Is your little girl’s bedroom ready for a refresh? Maybe it’s time to level up for your nursery into a big girl room. Prepare for MAJOR inspo.
Styling by You Give Me Grace, Photography by Jerome Atelier Photography
Before Grace was even born, her stylist mama, Lee Seaman, had already envisaged her bebe’s bedroom in their Warners Bay home. With decidedly girly tones of pink already in mind, Lee kicked the décor up a notch once Grace had arrived and showed signs of what her mum and dad, Peter, refer to as her ‘wacky’ personality. With an intention to create a room where Grace could grow her creativity, as well as entertain her little friends for years to come, we reckon this clever mama nailed it.
WHAT IS THE THEME OF YOUR SPACE?
Bright, fun, colourful and quirky.
WHY WAS CREATING A SPECIAL ROOM IMPORTANT TO YOU?
It was very important to me as this little area is where Grace will learn to read, where she dances around and around to her own beat and where she will bring her friends home to play. I wanted her to be proud of her room and I am so happy we have achieved that.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE THE COLOURS FOR THE ZONE?
My colour choices started with the tiger head from Fiona Walker England that my friend gave me as a baby shower present. It’s mustard with touches of black – not your usual girls’ décor, but I absolutely loved it.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND IN THE PLAYROOM?
I would say we spend 50% of our time in her room. After dinner each night her eyes light up and she taps me on the hand and says ‘play in my room’. We run upstairs and build parking lots, play trains and read the same book – The Gruffalo – over and over again. It’s everything I imagined and more.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR DESIGN INSPIRATION FROM?
I find lots of great stores and inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest. I would also say from life experience, magazines, my previous boss, friends and family.
WHAT LOOKS ARE YOU IN LOVE WITH AT THE MOMENT?
Wallpaper feature walls and bedding in mismatched patterns and prints.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU GIVE TO CREATE A SIMILAR LOOK?
First, pick a colour for your feature wall. Then choose a statement bedhead and fun linen. I’m loving Organic Frites by Kip and Co at the moment! Choose some quality storage solutions that will last them for years to come and, last but certainly not least, grab some fun graphic prints for the wall. You could even frame artwork your kids have created.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ONE MAIN PIECE OF STYLING ADVICE?
Save up and buy quality pieces. The room doesn’t have to come together overnight. It’s actually been lovely to see how much Grace’s room has evolved in the last three years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A MAMA?
There is always someone to play with, who loves you unconditionally.
HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE HAVING GRACE?
Well, sleep has decreased dramatically. Getting out the door takes five times as long… But we wouldn’t change it for the world. I now have a mini replica of my husband who adores me.
HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD EVOLVED YOU?
I have found out that I have a new level of patience. This is handy when my child asks me to sing the same Wiggles song over and over for an hour in the car! You just keep singing and smiling because you can see how much joy that brings. I have also learnt that NEVER being alone, even in the bathroom, is not a bad thing because Grace loves me and wants to express that even if it isn’t at the most convenient time for me!
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A MODERN MOTHER?
Being connected to other mothers around the world. Thanks to social media, we are never alone on this journey.
WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?
Other people’s criticism. One time we were grocery shopping and Grace was screaming her lungs out. She cried a lot when she was little as she had terrible reflux. I was trying to feed her from a bottle when an elderly lady approached me and said, ‘She wouldn’t cry if it was breast milk’. Those sorts of comments don’t help at all when you are having a bad day and would rather be at home.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST PIECE OF MAMA ADVICE?
Never stop talking and sharing – with girlfriends over coffee or with your mum on the phone.
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