Little ones will be taken to the heart of the forest thanks to his Nestig cooperation.
The majority of designers begin a job by getting to know their client’s personal style a little bit better by asking questions such, “What colours do you lean toward?” and “Have you gone anyplace recently that influenced you?” So what do you do if the individual you work for is unable to express their needs? When decorating the nursery for his son Ismail, British fashion guru Tan France of Queer Eye and Next in Fashion recently discovered that sometimes you just have to sit back and watch. “It may be difficult to anticipate precisely what they’ll respond to if you’re establishing a space for a child, especially a very young child who can’t completely articulate themselves,” he acknowledges. France focused on his toddler’s fascination with animals, which served as the inspiration for both the bedroom and France’s recently established partnership with Nestig, which includes bedding, wallpaper, mobiles, and more.
It was important to make sure that Ismail, France, and Rob could all be at ease in the room. This required creating a balance between having whimsical features and “grown-up” items, as the designer explains, “When I feel comfortable, whether it’s in my clothing or in my surroundings, it truly makes me a better person and better parent.”
France laid his ombré Forest rug on top of his already luxurious carpeting, and on top of that, a mat in the shape of a monkey. This helped to visually ground the space and make it safe for crawling (and, more recently, walking). “Being a fashion designer, I constantly like experimenting with different materials and colours. I pay attention to the feelings that various colours evoke in you or the way that a specific cloth could provide warmth or coolness to a location that you especially adore, he says. With a child around, practicality also becomes crucial; when spills occur, his sturdy cotton Nestig rugs can be thrown in the washing machine.
The Candy Cloud crib, which has rounded edges, three adjustable mattress heights, and, in true French style, a flash of mint green on the vertical bars and legs, was the designer’s first selection for the space. Ismail may enjoy the comfortable naps it offers, but his parents may sleep well knowing they won’t have to choose another bed frame very soon: the product is simply convertible into a toddler bed with the provided conversion kit.
The inspiration for the very intricate painting France and Nestig created together came from Ismail’s obsession with nature, especially his adoration of the monkeys he sees onscreen when watching David Attenborough programmes. The chinoiserie-style treatment, which is prominently displayed on the nursery’s main wall, instantly hides the odd ceiling angles and gives the space a traditional English feel—something that was very significant to France. The settings you provide for your child are ultimately a component of how they learn to know you, he claims. “Having it seem like an extension of yourself and your style is really lovely.”
