Mindfulness) Quote that best sums you up: “Not sure! It would include sarcasm, wine and sparkles though.”
Styling: Belinda Bihill, Nest Design Studio @nestdesignstudio
Photography: Kate Monotti
Get The Look
Bedhead – Create Estate, Wall Art – Kookaburra by Pete Cromer, Pinboard – AL & EM, Floor Rug – Oh Happy Home, Navy Pillowcases – Castle, Check Pillowcase – Society of Wanderers, Cushion – Pony Rider, Lounger – Onyx & Smoke, Side Table – Adairs, Baskets – Munchkin and Bear, Desk – Pop Up Desks, Felt Shelf – Willow & Wood, Blanket – Target, Doona Cover – Adairs, Wall Lights – Beacon Lighting, Lightning Bolt Mirror – Bride & Wolfe
Check out one of Belinda’s other projects, Leo’s Toddler Room
