Bradshaws

Come along with us on a nursery tour with expectant Mother and Graphic Designer, Lauren Polidoro.

Introducing Lauren Polidoro… You may know her from her stunning and inspiring Instagram feed or you may have seen her beautiful hand calligraphy on bridal invitations from her business Flourish Calligraphy.

At Bradshaws, we know Lauren as our graphic designer and friend who has worked on all of our Bradshaws Magazine issues over the past couple of years. Already a proud mom to Luca, Lauren invited us into her home so we could ask her some questions about styling her new nursery while patiently expecting the arrival of baby boy number two with husband Adrian.

Carrie: What was important to you in creating this intimate space for your little boy?

Lauren: Personally, I’m attracted to classic styles rather than anything too trendy, and I tend to go a little bit more on the minimal side. It was important to me to create a space that he can grow into in the years to come. I love showcasing books and details, so having lots of shelving was a must for lots of cute styling moments! More than anything, I wanted the room to bring a sense of calm while retaining functionality.

What qualities do you prioritize when choosing toys, clothing and textiles for your children?

For toys, I love natural materials, like wood, that are ultra baby-safe because they somehow get absolutely everything into their little mouths! I definitely am drawn to simple and natural textiles like linens and crinkled muslin – I’m currently loving the entire baby collection from Pokoloko including their soft baby blankets!

How do the colours you use affect your mood when you’re in the nursery environment? Was it hard to select paint colours for example?

Personally, I get very over-stimulated by colour, so I tend to prefer neutrals in my space. As a stay at home mom who spends the majority of her time around the house, it was definitely important to make this little boys room peaceful and serene. Our paint colour is Behr: Bit of Sugar, and since I had used it in other rooms in our home, I already had fallen in love with this antique cream tone that is perfectly off-white. It’s just the right type of neutral backdrop that I can play with accents of colours and patterns.

What does your dream baby-shower look like?

I’ve always felt somewhat uneasy with all eyes on me, so what’s most important is the simple fact of being surrounded by my loved ones who care about me, and want to show their love and support for the new baby. As long as everyone’s comfortable and we have lots of amazing food to share, it is a wonderful day!

Do you have any words of advice for new Moms for decorating their nursery?

I think it’s important to create zones within the nursery: sleeping, feeding and changing! As they get older, you can add in toys and more storage. I would definitely recommend lots of different sized baskets for all over the room to hold little items like crib sheets, swaddles and blankets. When it comes to the floor, a big chunky rug is always a great addition for cuddles and playtime!

What is on your current wishlist for your new baby boy?

Thankfully we will be able to reuse a ton of items and clothing from his older brother, so the current wishlist mostly includes some specialty items that will be new to him. I’m always eyeing more Cuddle + Kind stuffies as they are so well-loved at our house. I love small shops and purchasing items that have been handcrafted so I’m still hunting down a few more unique finds before baby boy’s arrival!

Thank you Lauren for this intimate look into your peaceful baby nursery.
We wish you the best health and happiness for you and your growing family!