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NZRealReveals week two: When things don’t go as planned… but you get it done!
The second week of NZRealReveals proved that the weather isn’t always on our side when… more
In our savannah nursery, the floor and back wall are painted in Resene Double Spanish White, giraffe pattern wall in Resene Spanish White and Resene Brown Sugar, rattan pendant, in Resene Brown Sugar, french doors in Resene White, cot in Resene Brown Sugar, change table in Resene Canterbury Clay. Sophie La Girafe from Farmers, blanket and cushions from Adairs, baby sneakers, baby boots, chair and change mat from kmart, cot, mattress, rug and change table from Mocka, giraffe print from Pop Motif.
In our savannah nursery, the floor and back wall are painted in Resene Double Spanish White, giraffe pattern wall in Resene Spanish White and Resene Brown Sugar, rattan pendant, in Resene Brown Sugar, french doors in Resene White, cot in Resene Brown Sugar, change table in Resene Canterbury Clay. Sophie La Girafe from Farmers, blanket and cushions from Adairs, baby sneakers, baby boots, chair and change mat from kmart, cot, mattress, rug and change table from Mocka, giraffe print from Pop Motif.
In our savannah nursery, the floor and back wall are painted in Resene Double Spanish White, giraffe pattern wall in Resene Spanish White and Resene Brown Sugar, rattan pendant, in Resene Brown Sugar, french doors in Resene White, cot in Resene Brown Sugar, change table in Resene Canterbury Clay. Sophie La Girafe from Farmers, blanket and cushions from Adairs, baby sneakers, baby boots, chair and change mat from kmart, cot, mattress, rug and change table from Mocka, giraffe print from Pop Motif.
In our savannah nursery, the floor and back wall are painted in Resene Double Spanish White, giraffe pattern wall in Resene Spanish White and Resene Brown Sugar, rattan pendant, in Resene Brown Sugar, french doors in Resene White, cot in Resene Brown Sugar, change table in Resene Canterbury Clay. Sophie La Girafe from Farmers, blanket and cushions from Adairs, baby sneakers, baby boots, chair and change mat from kmart, cot, mattress, rug and change table from Mocka, giraffe print from Pop Motif.
In our savannah nursery, the floor and back wall are painted in Resene Double Spanish White, giraffe pattern wall in Resene Spanish White and Resene Brown Sugar, rattan pendant, in Resene Brown Sugar, french doors in Resene White, cot in Resene Brown Sugar, change table in Resene Canterbury Clay. Sophie La Girafe from Farmers, blanket and cushions from Adairs, baby sneakers, baby boots, chair and change mat from kmart, cot, mattress, rug and change table from Mocka, giraffe print from Pop Motif.
What do you actually need in a nursery? Tips and design ideas for expecting parents
Designing a nursery is one of those magical parts of preparing for a baby. Half excitement, half “where do I even start?”. The good news is you don’t need a huge space or budget to make it feel special. A little planning, some clever use of colour and a few well-chosen practical pieces will do the trick. We’re using one design to show you how to get started and what you really need, so when you’re ready, you can create your own treasured space for baby.
Think of a scheme
Before you start buying furniture and setting up the room, think about how you want your nursery to feel. Create a moodboard with colours, textures and materials that inspire you. As an example, we’ve gone for a playful yet stylish ‘savannah theme’ using a giraffe pattern, natural materials like wood, rattan and linen, alongside warm neutrals like Resene Spanish White, Resene Double Spanish White, Resene Canterbury Clay and Resene Brown Sugar. These neutral hues suit any gender and also work well as a space that grows with your child. A simple, adaptable palette now, means fewer makeovers later!
Pulling the design together
Once your scheme feels right, use it as a guide for everything else. Paint the walls in your chosen shade, add character with a mural like our feature wall in a giraffe pattern, or a wallpaper – perhaps one from the Resene Little Love Wallpaper Collection. Don’t be afraid to bring colour into furniture too, such as a dresser or the crib in your chosen Resene paint or Resene Colorwood stain.
Think about flow. Position the crib where it feels calm and safe, such as nestled near a corner. Keep drawers and storage within easy reach and layer in rugs, curtains and soft lighting to make the space feel cosy and cohesive. Add in the finishing touches like accessories and artwork that tie the space together too, depending on your theme.
What practical things do you actually need?
It’s easy to get swept up in Pinterest-perfect nurseries, but the essentials are surprisingly simple. You’ll need a sturdy crib, a changing area (either a dedicated table or a mat on a dresser), and some storage like drawers, open shelves or baskets for all the tiny clothes, toys and nappies. Add a comfortable seat or rocking chair for those late-night feeds and quiet time with baby, and if space allows, a small side table for bottles or books. Keep décor practical but personal, especially in the early years, and remember, a calm, well-organised space is just as important as a cute one!
Added special touches
If you’ve got the space, and want to add some special, personal touches, there are many ways to do this. A whimsical tent with cushions, some little building blocks, or anything that means you can sit and enjoy time with your little one. Even though young babies can’t yet communicate with words, they learn from us through play, expression and time spent close. Creating a space that feels calm, engaging and full of warmth sets the scene for countless little memories to come.
Top tips:
- Resene offers a range of Eco Choice approved paints, stains and coatings that meet strict VOC standards, so you can pick safer options for nurseries that are better for indoor air.
- Use low sheen or flat finishes on walls like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene Zylone Sheen Zero for walls. They hide minor imperfections and don’t glare too much.
- For trims and joinery use waterborne enamel like Resene Lustacryl or Resene Enamacryl. These are good for surfaces that will take wear, because they’re more washable and durable.
- For the ceiling use a flat finish like Resene SpaceCote Flat or Resene Ceiling Paint to help minimise reflection and give a soft look.
- If painting toys, use paints that are toy-safe.
- Ventilation and curing time are important. Even ‘safer’ paints need time to settle. Keep windows open, use fans and avoid reoccupying the room too soon.
- As with any room, paint looks different in morning, afternoon and evening. Use Resene testpots and A4 drawdowns around the room to see how it reads in various lights.
- Try adding something unique and fun for children as they grow, such as a patch of wall painted with Resene FX Chalkboard Paint or Resene FX Magnetic Magic.
With Resene’s extensive range of paints and wallpapers, you can create a kids’ room that’s both functional and full of personality. Check out the Kid's bedroom decorating inspiration gallery for more ideas and head to your local Resene ColorShop for advice and to view your favourite paint colours and wallpapers in person.
Credits: In our savannah nursery, the floor and back wall are painted in Resene Double Spanish White, giraffe pattern wall in Resene Spanish White and Resene Brown Sugar, rattan pendant, in Resene Brown Sugar, french doors in Resene White, cot in Resene Brown Sugar, change table in Resene Canterbury Clay. Sophie La Girafe from Farmers, blanket and cushions from Adairs, baby sneakers, baby boots, chair and change mat from kmart, cot, mattress, rug and change table from Mocka, giraffe print from Pop Motif.
project Vanessa Nouwens
mural Hannah Tapner
images Wendy Fenwick
Published: 16 Oct 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Spanish White
Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Canterbury Clay
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Spanish White
Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Canterbury Clay
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
