Mother Stories
Inside Meera Lee Patel’s New Nursery By Pottery Barn Kids
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Photography by Photographed by Nicola Harger
Jul 22, 2021
Today’s nursery tour is not only pleasing to the eye, but will make your heart sing too. Such is the magic of Meera Lee Patel, an artist, writer, and new mama. As the author of four beloved illustrated journals—Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration, Made Out of Stars: A Journal for Self-Realization, My Friend Fear: Finding Magic in the Unknown, and Create Your Own Calm: A Journal for Quieting Anxiety—perhaps it’s no surprise that Meera’s answers to our questions about motherhood would be filled with such depth.
Alongside her thoughtful replies, Meera gave us an exclusive first-look at the nursery of her adorable 8-month-old daughter Nadi Luna. The modern and serene space is filled with consciously curated furnishings from Pottery Barn Kids—including a GREENGUARD Gold Certified crib, glider, dresser, and bookcase, organic and GOTS-certified sheets, ethically handcrafted quilts, a diverse array of children’s books, and much more!
Take a click through and prepare to have this feature stick with you in more ways than one!
This post is brought to you by Mother x Pottery Barn Kids.
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"My family lives on a small 20 acre farm in the northern woods of Nashville, Tennessee. We moved here in the spring of 2018 and have spent the last 3 years completely renovating our home and the land it sits on. We have a greenhouse where we grow herbs and veggies, a small orchard, and a chicken coop that houses our 15 hens."
Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner, $999 to $1199, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Dawson Extra-Wide Dresser, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Concentric Rainbow Rug, $149 to $749, Pottery Barn Kids.
3D Activity Solar System Play Rug, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Nadi has a small but light-filled room on the second floor of our home. I wanted her to have a
bright space that felt calm and peaceful, but very much full of life."
Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner, $999 to $1199, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Dawson Extra-Wide Dresser, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Nook Pebble Changing Pad, $139, Pottery Barn Kids.
Changing Pad Insert, $49 to $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Elephant Paper Mache Table Nightlight, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Like our family, our home combines many aesthetics and energies. Nadi’s is alive with color, but
minimal in nature. Each item, whether a piece of furniture or a book, is thoughtfully chosen and
serves a purpose. I hope she enjoys the room I’ve created for her while she’s young, knowing
that it will continue to evolve with her as she does."
Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner, $999 to $1199, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Dawson Extra-Wide Dresser, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Elephant Paper Mache Table Nightlight, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I love her Sloan Tall Bookcases—they are practical and child-friendly, and she already loves
crawling to them and exploring what each shelf holds. It allows me to organize her things while
maximizing the use of her closet."
"I also love her Giraffe-Shaped Wicker Basket, which holds her stuffies, and her Dawson Extra-Wide Dresser, which offers a beautiful but friendly elegance to the room."
"Nadi and her dad love reading together in her new Paxton Glider. We didn’t have a chair in her room before, and it’s made all the difference in the world."
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- "It’s important. We are a minimalist family, continually trying to comb through our belongings to donate or find another use for what we don’t need, and we do our best to ensure our purchases reflect our values."
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"There's a place for everything—for sleep, for clothes, for learning, for play, for expression."
Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner, $999 to $1199, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Dawson Extra-Wide Dresser, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Nook Pebble Changing Pad, $139, Pottery Barn Kids.
Changing Pad Insert, $49 to $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Concentric Rainbow Rug, $149 to $749, Pottery Barn Kids.
3D Activity Solar System Play Rug, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"This Rainbow Rug is perfect for her floor—it’s understated, offering a little bit of color without
competing with her books or artwork. Nadi loves crawling around on it and looking at the various strains of color."
"And I’m so excited for her to explore her Solar System Play Rug in a few months—it already offers sensory play with its tufted planets and stars, and I know she’ll love learning more about our universe with it."
Concentric Rainbow Rug, $149 to $749, Pottery Barn Kids.
3D Activity Solar System Play Rug, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I chose the Poetry of Mister Rogers book from Pottery Barn Kids as a reminder to live by his many lessons as we guide Nadi through her childhood."
"I am Indian and my husband is half Hispanic. I chose The Conscious Kid Picture Story Books Bundle and Board Books Bundle so she has access to stories by people who share her cultures. I also want her to become familiar with and appreciate all of the enormously varied and beautiful cultures in this world."
Concentric Rainbow Rug, $149 to $749, Pottery Barn Kids.
3D Activity Solar System Play Rug, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Nadi is 8 months and loves crawling, practicing her standing, and eating new foods. She loves yogurt, avocado, hummus, and strawberries."
Concentric Rainbow Rug, $149 to $749, Pottery Barn Kids.
3D Activity Solar System Play Rug, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I love the quality and timeless appeal of these Learning Blocks. I tried to choose items that Nadi will use
for a long time, and that will grow with her, and these blocks serve both of those purposes."
PBK Learning Blocks, $54, Pottery Barn Kids.
Concentric Rainbow Rug, $149 to $749, Pottery Barn Kids.
3D Activity Solar System Play Rug, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"My husband and I wanted to draw from both of our heritages for her name. Nadi means 'river' in Gujarati and Hindi, and 'pulse' in Sanskrit. Her middle name, Luna, means 'moon' in Spanish."
PBK Learning Blocks, $54, Pottery Barn Kids.
3D Activity Solar System Play Rug, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I always dreamed of being an artist and writer, but I never really dreamt of motherhood—it was something I knew I wanted, but not something that felt natural or 'at home' for me. My
pregnancy was difficult—I was sick for the first 7 months and had an unexpected C-section after 24 hours of labor. At the time, I felt that nothing went the way I planned or desired for it to. In hindsight, Nadi and I are both healthy and happy in each other’s arms—so perhaps everything
progressed exactly the way it was supposed to."
PBK Learning Blocks, $54, Pottery Barn Kids.
3D Activity Solar System Play Rug, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Pregnancy, labor, and birth during a pandemic was incredibly isolating. I don’t think I realized
that I was anxious or depressed until many months later. New parenthood during a pandemic
was much of the same, with the added hurdle of extremely little sleep and zero time or space for
myself."
"There were also many highlights. We were so lucky to be safe on our little farm during the pandemic, able to work from home and take care of ourselves. We’ve been able to reflect on our life and our choices, and we’re making big changes so that our futures are healthier and a bit more balanced. Now that Nadi is a little bit older and the world has opened a little bit more, we are finding more reprieve in tiny outings and in-person friendships again."
Lennox Convertible Crib, $699 to $998, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Naturepedic® Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress, $349, Pottery Barn Kids.
Nolan Woodland Toddler Quilt, $129, Pottery Barn Kids.
Lawson Organic Crib Fitted Sheet, $29, Pottery Barn Kids.
Giraffe Shaped Wicker Basket, $119, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I chose the Lennox Convertible Crib
and the Dawson Dresser + Changing Station
because of how well they fit in with the rest of our house (which features mid-century pieces paired with more modern hardware and ceramics) and how well they complement each other. The crib transitions to a beautiful toddler bed and the dresser has 6 large drawers, so I know Nadi will use both for quite a few years to come.”
"I also love the quiet and sophisticated nature of Nadi's new Woodland Quilt. The neutral colors complement the ever-changing art and books in her room. Paired with the grayscale animal crib sheet, her bed gives her plenty to visually explore while creating a calming atmosphere for her to fall asleep in."
Nolan Woodland Toddler Quilt, $129, Pottery Barn Kids.
Lawson Organic Crib Fitted Sheet, $29, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Motherhood is a giant puzzle that I’m constantly trying to solve while being all too aware that no solution exists. I’m excited (and overwhelmed) by the challenge, the amount of grit motherhood requires, the incredible fact that I keep showing up for myself and my child. Motherhood has shown me how resilient mothers are, how resilient I am."
Lennox Convertible Crib, $699-$998, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Naturepedic® Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress, $349, Pottery Barn Kids.
Nolan Woodland Toddler Quilt, $129, Pottery Barn Kids.
Lawson Organic Crib Fitted Sheet, $29, Pottery Barn Kids.
Giraffe Shaped Wicker Basket, $119, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"All the things I don’t know, which is everything. All the questions that Nadi will ask me that have no real answers; the abstract, nonlinear nature of life that isn’t easy to explain or understand—parenthood, in a nutshell."
Lennox Convertible Crib, $699-$998, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Nolan Woodland Toddler Quilt, $129, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"My upbringing was safe and joyful, in a tiny little town on the New Jersey coast. I grew up
playing outside and going to the beach, running around with the neighborhood kids and making
up stories inside my head. I was sheltered in many ways, and I was also given a lot of freedom
to explore and be creative."
Lennox Convertible Crib, $699-$998, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Naturepedic® Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress, $349, Pottery Barn Kids.
Nolan Woodland Toddler Quilt, $129, Pottery Barn Kids.
Lawson Organic Crib Fitted Sheet, $29, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I’d like to incorporate self-discipline, independence, and creativity into my parenthood
philosophy. My parents raised me to be incredibly self-reliant, and there is no replacement for
the freedom that comes with independence. I am consciously trying not to teach Nadi my fear or
anxiety. It’s easy for parents to pass their fears onto their children to protect them, but I want
Nadi to be curious, open, and resourceful—not fearful. Things won’t always go the way she
plans, but if she wants to, she can change every story she writes."
Lennox Convertible Crib, $699 to $998, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Lennox Todder Bed Conversion Kit, $149, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Naturepedic® Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress, $349, Pottery Barn Kids.
Nolan Woodland Toddler Quilt, $129, Pottery Barn Kids.
Lawson Organic Crib Fitted Sheet, $29, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I love these modular Preston Book Cases. They are simple, minimal, and show off my favorite things in the entire world—books! Books are so beautiful on their own—I wanted shelves that allowed us to store all of Nadi’s books (and future books) without feeling crowded or noisy."
Build Your Own Preston Wall System, $299 to $649, Pottery Barn Kids.
The Conscious Kid Picture Story Books Bundle, $127, Pottery Barn Kids.
The Conscious Kid Board Books Bundle, $35, Pottery Barn Kids.
Llama Plush Nursery Rocker, $189, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Culture is important to me, but tradition isn’t. I want Nadi to know her culture—the tastes, the
colors, the smells of Indian culture. I want to expose her to the philosophies and beliefs in Indian
culture and let her decide if they resonate with her. My goal is for her to feel comfortable in her
Indian and Hispanic heritages, because they are both a part of her."
Build Your Own Preston Wall System, $299 to $649, Pottery Barn Kids.
The Conscious Kid Picture Story Books Bundle, $127, Pottery Barn Kids.
The Conscious Kid Board Books Bundle, $35, Pottery Barn Kids.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers, $19.99, Pottery Barn Kids.
PBK Learning Blocks, $54, Pottery Barn Kids.
Llama Plush Nursery Rocker, $189, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Yes. We try to be conscious of what we consume, how much, and what our impact on the Earth is. We try to use everything we receive before passing it onto someone else who needs it. I say 'try' because we are always learning and realizing where we can make further changes. There is much more we can do, and we try to incorporate lifestyle changes that will last."
Build Your Own Preston Wall System, $299 to $649, Pottery Barn Kids.
The Conscious Kid Picture Story Books Bundle, $127, Pottery Barn Kids.
PBK Learning Blocks, $54, Pottery Barn Kids.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers, $19.99, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I did not go to art school! I am a self-taught artist, and I began painting as a way to reconnect with myself after graduating from college and beginning my full-time job. My career is the result
of long hours, endless rejections, and tiny steps forward. There have been many opportunities
that have helped move me forward, including my first book (Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration) and collaborations with bigger brands (Anthropologie, Target), but no big
breaks that have catapulted me into a sustainable career. My career has never snowballed into
what it is now—it’s always been a slow and steady climb—and it still is. For me, the key has
always been patience and sheer tenacity."
Build Your Own Preston Wall System, $299 to $649, Pottery Barn Kids.
The Conscious Kid Picture Story Books Bundle, $127, Pottery Barn Kids.
The Conscious Kid Board Books Bundle, $35, Pottery Barn Kids.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers, $19.99, Pottery Barn Kids.
PBK Learning Blocks, $54, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"This Llama Rocker is pretty joyful. Right now, Nadi uses it to practice standing, and in a few
months she’s going to be rocking away with her new friend! I like how soft and sturdy it is."
"And Nadi's Elephant Night Light is simple and lovely. I love the way it softly lights her room at night and offers a little more comfort than a standard night light."
Llama Plush Nursery Rocker, $189, Pottery Barn Kids.
Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner, $999 to $1199, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Dawson Extra-Wide Dresser, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Elephant Paper Mache Table Nightlight, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"My work explores human emotion and behavior, striving to help others feel less alone. I believe in the strength and validity of every emotion and encourage introspection, self-realization, and
engaging in the difficult—but incredible—work of knowing and understanding yourself."
Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner, $999 to $1199, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Lennox Convertible Crib, $699 to $998, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Nolan Woodland Toddler Quilt, $129, Pottery Barn Kids.
Giraffe Shaped Wicker Basket, $119, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I am currently working on all of the 2021 covers of Taproot Magazine, which is giving me a
chance to explore narrative work. I’m enjoying the challenge of telling a story with each cover
that I paint—it exercises a different part of my brain to write without words. I’m also currently
writing my second book of illustrated essays—each one walks readers through the most transitional moments in their lives, and helps them process each one."
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers, $19.99, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I find myself unwilling to take on projects or assignments that don’t challenge or excite me. I
simply don’t have the time or desire to spend my time in a way that isn’t 100% meaningful to
me."
Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner, $999 to $1199, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Dawson Extra-Wide Dresser, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Lennox Convertible Crib, $699 to $998, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Giraffe Shaped Wicker Basket, $119, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"For the first 7 months of Nadi’s life, I didn’t. Because of the pandemic, I’ve had no childcare and it’s been difficult managing parenthood, work, household responsibilities...the same way it has been for everyone. My creative practices have gone out the window, in all honesty. It’s both infuriating and comforting to know we haven’t been alone in this. For the sake of every parent, I hope the pandemic will help catapult some serious changes in this country’s childcare philosophy."
Sloan Tall Bookcase, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sutton Woven Storage, $49, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"I chose 3 different types of baskets for Nadi's room, to house her laundry,
various toys and lotions, and stuffies. I like that these baskets fit perfectly onto the shelves and
are sturdy. Everything is well organized and accessible (for her and me!)."
Sloan Tall Bookcase, $299, Pottery Barn Kids.
Sutton Woven Storage, $49, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Make time for yourself. When I can, I wake up at 4:30 to meditate and do morning pages before the world (and my family) wakes up. Is it infuriating and illogical that I’d need to wake up this early to have some time for myself? Yeah. Do I feel better the days I wake up this early and have time for myself? Yeah. Until something else changes, which I hope it will soon, I’m trying to prioritize time for myself however I can. Our family tries to take one or two walks together every day, which are always peaceful and a chance for us to deliberately reconnect. I also try not to look at my phone after 9pm and read before bed most nights; the last thing I see before my eyes fall
asleep are the words on a physical page."
Giraffe Shaped Wicker Basket, $119, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Your art will change, and you will change, too. It’s okay to be afraid of both but try not to let your fears absorb all your energy. I spent so much of my pregnancy concerned about my shifting identify and postpartum career that I worked through my entire maternity leave instead of resting and being present with Nadi. Your art will change, and you will, too—and that’s a good thing. Evolution is a necessity, a salve, the mark of a life well-lived."
Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner, $999 to $1199, Pottery Barn Modern Baby + Kids.
Dawson Extra-Wide Dresser, $899, Pottery Barn Kids.
Nook Pebble Changing Pad, $139, Pottery Barn Kids.
Changing Pad Insert, $49 to $69, Pottery Barn Kids.
Elephant Paper Mache Table Nightlight, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"Since Nadi was born, I’ve given myself the freedom to post whatever I like, however often I
like—which is not that often. Like many artists, I’ve had a tumultuous relationship with social
media and am trying to change that, especially because of the personal nature of my work. I
only share what I want to and I no longer require myself to answer comments or DMs. If
someone wants to truly get in touch with me, they can send me an email. These changes sound
small, but they have given me back an enormous sense of freedom and relief."
Alligator Baby Hooded Towel, $39.50, Pottery Barn Kids.
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"To be grateful everyday for what I’ve learned—and what I have had the privilege of not learning
first-hand."
Keep following along with Meera (and Nadi) online at meeralee.com and at @meeraleepatel on Instagram.
To shop the eco-friendly nursery furnishings and decor featured in this article, head over to Pottery Barn Kids.
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