Talented mum and stylist Nicola McNeil from @momentswithus_ designed for her gorgeous little boy, an absolute dream space. We go behind the scenes and chat with Nicola about her inspiration, her styling tips and find out how young Talan is enjoying his gorgeous “Coastal Boho” inspired new room.
Let’s meet Nicola & young Talan
Nicola is a highly respected member of our Instagram community. Inspired for styling beautiful spaces that create the wow factor. Together with her hubby and very sweet two children, Talan (aged 5) and Blair (aged 2) they’ve created a lifestyle along the NSW south coast. Nicola says “we have always lived near the beach and wouldn’t have it any other way,” so designing and decorating a coastal inspired home was perfect for them. Through their home renovation projects she’s chosen “warm white’s, greys and neutral colours” to bring to life the coastal boho vibe, for the place they call home.
Nicola has had a strong interest in styling, “from a young age I remember giving my own room a makeover”, showing her creative flare within. Her interest has turned into a passion, offering an outlet to unleash her creativity, “I live and breathe home interiors and décor, so being able to create means everything to me. Seeing my vision come to life, being able to stand back and look at the space and see how far it’s come” is the rewarding aspect of design.
Creating a beautiful home, means “being surrounded by things I love”.
Behind the scenes in Talan’s new room
Styling Talan’s room was a project that was borne out of “a desire to give Talan a big boys room, since starting kindergarten”. Being able to create a space that reflected him but was also fun, keeping the beach theme and palm trees which he loves was important. Inspiration to create an autumn beachy boho room was sourced by “putting together a moodboard of all our favourite products”. From the design stage “I then collected the products, furniture, bedding slowly bringing the entire theme to life”.
In choosing décor and decoratives to pull together all the core elements “I was able to re-use some of the décor I already had”. But it was the customised wallpaper mural that was most exciting about the project and is a favourite item in the space. “I had envisioned bronzed palms” and with the help of the ‘Minnie and me interiors’ team, it was the finishing touch that really tied all the main elements together and gave this space the wow factor, turning what was an empty room into a cosy sanctuary.
To Talan, his most important must have item was a double bed “because he’s a big boy now". Incorporating his love for the “beachy theme”, the rest was left to Nicola to bring to life and that she did, so perfectly.
Nicola’s Bedroom Styling Tips
To other mum’s looking to transition their little boy’s rooms, to create a space to let lose their imagination’s, explore, or as young Talan likes to do “chilling out and playing on his floor cushion, reading books with his young sister” Nicola shares the following styling tips;
Styling Tip 1 – Start off by creating a moodboard to help select a theme.
It’s the moodboard that enables you to visualise all of the elements together, providing the starting blocks, to then take the next step and bring your vision to life.
(Image features our 'Flecks of Tan' handmade shade and wooden tripod base)
Styling Tip 2 – Select a main feature and build from there.
This may be a wallpaper or big print and provides the foundations (ie. colour’s, style, images) to set the theme and build on, enabling you to achieve a cohesive design.
Styling Tip 3 – Add items that help make a room feel cosy and complete.
This can be achieved by focusing on the colour palette, textures for example a rug and all the little details, that help transform a room into a cosy sanctuary.
Final styling piece of advice
When selecting a theme or vibe, making sure it best reflects your child’s personality is important, so every night they go to bed surrounded by things they love.
Talan often tells me he dreams of ocean animals and playing at the beach.
For Nicola the styling adventure never ends, next on the re-decorating list is the lounge room, which she says is in desperate need of a makeover! “I’m thinking a white paneling feature wall and some beautiful art. As my family use this room the most, I’d love to be able to give it some extra love”. To follow along on Nicola’s inspiring home decorating and motherhood journey, be sure to check out her Instagram account @momentswithus_
Further, for any businesses looking for some high quality content, I can vouch that Nicola’s work is some of the best in the business! Her inbox is always open for anyone looking to ask questions or get some ideas. Nothing more humbling than women supporting women, working and collaborating together to create some epic greatness!
I feel so honoured that I can inspire others with my interiors and styling. It really warms my heart, as I have such a passion for it and love being able to share it with you all.
Supporting Small Business
In sharing the small businesses love, Nicola has tastefully decorated Talan’s room in support of many small Australian businesses, you can find these stores listed below;
Wallpaper @minnieandmeinteriorsLamp @bambinidelights
Bedspread @seaka.boo
Bedsheets @thesheetsociety
Wooden Bench @gypsylaineliving
Wooden Bedside Table & Mattress @ecosa_sleep
Rattan Hanging @oakstudioaus and @arabella_autumn
Handpainted Designer Pot @mowglistudio
Floor Cushion @littleconnoisseur
Clay Tiles @mykindofblissdesigns
Wooden Rainbow @kids_tribe
Beach Kid Wall Art @phoenixandtheocean.shop
Shell Cushion @pepperminttreecreations
Suitcase @wildtribeco
Palm @theretreathome
Knitted Surfs Up @heyalby