Written by: Lahnee McDonald
Designing a nursery can be one of the most exciting experiences for expecting parents. It’s a space where your little one will grow, play, sleep and dream. While aesthetics matter to some people, safety should always be the top priority.
As an interior stylist designing my own nursery, I wanted to share how I created my son Oache's baby room (pictured above) with ergoPouch's new ellska Skye Cot as the main piece in his room.
Choose functional furniture and sleepwear
Invest in essential furniture pieces that offer both style and functionality.
- Cot: Meets Australian Safety Standards, has a sturdy construction, but also complements your home and style (if that is important to you). The ellska Skye Cot ticked all the boxes for us.
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Mattress: Firm, free of harmful chemicals, comfortable and durable to see them through to independent sleeping in a toddler bed. We paired our cot with the Deluxe Cot Mattress.
- Baby monitor: Look for features that track room temperature and offer safe, wifi-free connectivity. We use the ergoPouch Drift Home Baby Monitor, which includes a Smart TOG Guide that reads room temperature and makes sleepwear recommendations in real time (a digital version of their famous What to Wear Guide ). It’s one of a kind and has been a must-have for me to keep an eye on two kids under three years old
- Nursing Chair: Comfortable, with good back support, placed safely away from the cot. An essential for feeding and cuddling.
- Sleepwear: Safe, organic sleepwear is a MUST - especially because safe sleep means no loose blankets in the cot. Instead, choose a Cocoon Swaddle Bag, TOG-rated Layers and, later, a Sleeping Bag. These keep your baby warm and secure without safety risks. For added comfort, we also purchased Organic Cotton Sheets and a HugMe Blanket, as well as a white noise machine, which can help create a calm sleep environment.
Focus on safety
When setting up the nursery, prioritise safety by keeping these basics in mind.
- Place the cot away from windows, curtains, and cords - these are safety hazards for infants
- Use outlet covers to prevent little fingers from poking into electrical sockets.
- Opt for baby-safe, non-toxic sleepwear and furniture materials
- Use adjustable lighting solutions, such as dimmable lamps, that can provide a cosy atmosphere during nighttime feedings and nappy changes. Consider blackout curtains to help regulate light during nap times.
Personalise your little one's space
Make your baby’s nursery feel like home with personal touches:
- Artwork, family photos or designs with your baby’s name.
- Wall decals can inject personality into the space while keeping it safe for your child.
- Plush rugs and a cushion for your new chair. Always ensure that any loose items, like blankets, are kept out of the cot as per the Red Nose Safe Sleep guides.
- A plant on a high shelf for enhanced air quality and a touch of greenery that can’t be reached.
- A bookshelf or a nook where you can start filling the shelves with your child’s soon-to-be favourites.
Tip: When filling your nursery with toys, choose age-appropriate items (that can grow with your family) that are free from small parts.
Choose a colour palette that you love
Choose a colour scheme that brings you happiness, warmth and calmness to the space - you and your little one will be spending a lot of time in this space.
- Soft pastels or neutral tones can create a serene environment for a nursery.
- Consider adding pops of colour through accessories like rugs, curtains, and artwork to keep the room vibrant and engaging.
Plan for growth
Opt for adjustable or convertible nursery furniture, and think about how the space can evolve as your child grows. Flexibility will let you adapt to different stages of their childhood without a complete redesign.
Final Words
Setting up a nursery should be a delightful journey filled with love and creativity. By balancing style with safety, you can create a beautiful space that serves as a nurturing environment for your child. Remember, thoughtful design can lead to a stylish sanctuary that’s both welcoming and safe for your little one to thrive in.
Happy Nesting With love, Lahnee.
About the author
Lahnee is a content creator and mum of two, sharing the beautiful chaos of motherhood through a lens of calm and creativity. Lahnee come from South Australia, and moved to Byron Bay in her mid-20s with a deep love for photography and a passion for interior design and styling. She creates spaces and moments that flow with ease, warmth, and intention. Whether it’s capturing the soft morning light as it spills across our living room or styling a corner of their home to reflect the peaceful rhythm of family life. Lahnee's content blends visual storytelling with a gentle, grounded aesthetic. Join her as she navigates life, motherhood, and creativity— capturing stillness in organic moments through this space. @Lahneeelyse