How the nursery grew with us
From design plans to real-life living with Olivia
Designing a nursery is always a balancing act. You want it to feel calm, considered, and beautiful, but also functional for all the tiny, messy realities of everyday life. When we planned Olivia’s nursery before she arrived, our goal was simple: make the most of a small space while creating a room that would grow with her.
Now that she’s here, I’m delighted to see that the design is working perfectly, even if the room has a little more “stuff” than we originally imagined!
1. Storage that saves the day
One of the first priorities was fitting plenty of storage into a small room. Between clothes, toys, books, and all the essentials, it quickly became clear that thoughtful storage was going to be essential.
Thankfully, the cupboards and shelves we designed have made it easy to keep everything organised. Even with all the extra items, the room still feels calm and uncluttered - exactly as we’d hoped.
2. A personal touch at last
Above the cot, we finally added a large wooden name, a detail that had been planned from the start. We hadn’t been able to install it earlier because, of course, we didn’t know the gender of the baby until she was born, and therefore didn’t know the name!
It’s such a simple addition, but it brings the whole room together and makes it feel truly hers. Sometimes, it’s these small, meaningful touches that turn a well-designed space into a home.
“The right design gives a space purpose and meaning, and a name above the cot makes all the difference.”
3. Design that adapts
Even with the extra baby gear, the nursery continues to feel light, functional, and calm. This is exactly what we aimed for when designing it: a room that would not just look good in a photo, but actually support everyday life.
One addition that has made a huge difference is the small side table beside the chair. It’s now home to a Olivia’s little lamp sound machine, while also being the perfect spot to place a bottle of milk or a bedtime story before settling her down for the evening.
They’re such simple details, but these are often the things that make a room truly work day to day. Thoughtful touches that quietly support the routines and rituals that become part of family life.
Seeing the room in use has been incredibly rewarding. It’s proof that careful planning, storage solutions, and a clear vision really do make a difference in real life.
A nursery that works
Designing a space for real life is always about foresight and flexibility. With Olivia’s nursery, we planned for what the room could become, and it’s been wonderful to watch it grow alongside her.
From storage that handles a lot more than expected, to a personal name detail that finally found its place, this room is a perfect example of thoughtful design in action; calm, functional, and truly lived-in.
If you’re planning a nursery (or any small space!) and want a design that balances calm, function, and style, our services can help make every square metre work beautifully.
