Raw Potential

This sweet, nature-inspired nursery is just one part of this couple’s renovation and subdivision project in Auckland’s Mt Wellington

- Sally Conor

BACKGROUND

What did you do to prepare the nursery for Zanthe’s arrival?

We knocked down the existing shelving unit on the wall, stripped the wallpaper, painted the walls, ceilings and trims, sanded the floor, added a new pendant light, and hung new curtains. We put up the shelves, too. The stained-glass window was there when we purchased the house and was in great condition, so all we did was paint the surround.

How did you want the room to feel?

I wanted to create a contemporary nursery with an organic feeling, so we used a lot of natural materials in their raw state (unfinished wooden cot, rattan armchair, bamboo mirror). I also wanted it to seem like an extension of our home, so the room is pretty gender-neutral. I designed it with the hope it would become a little haven for Zanthe and me, and that meant a calm colour palette and not over-cluttering the space (which is hard with so much baby paraphernalia!).

How did you choose Resene ‘Sea Fog’ for the walls?

We wanted a white with a hint of grey for the walls, so it was a pretty easy choice, plus our friends had used Resene ‘Half Sea Fog’ on their walls so we knew it would work on the trims, doors and ceiling. It created the perfect versatile backdrop for our nursery.

Did you shop for furnishings with a vision in mind, or did you work it out as you went along? What were the key pieces that made it all come together?