Rooomy meets Ursula Wesselingh,

Kid’s Interior Designer

Rachel Burns speaks to Ursula about her signature style for kid’s interiors

and how Dutch design differs to British.

RB – Ursula, when did your love of interior design begin?

UW – I’ve always been intrigued by people’s homes, and as a child I had strong ideas about what my room should look like. Professionally, I entered interior design about 15 years ago or so. Following a redundancy, I enrolled in an interior design course and before the year was over, I was offered a job at an architectural practice. It felt like coming home and I’ve never looked back.

RB – We share the same view that children’s bedrooms are a huge part of their childhood/world. What was yours like? And how has this affected the work you do today?

UW – My bedroom was hugely important to me. It was located on the top floor of our farm, overlooking the garden. I have fond memories of a blue and white scheme that I created with the help of my mum. We found a “white” (cream) carpet offcut, some blue and white fabric that my mum made into curtains (I still have them), and blue and white wallpaper. We then also painted my bed and drawers blue. Finally, with some tractor paint that I’d found in one of our barns, I painted all my knick-knacks that didn’t fit the scheme blue… matchy-matchy.

I suspect that through my work, I recreate my childhood in some way. Style wise, my work has a modern rustic undertone, which probably goes back to growing up on a farm.

RB – What’s been your favourite project to work on?

UW – Haha, that’s a tricky one to answer – I’ve enjoyed working on so many. I guess generally speaking my favourite projects are for clients who are fans of my signature style – the ones who phone up and say “I love what you do, please come and sort my children’s rooms out!” I really like the collaborative process and it’s just much easier and enjoyable when you are on the same wave length.

RB – Who or what are some of your design inspirations when thinking about kid’s rooms?

UW – I’m generally attracted by Scandinavian and French inspired styles, a mix of simplicity, period details, pretty pattern and subdued colours.

RB – Where are you continuously drawn to for its beautiful interior?

UW – Not one place really… I am very happy to stay in well-designed hotels, and can spend hours analysing why things were done in a certain way – to great amusement of my partner.

RB – Your style is calm, soft and comforting, what has influenced this most?

UW – It’s hard to say really, it’s just what I do. I think calm and comfort are a good base for kids to venture out from, and come back to.

RB – How do you feel about bold vibrant rooms? Do you ever have to turn down projects because clients taste is too different to your approach?

UW – I don’t dig bold and vibrant rooms at all, I just couldn’t handle staying in one myself. Luckily I tend to attract clients who love my style, so I don’t have to turn projects down on that basis.

RB – What is your dream project?

UW – I’ve seen this very small room in a church that is being used for a play group – a beautiful, tall space full of character that is wildly let down by the decor and furniture in there. I’m itching to turn that into a beautiful place to play.

RB – What mistakes do you think parents are regularly making when decorating their kids’ rooms?

UW – Playing it too safe. I think it pays off to do something special, to go out of your way to create something beautiful and memorable. That doesn’t have to cost lots of money – imagination and attention go a long way.

RB – What most excites you about your future?

UW – Continuing to attract clients who love my style, keep growing as a designer, and who knows, develop my own line of children’s décor.

If you love Ursula’s style as much as I do the go check out her site Room To Bloom.  She will also be sharing a glorious new nursery in the Nursery Edit out later this month, to make sure you receive your copy you can subscribe here for free.

For more interviews with other amazing creative minds take a look below.

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