nursery inspiration – The Interiors Addict

Australian nursery ideas: with The Affordable Style Files

With her lifestyle blog and styling business of the same name, The Affordable Style Files, Hong Henwood is passionate about making beautiful interiors a reality for everyone, no matter the budget.

“I started The Affordable Style Files because I wanted to show people that you can style your home on any budget,” explains Hong. “I use both affordable and secondhand pieces, as well as some designer products, to create looks that make your house a home in accordance with your taste. I love mixing vintage with modern.”

Providing an e-design service, interior styling for the home and styling products for small businesses, mother of two Hong has her children Charlie and Miya to thank for getting her into interior design. “After living in Tokyo, working in a corporate job and working long hours, I decided that it wasn’t for me. I had a baby and things changed! I wanted to do something that would let me stay at home, explore my creative side and also allow me to spend time with my baby. So I decided on interior design and decoration.”

Since then, Hong has gone on to style many gorgeous rooms, but it is her nurseries in particular that have caught our eye. With a style that is a mix of: “Vintage, modern, splashes of Ikea and products that are timeless and never date,” she creates one-of-a-kind baby rooms at affordable prices. Which of course, we love!

So what are Hong’s tips for nursery styling on a budget? “Mixing secondhand pieces that you can paint and make look new again are great for nurseries. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is perfect for these types of projects. I just love a good DIY! I find Ikea have great shelving that is affordable and can make a room stand out. And online marketplaces like Etsy are also a good source for finding little pieces such as cushions, garlands, prints, soft toys and blankets for your little one.”

However, according to Hong, some things are worth splurging on, especially items that will grow with your child like a beautiful lamp, armchair or painting. “I think it’s important that your nursery should be able to be changed into a toddler room without too much fuss and expense.”

With the current nursery trends seeing a strong Nordic influence, alongside pastel colours and modern additions like Miffy lamps, stylish linen and string and floating shelving, Hong’s dream nursery is a mix of this and a little bit of The Affordable Style Files quirk! “I love nurseries to be bright, quirky and most importantly, a space that everything can be used and is comfortable! I would have an amazing armchair, beautiful vintage cot, gorgeous prints and lots of bright pieces. And a colourful armoire filled with beautiful blankets, toys and clothes.”

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Australian nursery ideas: with Bramwell Designs

It was only a matter of time before I started posting more about nursery decor since being pregnant. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Today, I’m kicking off a new weekly feature on nursery ideas and products from all-Aussie brands. There are so many out there, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve also come to realise that a nursery is one of the most fun rooms you’ll ever decorate. Not to mention how exciting it is, coupled with the anticipation of the arrival of your baby, especially if it’s your first. So, introducing startup Bramwell Designs, who are making a name for themselves with their organic and stylish baby and kid’s room linen.

[contextly_sidebar id=”7MCPl0IZrebdcsb0nnJxN3MbPmbYf1wC”]”Everything is created in our studio by the sea on the Sunshine Coast,” says founder Emma Bramwell, who was inspired to start the business after becoming a mum to two little boys. “My designs are inspired by my childhood and the children in my life; how their little faces brighten up to the most simple things and their appreciation for their natural surroundings. We all need to remind ourselves to simplify our lives, appreciate the little things and take time to play and have some fun.”

Bramwell Designs use soft, luxurious organic cotton for the bedding and organic canvas for the accessories. Many items are one-offs, however if clients love something they have seen, they’re happy to work on custom design bedding for them.

She adds: “We are a young company growing steadily, but enjoying the ride and not taking anything too seriously. The journey is better than the destination, that’s for sure.”

As a mum, designer and business owner, Emma is super busy. “I try my best to be super organised and allocate time for my designs and custom bedding orders, and when I’m with my boys, I’m 100% devoted to them. My bedding collection is an extension of them, being free spirits, having fun on the journey and taking some risks. My passion for business and design drives me to continue and always will.”

Trademark touches of fun fluro feature throughout the range and probably always will, according to Emma! Bassinet sheets cost from $40, pillowcases from $45 and cot doona covers from $130.

Emma’s latest product is a fun kindy sheet set, with the option of hand printed name badges. But there are plenty of new and exciting things planned for this year so watch this space! If you’re a grown up who loves these designs, don’t worry, they go up to king size in some cases! And they cater for kids of all ages too, not just babies.

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See all our kid’s room posts.

Styling by Simone Barter | Photography by Elisabeth Harvey