Creating a White Nursery | Boori AU

As a key colour in Scandinavian interiors and contemporary spaces, white is becoming the favoured hue of interior stylists and bloggers. As a parent-to-be, the idea of using white can seem quite a scary prospect though. Will it be fun and stimulating enough? How will you incorporate bright baby things? Will we ever keep it clean?

Can white walls and babies ever happily coexist?

Photographer and mummy of two Chelsea White believes they can. Chelsea created a stunning all-white space for her little boy, Instagram star Harlen Bodhi White. We caught up with her to find out more…

What was the Inspiration Behind Your Nursery Design?

I kept seeing all white rooms on Instagram, but I hadn't seen an all white nursery before. I have a section in my photographic studio which is all white, and the light is so beautiful when it is being bounced around that I knew it would make a beautiful baby’s nursery.

I also love to photograph Harlen in his natural home environment so it was really important for me that I had a beautiful space to photograph him in. It was the photographer in me that made me decide the room would be mainly white.

Nursery Design

How Did You Achieve This Look?

I have white high gloss laminate flooring which sets the tone, and surprisingly enough it’s not that hard to keep clean.

I have kept the room quite uncluttered, it’s very minimalistic. The room started off completely white, but as I am finding new shops and Instagram stores I am adding to the room more and more. The best thing about white is that you can add any colour and it will always fit in.

Minimalistic white room

What Made You Choose Boori Furniture?

I had seen Boori in various magazines and on Instagram. I also photograph newborn babies and children as a job, so whilst I was pregnant I asked for lots of recommendations from other mums. Boori came highly recommended, so I checked out the website and could see why. There was a cot to suit every taste and style. I am over the moon with my choice of cot and changing unit, it really is stunning. They both suit my room perfectly and look ultra modern yet classic.

Boori Furniture

How do you plan for Harlen and the nursery to grow together? Do you think you’ll be able to incorporate his personality (and his toys!) as he gets older?

I have already started adapting the nursery by adding monochrome toys, decorations and accessories. The theme I would like to stick to is White, Grey and Black. I think this suits boys of any age, it won’t date, and he also won’t grow out of it too soon. I think it’s a really trendy and cool look for a little boy.

I keep colour in the playroom, which is filled with colourful playmats, toys and other baby bits. It’s really vibrant and stimulating for him and is where he spends most of his day whilst at home.

Playroom

What are the practical problems with an all-white nursery? Is it a nightmare to keep clean?!

It is quite high maintenance to have an all white nursery, it does need hoovering everyday as even if there is not much foot fall you can see hair and fibres on the flooring. It’s not a complete nightmare or completely time-consuming to maintain though. The high gloss floor is brilliant - I just get the Dettol out and wipe up spills with some kitchen towel.

How would you advise parents who love the all-white look but are scared to go for it in their nursery?

I would definitely go for plain white walls for any baby’s nursery. For my first child’s room I painted it pink and it just looked sickly - I got fed up with it before she even arrived! It wasn't long before I changed it. It is a brave decision to have white but I haven't regretted it at all, I still absolutely love it.

Tips for Creating Your Own White Nursery

Creating a white nursery can be both beautiful and practical with the right approach. Here are some tips to help you design an elegant, functional, and welcoming white nursery for your baby:

1. Choose the Right Shades of White

Not all whites are the same. Consider using different shades of white to add depth and interest to the room. Soft whites, creamy whites, and even some cool whites can create a serene environment.

2. Incorporate Different Textures

Use a variety of textures to add warmth and dimension. Think of soft rugs, knitted blankets, and textured wallpaper. This can prevent the room from looking too sterile.

3. Add Pops of Colour with Accessories

While the primary colour is white, you can add splashes of colour through accessories like cushions, toys, and artwork. This makes the space more dynamic and child-friendly without overwhelming the white aesthetic.

4. Opt for Easy-to-Clean Materials

Choose materials that are easy to wipe down and clean. High gloss laminate flooring, as Chelsea mentioned, is a great option. Removable, washable covers for cushions and chairs can also be very practical.

5. Use White Furniture with Classic Designs

Select white furniture pieces that have a timeless design. This ensures that the furniture grows with your child and can be easily incorporated into other rooms as needed.

6. Ensure Ample Storage

Keep the space clutter-free with plenty of storage options. Built-in wardrobes, under-cot drawers, and stylish storage bins can help maintain the minimalist look while keeping the nursery organised.

7. Layer the Lighting

Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soft lighting can make the room feel cosy and nurturing.

8. Add Personal Touches

Incorporate personal items like family photos, heirlooms, or custom name plaques. These touches make the nursery feel unique and special for your baby.

9. Plan for Growth

Think ahead about how the room can evolve as your child grows. Neutral white furniture and a versatile colour scheme can easily adapt to new themes and accessories as your baby grows into a toddler and beyond.

10. Keep it Functional

Ensure that the nursery layout is practical for daily use. Place the cot away from windows and drafts, and make sure that the changing station is easily accessible.