It was so lovely to work in this old Toronto home as I was able to accentuate unique features that give the space character — like vertical wall paneling, decorative air vent covers and painted shiplap inside the closet. Typically, we would have wallpapered the feature wall adjacent to the window; however, we decided to leave the wall paneling as is and created a focal point next to it with wallpaper and a hanging felted swan above a white and natural crib. Sometimes an atypical room layout can actually work to your advantage as it feels a bit more distinct to the space you’re working with!

To draw the eye up, we installed a rattan and linen pendant and switched out the previous window treatments with an antique brass curtain rod and blackout curtain panels installed as high to the ceiling as possible. We filled the space with beautiful textural elements like a pink faux sherling armchair, rattan mirror and doll bed, wool blanket, acrylic book ledges and fluted side table. To play with various patterns against the whimsical woodland wallpaper, we sourced a blush floral crib sheet, star cushion and floral art print. Don’t be scared to mix patterns — this can really bring depth to an overall room design. We didn’t want the space to feel too matchy matchy, so we mixed in blush pink tones with sage and olive greens, soft blues and even some brighter pops of yellow. The colour story really helps to carry the eye around the space.

It was important for my clients to maximize the available floor space for play, so instead of a large dresser we opted for an open oak bookcase to display books and toys and added a functional (and oh so cute) reading corner. I was also tasked to make the most of their tiny closet, so we found a small shelf with rattan drawers and used other various bins to keep clothes divided and neatly categorized.

There is no shortage of sweetness in this whimsical woodland nursery; from colour coordinated book selections, to specialty wooden ice cream toys and dolls… magic awaits!

Photography: Heidi Lau