There is no denying we live in a world of social media. For me, I find it a blessing. To be inspired and entertained by creatives around the world at the touch of a button is a gift. For Ally Batties, stylist and mum-to-be, the simple act of sharing her newly completed nursery to her friends on Instagram quickly turned into much more. The nursery was noticed in a big way. Industry heavy weights were sharing, comments were pumping and I knew we had to see more.
Cool
Ally is a self-confessed design and style addict. Ally has over ten years experience working as a Visual Merchandiser, Property Stylist and Interior Stylist in Melbourne, Australia. She is a passionate and fun creative on a mission to create the perfect nest to enjoy at the end of a crazy day.
About to embark on her biggest challenge to date – life as a new mother – Ally drew on her years of experience and drive for good design to create this warm and calm space for her precious newborn, Levi, to grow and learn.
“We wanted our baby boy to grow up in a room that felt fun, whimsical and interactive but we also wanted it to feel calming at the same time” says Ally.
Calm
The colour palate is a standout feature of this room. “Zeb painted a huge sample on the wall so I could look at how the colour changed during different lighting at different stages of the day. After many morning and afternoon ‘pregnancy’ naps on the rug in our baby’s room, I knew Padded Leaf by Dulux was the way to go. If this colour made me so calm and relaxed… surely it would have the same effect on our baby” explains Ally. ‘With green locked in as our main feature colour I then allowed things like the fox print to guide additional colours such as mustards, charcoals, greys and blues.’
The Fox print from Forman Picture Framing was a must-have for the room. It was one of Ally’s earliest sources of inspiration. Ally shares “while I know art speaks differently to everyone, I always felt a sense of mystery and adventure when I looked at this photograph. A feeling that inspired the adventure theme.”
From there, the collage/mural on the wall behind the cot became the main focus and Ally’s favourite feature in this room. “The animal heads by Fiona Walker and the headdress are all fun pieces that can be removed and played with at any time. When play time is over and things are stationary again, that green wall creates an overall sense of calmness.”
Collected
Upon arrival at the home, the feature wall was as breath-taking as the images suggest. The opposite wall however, was an equally exciting surprise. Ally’s attention to detail shines with an eclectic mix of vintage and modern; textures and levels a feast for the eyes. The colours add depth and the terrarium housing a beautiful fern brings more warmth and life to the space.
The Francesco Bellini Rocking chair cannot go unmentioned. It is stunning and so welcoming. The Kenza rug by Freedom ties the two areas of the room together perfectly. Textural enough to create interest, and perfectly neutral to not compete with the features in the room.
I love this room. It is every bit as warm and inviting as it looks. I have no doubt Levi will grow into this room for many years to come. For now, newborn cuddles on the rocking chair, little eyes on the dreamy mobile and tiny hands exploring the textures will affirm the inspired choices Ally made for this space.
Photo Credit: Francoise Baudet
First Published in Minty Issue 8
