A CREATIVE mum transformed a bland bedroom into a jungle-themed nursery, using bargains from Ikea and Matalan.
Victoria Salisbury, 35, wanted to create a welcoming space for her fourth child, a boy, so decided to go for an on-trend jungle theme.
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Victoria, from Chester, took her time with the makeover, getting baby bits as she went along.
The mum hit up bargain stores like Ikea, Matalan and H&M Home to source pieces for the room, and the finished result is an envy-inducing oasis.
Victoria told Latestdeals.co.uk: “I love the Scandi style that is so popular at the moment so when we found out we were having a boy back in October 2019, I started planning his nursery.
“We weren’t in any rush, as it’s recommended babies stay in your room for months after they are born anyway, which is how we were able to finish the room to such a high standard by buying bits here and there rather than in one go.
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“I took a lot of inspiration from Instagram. There are so many gorgeous home accounts that often have links where items can be purchased.
“We decided on a safari theme as it can be done really well with Scandi style using natural woods and plants.
“I created a couple of mood boards with screenshots of items and designs I liked and would shop around and try and buy things when they were on sale.
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“We got his cot bed from John Lewis when they had a 20% off sale for example and then used an online company who make made to measure mattresses which cost half the price of the branded ones so we saved quite a lot of money.
“I like to buy quality key pieces that will last through the years and accessorise with high street items that can be easily switched.”
Some stand-out pieces in the room is a giant toy giraffe from H&M, which cost £24.99, and £7 spice racks from Ikea which she turned into shelves.
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She turned to Ikea for a lot of pieces, as she tried to make the most of the small space.
Victoria explained: “The room is so small so we needed to make the most of the space. I googled space-saving storage ideas and got loads of brilliant IKEA hacks that were so cheap.
“The shelves, hooks and clothes rack are IKEA and cost roughly £40 total.”
But Victoria said she also likes to shop at independent stores, adding: “There are so many small businesses on Etsy and Instagram that sell beautiful, individual accessories as well. I think it’s important to try and support them especially at times like this.
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“The room will still be age-appropriate for a few years which is a bonus.”
She roped in friends and family to help her achieve the look, saying: “We are really lucky as my Dad is a joiner so he replaced the skirting boards, architrave, windowsill and laid the laminate flooring for us.
“We have a friend who plastered the room for us for a really good rate. We decorated it ourselves after watching a YouTube tutorial on how to get the perfect straight line.
“It’s so easy and means you don’t have to do much cutting in.”
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For anyone wanting to embark on their own mini-makeover, Victoria advised taking your time.
She said: “My main tips would be to take your time, shop around to get the best deals, use mood boards to make sure everything coordinates and use Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration.”
Despite the room being small the mum is chuffed with how it turned out, as she said: “I think we’ve done a really good job of utilising the space. His little reading corner is my favourite area.
“It’s so comfy with a little throw, snuggled up reading to him with his lamp on!”
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “Having a baby is an expensive project, and creating a lovely nursery can be a huge expense!
“However, as Victoria proves, you don’t need to splurge to make the nursery look like it’s stepped straight off a stylish Scandi Instagram account – IKEA spice racks, Matalan artificial plants and H&M Home toys are super cute additions and don’t cost the earth!”
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