Swan

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

My daughter’s room was a labor of love. It all started with the rug, which was in her nursery. I loved the soft tones and the subtle pop of green, which I wouldn’t normally opt-for, but it works really well with all the muted tones and keeps it from looking too babyish. The rug’s color palette is what ultimately inspired the floral wallpaper; the colors are bold, but they play off the colors in the rug beautifully. Other than the crib, the gold bookcase was pretty much the only other item I had for her nursery. I then added the wood beaded chandelier when we moved into this house and that’s how her room stayed for a while.
When I started to look at “big girl beds,” I fell in love with this dusty blush bed. I had debated between a “safer” choice with a white bed, but I’m so happy I ultimately went with this one. It’s a mature shade of pink that can carry her well into her teenage years.
After I decided on the bed, I came across this gorgeous canopy  in champagne and knew I wanted it for her corner to create a dreamy reading nook. It is such a beautiful, high-quality piece, and my daughter’s mouth dropped when she saw it go up; definitely a little girl’s dream.
I then purchased this simple white nightstand and swapped out the knobs with a set from Hobby Lobby and the room was complete. I’m so happy with how this labor of love turned out, and seeing her reaction to it all was truly priceless. Just remember that oftentimes, these projects do take some time, and you should embrace that because in the end you’ll have a room that you truly love.

Aria’s dad contacted me even before she was born. He wanted a room that would be really special and very very pretty. He has a gorgeous new home and wished for a beautiful princess room that would perfectly match the rest of the house. And he wanted pink.
I started with choosing a beautiful bed and built the design from there. I absolutely love wallpaper and use it whenever I can so I suggested a soft dusty pink wallpaper with little gold stars and that set our mood and colours for the room. The room originally had grey walls and the decision was made to paint them pink. I colour matched them with the wallpaper and now the whole room feels nice and calm when you walk in.
Opposite the bed is a pretty bookshelf in the shape of a house decorated with lots of books, toys, personalised prints and decor. It’s positioned there to create balance in the room. I used the space under the window to create different play areas: a beautiful castle like dollhouse, a hanging rack with gorgeous little dresses, a mini white piano and a cute little vanity with little wooden nail polishes. 
Everything in this room is so lovely. From the gorgeous metal cornice canopy and pretty velvet bedding, to the adorable tulle ring with satin pointe shoes and glamorous paper flowers on the wall, everything is so girly and princessy. Just like dad wanted for his little girl. 
 
Photos
Conrad Taylor
www.conradtaylor.co
 
Design
Kristina Van Rooyen, All is pretty
https://www.allispretty.com.au
 
 
 

Hand painted mural continuing the whole way around the room. The horizon created with the two different blue paints creates a feeling of space making the room feel bigger. Pale blue paint was chosen initially for its calming effect and the bright pink accents in the water lilies remind us this is a little girls room!