When I worked at Elle Decoration years ago, I became friends with its art director Sam Scarborough who I like not only because I think she’s so awesome at what she does, but she has a cool sense of humour and she runs too!
A few months ago Sam released her third kids’ interiors book called Baby Rooms and Spaces and it offers so many beautiful and inspirational decor ideas, plus some solid advice on how to actually achieve cool rooms. It’s really not one of those books with hard-to-attain looks or products, and that’s another reason I love it. There are also paint colour suggestions and a stockists guide so you can find matching or similar items that are featured in the book. Sam also runs a children’s decor company, Kidsdecor, focusing on decor items to encourage creative play.
Here’s an extract from the book, plus a giveaway at the end.
Sweet vintage
A new baby makes us nostalgic for a happy childhood. Share this enchanting style with your
little one by creating an evocative sense of days-gone-by through the use of family heirlooms,
car boot finds and junk shop trawls.
Get the look
COLOURS: Gently faded and soft, such as the palettes found in old children’s story books, are the required colours for a vintage nursery. Here shades of strawberry and vanilla in a froth of lace are brightened with building block colours to prevent the look from becoming too sugary sweet.
WALL TREATMENT: This pale pink cross-stitch-wallpaper creates a strong impression without being over bearing. Cover the cot wall and paint the rest of the room a light pink or soft cream.
FABRIC: It has to be home-made and hand-me-down, knitted, stitched or hand-sewn. Vintage shops are great sources for crocheted blankets, patchwork and embroideries. A layer of simple, candy-stripe cotton on the bedding and by the windows does, however, create the effect of a fresh and clean nursery. Think washing lines in the breeze…
ACCESSORIES: An antique cot really sets the scene but do be careful about lead paints. If in doubt, strip the paint to the metal base and repaint – you can rub the paint back in parts to create an old look. Painted floorboards create that ‘up in the attic’ mood whilst bunting, pomanders, ribbons and pretty crockery all add to a sense of the past.
LIGHTING: Reminiscent of old-time nurseries, antique light fittings enhance the soft ambience.
Sam is giving away two copies of Baby Rooms and Nurseries. To enter, comment below, and go and like Sam’s Kids Decor Facebook page.
