Real Room Reveal: Mila’s Nursery on a Budget

Real Room Reveal- Mila's Nursery on a Budget
Clean lines, and a ‘less-is-more’ approach were fundamental to this sophisticated room.

We often get asked to showcase rooms that are achievable on a budget. So, when Mila’s nursery came past my desk, I knew it was one that we had to share.

Mila’s stunning nursery was designed by Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes, and her team. It was passion project for team member and, above all,  mum to be, Marli. 

The House of Hawkes team created this beautiful, multi-function room using very accessible pieces that all compliment each other perfectly. In addition, clever use of paint and DIY projects have lead to a nursery on a budget with serious wow factor!

We were delighted to catch up with House of Hawkes to learn more about the creation of this stunning, practical and affordable space.

TELL US ABOUT THE OWNER OF THIS ROOM?

Marli is one of the House of Hawkes team members so this nursery was a labour of love team effort. The only requirement was to ensure the room doubles as a guest room.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT HOUSE OF HAWKES:

House of Hawkes is a small interior design agency based in Dubai. We offer a range of services from photography styling to e-designs, home consultations and full interior installations for both commercial and residential spaces.
 
We also run a well-established, and more recently, award-winning blog, which features our work and the things that inspire us.

TELL US HOW THIS PROJECT CAME TO HOUSE OF HAWKES:

Marli is an intergral part of the team at House of Hawkes so this nursery was an in-house project for us – and something we LOVED helping her with.

WHAT WAS THE BRIEF FOR THIS ROOM ON A BUDGET?

Because the nursery had to dual as a guest room and nursery, Marli wanted a good balance of baby touches as well as adult appeal. The brief was to steer clear of too much girly and cutesy pink but to still maintain a level of sweetness one would expect in a nursery.

Real Room Reveal- Mila's Nursery on a Budget
Functionality comes first – this nursery doubles as a guest bedroom.

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION?

Marli wanted to keep things simple, avoid ruffles, clutter and a themed design. She  decided to go with clean lines and a ‘less is more’ approach – something we can all relate to here at House of Hawkes.

HOW DID YOU SELECT YOUR COLOUR PALETTE?

Having used Minty Breeze (from Jotun Paints) in few projects over the past year, we just couldn’t get enough and knew that we had to incorporate it in the nursery. Because Minty Green for a girl’s nursery felt a bit unconventional, we decided to use the green as an accent and pairing it with a beautiful soft pink.

ON THE WALLS:

White Paint – Skylight by Jotun
Pink Paint – Soft Skin by Jotun
Green Paint – Minty Breeze by Jotun

Real Room Reveal- Mila's Nursery on a Budget 02
The DIY chest of draws and clever use of Ikea spice racks create a big impact with minimum expense.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE IN THE ROOM?

The DIY Tarva dresser from IKEA that was painted green (Minty Breeze) and finished off with gold knobs from Zara Home.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Incorporating the furniture pieces already owned by Marli in the room without making the space seem too cramped. And having just moved in the timeline for finishing the room was very tight.

WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THIS SPACE?

The colour-block walls, although we decided to go with pink, it’s a very grown-up muted pink. An interesting painting technique is such a great way to liven up a room and create interest without too much effort.

Real Room Reveal- Mila's Nursery on a Budget
A simply stunning clothes display on an affordable clothes rack. The wall paint does all the work here, dressing up simple details.
Real Room Reveal- Mila's Nursery on a Budget
The H&M fabric growth chart brings a touch of elegance to a childhood tradition.
Real Room Reveal- Mila's Nursery on a Budget
The fox cushion matches the growth chart bringing consistency to this practical space.

GET THE LOOK

Mulig Clothes Rack from Ikea
Tarva Dresser from Ikea
Tarva Bed from Ikea
Singlar Cot from Ikea 
Book Display Shelves from Ikea
Fox Cotton Twill Cushion Cover & Fox Height Chart from H&M
The Bunny Print by LÁmour Fou Print Shop
Abstract prints by Hearts in Colors
Bunny Head & Printed Cushion by Maison du Monde
Pink and Mustard Soft Toy by Hema
Dress by Monoprix

Photo Credit: Marli Smith

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