In news that will excite expecting parents, the brand spanking west elm x Pottery Barn Kids collection launches at the end of this month and it merges west elm’s signature mid-century aesthetic with Pottery Barn Kids’ renowned craftmanship. The stylish range includes affordable nursery furniture, bed linen and accessories.
The West Elm x Pottery Barn Kids collection acorn Mid-Century convertible cot
“This collection brings west elm’s most popular pieces to the nursery with the assurance of Pottery Barn Kids’ quality and rigorously tested safety, GREENGUARD Gold certification and 100 per cent cotton organic bed linen,” says Pottery Barn Kids president Jennifer Kellor of the first-time collaboration for the sister brands.
The West Elm x Pottery Barn Kids collection Audrey cot and change table – the brass and geometric details are divine!
While Pottery Barn Kids is coveted for its classic styling, mid-century lovers will delight in the collaboration. “Together, we recognised the opportunity to better serve our customers who are preparing for their next life stage by combining our skills and knowledge to create a modern nursery collection that is beautiful and sustainably made,” says west elm president Alex Bellos.
West Elm x Pottery Barn Kids Mid-Century convertible cot in acorn
The collaboration is comprised of two distinct and complementary styles – the Mid-Century and Audrey collections. As you’d expect, the Mid-Century range features warm timber finishes and retro angled legs. The Audrey collection is a more glamorous affair and boasts luxe lacquer finishes, brass accents and geometric textures. Aside from good looks, the Audrey is highly functional too – the three drawer change table has a removable change table topper that parents can affix firmly to the back of the dresser and remove as baby grows.
The range will be available online from July 24 and thereafter in selected stores nationally.
There’s no doubt that one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new baby is designing the little one’s nursery. From safety considerations to matters of style and comfort, there’s plenty to consider which is why we consulted an expert on this one – Pottery Barn Kids Australia’s field visual manager Ebony Quaid. We’ve also included some of our favourite sweet nursery buys!
“All parents can do with a helping hand creating the best bedrooms and play spaces for their children, but for new parents it can be especially overwhelming. Everything is unfamiliar, from cots that convert to changing tables that adapt and even nappy bags and swaddling cloths – these are things you’ve never had to think about buying before,” says Ebony.
Room prep From walls to floors and lighting, there are plenty of bare basics to consider before you even set about purchasing any furniture or accessories. “Prep your nursery room before ordering any furniture – this could be as simple as a thorough clean or as extensive as a re-paint and re-carpet or re-polish of the flooring. Be mindful of you and your baby’s health when arranging any painting or polishing work. Also, ensure the room’s electricals are safe and functional and any pendants are well out of reach of the cot and change table,” says Ebony.
Climate control “Whether you require heating or cooling or both, ensure it’s sorted well in advance of your baby’s arrival. Consider the placement of the cot or bassinet too as it should be well away from windows or any air conditioning vents,” says Ebony.
Sound and light This is obviously a big one as, aside from feeding, getting a baby to sleep is arguably the primary concern for most new parents. “Help make sleep time as peaceful as possible. Choose window treatments that block out the light and help diffuse outside sounds. Position the cot away from the door too,” says Ebony.
Furniture When it comes to furniture, new babies don’t actually need that much – if the budget is tight just stick to the essentials. “The key items are a bassinet, cot, change table, storage and seating,” says Ebony.
Accessories “Don’t forget your friends and family will be keen to shower you with gifts – a registry filled with the smaller essentials can be a great way to get everyone involved,” says Ebony who recommends Pottery Barn’s handy registry checklist to get you organised.
Shop smart From a cot that converts to a toddler bed, a changing table with removable topper (that will function as drawers long after you last baby is out of nappies) to a rocking chair that can be moved to another part of the house when feeding time is over, there are lots of savvy ways to deck out your nursery.
“The smartest financial choice you can make when choosing nursery furniture is to go for pieces built to last, rigorously tested for safety, and designed to grow and adapt alongside your baby. It makes sense to choose timeless, gender-neutral furniture that will continue to look great with any future babies too,” says Ebony.
Add your style “It goes without saying that your nursery aesthetic should reflect or complement the style of your home, your family, and eventually your little one. But don’t feel pressured or rushed – this is the fun part, after all! Even the most neutral, unassuming room and classic, simple furniture can instantly take on a vibrant and colourful personality with the simple additions of a rug, gorgeous bedding, wall art, a mobile, a lamp, an accent cushion, a stroller blanket that doubles as a throw, open shelving for decorative and sentimental objects, and of course some gorgeous toys and plush animals,” says Ebony.
It’s not too often that I stumble upon something I’ve never seen before, but Concrete & Honey certainly ticks that box!
With a unique business model, owner Nicola Greenaway provides an affordable styling and photography service for growing little businesses, encompassing everything from photography and styling to prop and studio hire, plus a little bit of PR.
“Clients post their products to me and in just a few days, they have beautifully styled images to share on social media, in online and print advertising and for their websites and webstores,” explains Nicola. “The service includes beautiful photography through to social media, as I share on my Instagram and/or blog. I also photograph babies and have been asked to design and photograph nurseries which I love to do.”
Running Concrete & Honey alongside her blog and Etsy shop of the same name, Nicola is also a mother and a full-time employee (is she superwoman or what?!). “I work full-time in a bank and started my blog six years ago as a creative outlet from the corporate world. This year, I started my website and now style and photograph on weekends and craft at night for my Etsy shop.”
Selling a range of products on Etsy, from paper feather clusters to stitch dot garlands, you’ll also find kids room design packages including mood boards, shopping lists and styling tips. Due to popular demand, she has even created a package based off her own dream nursery, her daughter Piper’s!
“Piper’s room is pretty dreamy: white walls and floors and grey linen curtains, a Número 74 canopy with lots of lush cushions and a great clothes rack to top it off. Her IKEA Ribba picture shelves are an effective way to display books and prints and the HK Living button wall hooks used as door handles on her wardrobe look gorgeous.”
With a style that is modern, graphic and a little bit romantic; Nicola loves everything light and white, though let’s not forget some beautiful things to give the room a pop of colour. She believes you can create the look – be it in your kids room or anywhere in your home — without the big budget. “A fresh coat of paint is a must. If in doubt, make everything white and add colour with the wares. Remove anything you don’t absolutely love from sight. Paper storage bags are great for this. Beautiful greeting cards can be art when framed and they’re only a few dollars each.”
