Planning a nursery and unsure where to start? Interior influencer and first-time mum Ella Billig of @ellascottage__ is here to help with her nursery-planning advice!
Known for sharing thoughtful design tips and documenting the renovation of her 1870s Norfolk cottage, Ella brings a warm, practical approach to creating beautiful spaces.
In this article, she shares her top nursery-planning tips and styling advice – alongside a look inside her baby boy’s cosy, timeless room, complete with our Mamas & Papas Oxford furniture set – to help you create a nursery that’s both beautiful to look at and effortless to use.
1. In your opinion, what features and factors matter most when choosing nursery furniture?
It’s all about thinking about the space and utilising it the smartest way possible. i.e., what goes where, and what you’ll store inside. I also think it's important to be timeless in your choices, as your baby is only little for what feels like such a short time, so you want that furniture to adapt and grow with your baby.
2. How did you plan your nursery furniture layout, and were there any challenges with the space?
The layout of the nursery was very important to me. Babies sleep better if their cots are positioned in a certain way. I read this in a book after noticing that my baby wasn't napping well during the day, so I decided to move the cot around so it faced away from the window, and within an instant, he started sleeping so much better.
3. How did you decide on the décor theme and colour palette of the nursery, and where did you source inspiration from?
Initially, we painted and decorated the nursery in neutral tones because we didn't know what we were having. It wasn't until my baby boy was born that I knew I'd be able to change the colour of things, such as the panelling and accessories. I chose a wallpaper I knew would go with any colour, and I chose the furniture to match, so it was just little tweaks from there to make the space more personal. A lot of my inspiration came from Instagram, just by searching 'nursery' in the search bar and combining lots of inspiration to create what I have now.
4. How do you balance style and practicality when choosing nursery furniture?
I found this simple to do once I knew the room's measurements and could pick out the best furniture to suit the space and my requirements. I knew the bigger wardrobe and large dressing table would fit well, providing lots of storage. I then used pop-up dividers in the dresser to keep everything neatly organised and put large baskets in the bottom of the wardrobe to hold additional items. Finally, the best part of the cot was the drawer beneath it, providing even more storage. My choices meant there was plenty of space to arrange and access everything I’d need for my baby day-to-day.
5. How has your nursery furniture helped make day-to-day routines easier?
My routine has become a breeze. I have a designated area for pyjamas in the wardrobe, an area for his vests in the dresser, and a separate area for socks, etc. When I get him up in the morning, I pop him onto the changing dresser top, and everything he's going to need for the day is to hand so I can change and dress him with ease.
6. What advice would you give new parents choosing nursery furniture for their nursery?
Make sure the furniture you choose is practical, timeless and adaptable as your baby gets older.
7. What types of finishing touches did you add to the room to complete your vision?
For finishing touches, I added bobbin railing above my panelling, Beatrix Potter prints, and a hand-painted sketch of our dog Winston, who our baby is obsessed with.
8. How would you describe the look and feel of the nursery in 3 words?
Cosy, timeless, personal.
9. And what is your favourite feature or area of the nursery?
I love the view as you walk in the door of the dresser right in front, against the blue panelling and wallpaper.
10. How do you see the room transitioning as your baby gets older, still using the same furniture?
The cot turns into a bed, which will last him until around 4 years old. The changing top of the dresser can be removed, so I can add his favourite toys on top instead while still using it for storage, along with the full-height wardrobe.
11. What would be your top 3 styling tips for new parents planning a nursery?
1. Make sure it's future-proof
2. Don't forget you can add colour with accessories rather than paint
3. Make it fun
And remember, as much as you want the room to be aesthetic, don't forget whose room this is!
Ready to start planning your dream nursery?
Pick your perfect nursery furniture with three-piece sets starting from just £599.
