For Ella and James, family was never really a question. It was simply part of the life they imagined together.

After six years as a couple and two years of marriage, that future became wonderfully real with the arrival of their little boy, Gus. Like many first-time parents, they found themselves navigating equal parts excitement, anticipation, and the surreal feeling of bringing home someone they'd dreamed about long before they ever met him.

Their home, a character-filled villa that's constantly evolving, has grown right alongside them. From transforming a spare room into a colourful nursery to discovering the simple routines that now shape their days, Ella shares the moments that have surprised her most about motherhood, the spaces she couldn't live without, and the kind of childhood she hopes Gus will always remember.

Tell us about your journey into parenthood.

James and I have been together for six years and married for two. From the very beginning, one of the things that drew us to each other was how important family was to both of us. Having children was always part of the picture, so there wasn’t really a single moment where we decided we wanted a baby, it was something we both assumed would be part of our future together.

When I fell pregnant, though, that was definitely the “holy shit, this is real” moment. Suddenly this thing we had talked about and dreamed of for years was actually happening. More than anything, it was excitement from the very start.

What has surprised you most about motherhood?

Honestly, just how completely obsessed and in love you can be with another human. Before becoming a mum, everyone gives you advice and shares every possible experience, both good and bad. Sometimes it can feel like all we see online are the challenges, but the joy has absolutely blown me away.

The love is so much bigger than I ever imagined. I feel incredibly privileged to be Gus’s mum and to experience all of these little moments with him. If you can’t tell already, I’m absolutely loving motherhood.

Tell us about your home. 

We live in a classic villa renovation project, the kind of home that always has another job waiting to be done. We absolutely love it. Before Gus arrived, though, we really hustled to get things finished so he could come home to a space that felt warm, cosy, and functional.

I've always loved interiors and slowly improving our home, so transforming our spare room into a nursery was one of my favourite projects. We embraced colour and really leaned into the idea of creating a nursery that felt playful and special, from the furniture through to the bedding and décor.

Like the rest of our home, it’s still evolving. As Gus grows and his personality starts to shine through, we love making little changes that reflect both who he is and what he needs.

What were you drawn to when creating your nursery space?

The fun of it! I wanted to create a space that felt magical and joyful, a room a little boy would genuinely love spending time in. It was important that it felt playful, warm and full of personality rather than just practical.

Now bub is here, is there anything in your nursery you couldn’t live without?

Definitely his dresser and change table. We built wardrobes that would be able to hold all of his clothes, but having everything within arm’s reach during nappy changes and getting him dressed each day is such a game changer.

A close second would be his blackout curtains, they’ve been amazing for daytime naps. And honestly, our central heating deserves a mention too. Being able to keep the room at a consistent temperature overnight has made it so much easier when it comes to dressing him for sleep, which felt incredibly confusing as a first time mum.

When Gus looks back on his early years, what is the feeling you hope to instil in those memories the most?

This question genuinely makes me emotional. More than anything, I hope he feels deeply loved and completely safe. I want him to remember a home filled with laughter, warmth, and people who adored him.

So many of my favourite childhood memories come from that feeling, and they're exactly the kinds of memories I hope to recreate for him.

What are your most loved routines or moments with your little one?

It changes all the time because he grows so quickly, but from day one, bath time before bed has been one of my favourite parts of the day. It's always filled with smiles, splashing and little moments that make James and me grin from ear to ear.

It's such a simple routine, but it’s become one of those special moments we all look forward to.

Are there any rituals or traditions you have carried through to parenthood from your own childhood?

It's probably still early days for some traditions, but one thing that's really important to me is creating a close family environment. Growing up surrounded by family and cousins was such a special part of my childhood, and I'd love that for Gus too.

I've also always said that when he's older, we'll make a point of eating together around the dining table as a family. Life gets busy, but I think there's something really special about coming together at the end of the day and sharing that time with each other.

 

Featured in this story: The MacKenzie Collection.

The nursery featured throughout this story includes our MacKenzie Collection. With its timeless design, beautifully crafted Ash timber, and thoughtful details that grow alongside your little one, it's designed to create a nursery that's as practical as it is beautiful. Discover the full MacKenzie Collection and find inspiration for your own space.