It’s not every day we get a sneak peak inside the home of one of Australia’s most renowned children’s interior designers. Belinda Nihill of Nest Design Studio, has been at the top of the design game for over eight years, creating bedrooms and play spaces for children all over Australia, and the world.
So, when it comes to her own children, the expectation and anticipation of what she will create is high… #nopressure
And boy oh boy does she deliver.
Leo’s toddler room is an absolute winner. Statement wallpaper brings bright and bold colour, whilst classic Scandinavian style brings warm sophistication. Bel’s commitment to ‘go big or go home’ is evident in every corner of the room. Each piece chosen with love and purpose. And as for Leo… this is one gorgeous little lion!
On a personal note, Bel has been a great source of support and endless humour for us here at Minty. We truely love her and everything she does. It is an absolute joy to share this with you all…enjoy!
TELL US ABOUT THE OWNER OF THIS ROOM:
‘Leo is our youngest child (third boy) and he has always known what he wants (you could also interpret that as demanding)!
Whenever we drive near/at night, he always makes a comment about the moon and stars.
He’s mad about Paw Patrol and Octonaunts.
He can’t go to sleep without me (Bel) singing 3 songs – wheels on the bus, home among the gumtrees and strawberry kisses (yes, the Nikki Webster song)!’
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
‘Nest Design Studio is a boutique children’s interior design business and has worked with clients around the globe. Nest has been included in the House & Garden Top 50 rooms twice and featured in over 25 magazines around the world.’
TELL US WHY YOU CHOSE TO ENGAGE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER:
‘We chose Bel (me!) because she is so damn amazing to work with. Her creativity means that no 2 rooms are ever going to look alike!’
WHAT WAS THE BRIEF FOR THIS ROOM?
‘A bit like the plumbers leaky tap never gets fixed, a children design specialist’s child never has a finished room! We had Leo’s ‘big’ bed for nearly 2 years before his room was actually finished (and has since the photos, been changed again. He’s now sharing with 1 of his big brothers in a bunk).
I wanted to show my clients that going for a bold wallpaper didn’t have to be scary, so picking this wallpaper (which I fell in love with so long ago) was my MUST have.
Leo loves the moon and stars and we also call him our Lion (obvious reason) so I incorporated those 2 things throughout his room.’
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION?
‘My clients. Go big or go home.’
HOW DID YOU SELECT YOUR COLOUR PALETTE?
‘When I first picked the wallpaper, navy wasn’t quite having the moment it is having now. I wanted to show my clients something quite different. I already had a few mustard items so incorporated those as well as adding in some sea greens and burgundy’s. Mostly it was all about layering texture; from the rug, to the timber bed and shelving and leather accents throughout.’
ON THE WALLS:
Aimee Wilder – Jungle Dream Wallpaper and Haymes White Wash.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE IN THE ROOM AND WHY?
‘Hands down, it’s the wallpaper. From a distance it looks quite chinoise but I love that it has lots of animals in it and you can look every day and find another little detail within. It has sloths, birds, snakes, lions, tigers, monkeys and leopards in it.’
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
‘The space is TIGHT. The room isn’t quite 3m x 3m and because the 2 ‘full’ walls are on the opposite sides of each other, it made placement tight. Having the bed where it was (which is my preferred spot, I didn’t want it tucked under the window nor along the wallpaper wall), I had to really consider which shelving unit would work best. The Oeuf mini library was the winner as it not only looks beautiful but it isn’t deep in width so allowed the most space between the bed and the shelving.’
WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THIS SPACE?
‘The wallpaper!’
GET THE LOOK:
Jungle Dream by Aimee Wilder
Knect4 Bed by Mubu
Luxe Cascading Moon by Baby Jives
Hand Stitched Name Cushion by Little Willow Vintage
Star Book Caddy by Willow and Wood
Midnight Blue by Little Rae Prints
Oliver Floor Cushion by Little Connoisseur
Vaasa Grey Floor Rug by Miss Amara
Fiona Walker Lion Head from Leo and Bella
Honey Honey Creations Leather Balloons by Norsu
INSTA LOVE
@mintymagazine
@formanpictureframing
My friends Jacinda at @hideandsleep_interiors and Nic at @littlelibertyrooms
Photo Credit: Kate Monotti
