Gina Matter was a kid when she fell in love with the story of Harry Potter.
She discovered the books by J.K. Rowling when she was a struggling reader. Her mother started reading the stories aloud to her before bed.
“The series captivated me so much, I began to pick up the books and continue on without her,” Matter said.
Today Matter — who lives in Maple Grove with her husband, Reed — is passing that love onto her daughter, Octavia, with an immersive nursery decorated with all things Hogwarts.
It all began years before the Matters’ daughter was born, when Matter set up a Pinterest board to collect a variety of decor elements.
“Many people I shared the idea with didn’t understand how it could translate into a gender-neutral nursery,” she said. “I am so glad I stuck to my design.”
So far, Octavia — who celebrated her first birthday in February — has been a magical child, Matter said.
“She is easy to please and full of smiles,” Matter said. “I think she may turn out to be more of a magician than a muggle. She is very observant and clever. Her intellect seems to be on the same level as Hermione’s. She is also a curious little bug with a sneaky sparkle in her eye, similar to that of Harry and Ron.”
Octavia began walking early, taking her first steps at 9 months old.
“I have no doubt she will be nimble on her broomstick,” Matter said.
See the full photo display as seen in Minnesota Parent magazine here.
Hogwards how-to
Key Elements
Crib and changing table: Heidi Klum Truly Scrumptious
Changing scale: Hatch Baby ($249)
Birdcage: Relectronics on Etsy ($225)
Mural: Pulaton ($199)
Mobile: LittleWrensNursery on Etsy ($112)
Lamp: GoldenRatioFurniture on Etsy ($185)
Gold birch tree pillow: Pier One ($30)
Forest pillow on chair: Society6 ($22)
Family tree mural and decorative trunks: painted by Julie Lord / Lord Ames Interiors
Wall paint: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams
And more
Etsy.com: Blanket over the crib, Dumbledore-quote sign and pillow, owl picture, crib sheets, Dobby doll
Target: Succulent terrarium, rug, toy bin, faux fur blanket
Harrypottershop.com: Hogwarts replica, snitch replica, golden egg, broom, quidditch goggles
Universal Studios: Snape’s wand, necklaces in display boxes, stuffed Hedwig
Photos by Ivy Christina Photography / ivychristinaphotography.com
