Babar Inspired Vintage Nursery Decor
With the launch of my new Babar the Elephant art, it's only right that I create a blog to help inspire you all on how to incorporate your Babar posters into your nursery or child's bedroom. I have painstakingly remastered original illustrations from the series of vintage books - I hope you love the collection as much as I do! (all images link back to original Pinterest board and owners of pins)
Babar the Elephant is a classic children's book character that has stood the test of time. His adventures in the kingdom of Celesteville have captivated both children and adults alike for generations. It is no wonder that this beloved character has become a popular inspiration for nursery designs.
Below are a collection of children's interiors which I feel capture the look and feel of how I would decorate a Babar inspired nursery;
ABOVE: We need to start where it all began - I don't know if you have heard of Alice Palmer & Co, but she is rather famous for her fabulously pleated fabric lampshades. I've popped a link here for you all (plus she ships worldwide!). Anyway, I digress - the image above is of her child's nursery - she used pages from an old Babar book and framed them in red... I absolutely LOVED this, and set about finding a way of making these stunning illustrations of the worlds cutest elephant available to you all... The stripes, textures and mixing of patterns is what I love most about this room - they give a playful sense of informality and comfort. You can't help but look at this room and smile!
I also want to point out the striped bed valance's Alice makes - available in a range of colours, from mustard, to red, green and blue - they add a vintage circus vibe... rather jolly I thought! (TAP IMAGE TO SHOP)
ABOVE: The Babar books are all about bold use of colour - London interior designer, Beata Heuman has used an on-trend checkered rug for bold impact, and teamed with simple mustard coloured blinds. The vintage style patterned wallpaper adds charm and ties together the upcylced furniture and cast iron radiator. Also... how fun is the ceiling light!!
ABOVE: Olivia, at whatoliviadid.com, has created a zesty yellow and pastel green nursery. I adore the chintz lemons wallpaper and painted fireplace. It was the little red pops of Paddington Bear's hat that made me think "yes, this interior would work"
ABOVE: Olivia's custom built nursery storage in this alcove, painted in a sage / mint green, would be the perfect backdrop for a little Babar print sat on the shelf. Finish off with classic children's story books, a rattan changing basket and wooden rocking horse.
ABOVE: This beautiful child's bedroom belongs to @carriemshaw - I've been an avid fan of Carrie's interiors on Instagram for a while now, I love how she seamlessly blends a colour palette of taupe, mustard, red and green. Think vintage furniture finds, bobbin beds and painted chest of drawers. She manages to create that vintage eclectic vibe, but with a fresh and clean modern interiors twist. Definitely one to follow for inspo!
ABOVE: I found this image via Domino.com - an amazing source of inspiration for decorating kids bedrooms - I cannot recommend enough! The painted four poster beds add drama, team with a mish mash of cushions, (another!) checkered rug. The finishing fun interiors element is the striped wallpaper and... who'd of thought of painting the window surround in yellow?! But it absolutely works and pulls it all together. I saw these colours and thought "yes Kate Arends - you've nailed it!
ABOVE: I am a little obsessed with all things Matilda Goad & Co - anyone else? I found the above image via their Pinterest and fell head over heels for this Floral Josef Frank wallpaper - it's the prettiest little nursery nook! The De Nimes style blue on the built in cabinet, and the Matilda Goad bamboo drawer handles in putty would go perfectly with our Babar art... for a girly twist!
ABOVE: Last, but by no means least, this adorable nursery by Clare O'Connell (@clarkyoconnell) is the sweetest thing! The striped blind is what caught my eye... and yes, more floral, chintz wallpaper, this time from Ottoline. The rattan scalloped rug is from Tate & Darby, it adds a playful touch - also, Tate & Darby is run by Kirsty Darby, who is simply a wonderful human being, we need to support these independent brands!
Oooh - I almost forgot... another brand I am currently loving for all things vintage, is Projekti Tyyny - they design and make the most stunning canopies (see below!)... I have had several of these in the past, when I used to do interior styling, and the quality is simply second to none, they are worth every penny! I used to use them for creating little reading nooks in children's rooms, or pop them over the bed for added snuggly chic-ness... yep, thats a real thing!
So I hope that has inspired you a little - vintage nursery decor is timeless - often, what you buy to furnish the room, will last your little one from baby through to teen room. Classic interior design is an investment worth making... plus the chintz, stripes and floral patterns just so blummin lovely!
With love, Rachael