Designing Nursery Spaces That Stand The Test of Time with @thefrenchfolk

Baby Rocker by Antipoda | Side Table by Cowrie and Conch

Our go-to interior stylist Margaux, mama-of-three gorgeous girls and the face behind @thefrenchfolk has created yet another stunning gender-neutral Nursery space designed to stand the test of time!

Designing a Nursery can often be one of the most time-consuming tasks that bring a whole new meaning to the word procrastination! Finding the perfect balance between style, practicality and price can be a hard line to tread, but if you want to design a space with longevity in mind it is vital you are designing with intention.

Avoid limiting the space with 'baby' colour palettes and themes.

Starting with a vision to create a warm, inviting, and cosy space Margaux wanted to inject a bit of personality by opting for an animal theme whilst still maintaining a stylish and gender-neutral vibe. Avoid going for themes that are too 'baby' and instead choose a theme or colour that can grow with bubs. We love the removable wallpaper in this Nursery which can easily be switched out or removed once it's been outgrown.

Go big on classic designs that have stood the test of time and survived countless trends.

Select timeless design trends when purchasing bulky higher-priced items such as rocking chairs, rugs, cots and dressers. Think solid natural wooden furniture with subtle design elements and neutral fabric choices for rugs and rocking chairs. Not only do these pieces hold value for resale purposes but you'll be sure that they'll still be on trend for bebe #2, #3 or #4 or seamlessly slide right into any other room in the house. Just remember though, you'll want to protect those big ticket items especially since change stations can be messy business - we love how Margaux adds a layer of protection to her gorgeous rug by pairing it with a easy-to-wipe playmat from local business Rugabub.

il Tutto's Nursery chair range delivers on timeless design and fabric options whilst maintaining a practical, comfortable design for nursing and relaxing.

Save the trending items for decor.

Rattan is one of the recent trends that we've seen make a comeback with an explosion of rattan designs launching in 2020 that literally took over every Instagram feed. When trends start to phase out, you want to have the ability to switch out any products that you're no longer vibing with for new items that won't break the bank! Keeping those on-trend pieces limited to wall décor, cushions and room décor enables you to update more frequently. Margaux injects her love of rattan with the gorgeous Elephant Wall Hanging, Rattan Hamper, and Storage Cases.

Rattan Toy Boxes from Stitch and Straw | Rattan Hamper from Raja Homewares

Invest in furniture that is high quality and convertible.

Convertible cots are high on our Nursery favorites list, making them more of a long-term investment that can last many years. Margaux's choice of the Redsbaby ARBOUR Cot ticks all the boxes - solid natural wood, convertible from new-born to age 5, eco-friendly and non-toxic. Margaux also selected the a matching shelf style change table that is suitable beyond the new-born years, flexible enough to look stylish in any toys room, home office or even hallway!

Splurging and saving on wall art.

Adding artwork to the walls helps set the entire mood for the room, it helps fill the space and tie all the colours together perfectly. Splurging on high quality artwork should be saved for those artistic designs are the 'eye-catcher' of the room and help tie it all together, but they should feel baby enough for the Nursery but at the same time, old enough to last through those tween years. Margaux selected the Fauna Series from Booie and Ben that achieves this balance perfectly. The artwork you can save on include pin-up flags and banners, wooden wall décor words and paper prints that can be easily printed from home.

Desk from The Timber Line | Drawing board by TLeaf Collections

Get creative and go theme crazy with accessories.

Go nuts on your themes when it comes to accessorising and adding those final touches, it is the easiest and most affordable way to add that bit of colour, fun and personality to the space without the years long commitment. Think cushions, softies, nursery mobiles (we love the Sunset Safari themed mobile Margaux features!), books and toys!