Since mid-August, Lydia Dinga’s nursery reveal has captured the attention of parents and interior lovers alike, inspiring a fresh wave of calm, peaceful, and timeless design in children’s spaces. Her timeless yet practical approach shows just how fun and creative nursery styling can be, proving the smallest of rooms can feel magical and inviting. As part of our collaboration, we sat down with Lydia to ask a few key questions, offering guidance and inspiration for parents planning a nursery of their own.
What advice would you give to other parents styling a nursery for the first time?
Start with a feeling, not a trend. Think about how you want the room to feel when you’re sitting in it, calm, playful, grounding? That’ll guide every decision. Build slowly, piece by piece. You don’t need to have every single item sorted before baby arrives. Focus on comfort, function, and a considered touches that make you feel calm and happy. If it makes you feel good, your baby will feel that too.
What inspired the overall look and feel of your little one’s room?
I wanted the room to feel like a little storybook hideaway, soft, playful, and calm. I’ve always loved whimsical interiors with a slightly vintage feel, and I wanted to create something that felt both magical and timeless. Nature definitely played a big part in the inspiration I kept imagining woodland walks and tried to bring that feeling indoors, whilst also playing with lots of colour!
Did you have a particular theme or mood board in mind before you started?
Oh yes! I had so many saved folders! I’m talking Pinterest boards, Instagram screenshots, and random clippings stashed away in my notes app. The main mood I was going for was “storybook nursery meets calming joy filled space” something that felt gentle and imaginative but still really functional. I also wanted to make sure it would grow with the baby, so nothing too overly themed or babyish.
What stood out to you about CuddleCo’s collections when selecting items for the space?
I didn’t want a flat-pack look; I wanted each piece to feel considered, and CuddleCo pieces gave me that flexibility. The materials felt thoughtfully chosen and I appreciated the blend of modern design with timeless charm.
How did you bring personality into the room to make it feel unique?
This is where I had the most fun. I framed baby’s first scan, added soft toys that reminded me of my own childhood, and displayed pieces that have sentimental value. All of the soft toys in the room were collected by my mum ,baby’s grandma - which just makes everything feel even more special. I can’t wait to tell my daughter one day that her grandma helped bring her room to life.
Are there any standout features or items you’ve found especially useful?
Definitely the open changer, it keeps everything within reach, which is a game-changer during nappy changes! And the lower shelves on the Aria unit are already becoming a little book nook. I love the idea of her crawling over and picking out her own stories when she’s ready.
Lydia’s thoughtful answers are a lovely reminder that designing a nursery is about more than choosing a furniture set and a matching rug, it’s about creating a space that feels calm, joyful and uniquely yours.
By focusing on how you want the room to feel, layering textures, and choosing pieces that will adapt as your child grows, you can create a nursery that balances beauty and practicality in a way that works for real family life.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating a room that’s already in use, Lydia’s advice is a gentle nudge to trust your instincts and a reminder that with a little creativity and care, your baby’s room can become one of the most special spaces in your home.
