Shea McGee has shared a super easy money-saving hack for decorating a nursery

Buying the right seating that will work as your little one grows will save you money in the long run

Shea and Syd McGee in a still from Dream Home Makeover
(Image credit: Netflix)

Studio McGee fans will know that Shea and her husband Syd are currently expecting their third child - another girl. It's safe to say the pair will be brimming with sophisticated yet fun, neutral-on-neutral nursery room ideas for their baby.

The Dream Home Makeover star recently shared a simple nursery design tip worth noting - and it's all about layering in additional seating that will stand the test of time, ultimately saving you money.

nursery with cot and armchair

(Image credit: Carpetright)

Designing a nursery is one of the most exciting projects you will ever take on in your home. Creating a space that feels warm and fun with plenty of cuddly toys, cute prints, and practical nursery storage ideas is an incredibly joyful process.

Writing on her blog, Shea McGee says that whenever she's working on a children's room for a client, she incorporates some extra, highly versatile seating. So, if you have space, it's definitely something worth thinking about. 

'When designing kids’ rooms, we always try to create more seating with soft rocking or swivel chairs in the corner that can later be used for a reading nook,' Shea says. She also uses layered ottomans and even end-of-bed benches to provide an extra place to pause and take a moment.

nursery with yellow armchair and framed animal prints on the wall

(Image credit: Delightfull)

Adding in soft furnishings creates a level of comfort - but the key thing is to purchase good-quality items that will be durable, and that will work in the room as your baby grows up. The days are long but the years are quick - so bear in mind that the demands of the room will completely change in the blink of an eye.

In terms of the seating in your nursery, Shea recommends you go for multi-functional pieces that can be used by both you and your kids throughout different stages. She says: 'Even a more mature chair and ottoman pairing can be styled with pillows and throws for a playful touch!'

pink nursery with armchair, foot rest, chest of drawers and cot

(Image credit: The Baby Cot Shop)

It's true that an armchair and footstool that you'd happily have anywhere else in your home can be made more age-appropriate with kids' room accessories. Opt for gender-neutral nursery ideas so you can make furniture work elsewhere in the home reminding you of being in that baby bubble many years later.

There are so many decisions to make when designing a nursery and it doesn't take much for us to enter a state of Pinterest overload. But always thinking ahead to the future is a useful rule of thumb.

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.


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