Designer Fanja Ralison was born in France to Madagascan parents, but now lives with her husband and son in an English cottage with a distinctly Scandinavian feel. How the world comes together! Here, she tells us about decorating her house around the fabrics and wallpapers she loves.

What did you envision for your home? "We live in a little cottage dating back to the 1900s. We wanted to keep the old feel (restoring the original wooden floors previously hidden by carpets, using the old chimneys as features) while bringing in modern elements. We wanted it to feel like a family home with an emphasis on history, nostalgia and good design."

What inspires you? "I find inspiration in a little element, then work around it. In my house, I started with curtains and wallpaper and designed the rest accordingly. I also look to Lucienne and Robin Day, vintage magazines (Graphis, 100 idees) and Eames."

Your son's bedroom is so cute. "When we moved from our London flat to our new house in the countryside, Leon was not very happy about the change. The house needed lots of work, and I wanted his room to be finished first so he could have his own little nest and feel at home again. After repainting the horrid orange walls and getting rid of the dirty carpet, this is what his room looks like now."

What look were you going for? "I was inspired by the book Children's Rooms: Stockholm published by the Japanese company Jeu de Paume. I loved the way the book combined new and vintage pieces, used bold patterned fabrics, and displayed handmade items. This was my world and what I wanted my son's room to look like."

Where did you find all the lovely pieces? "The dresser and table are from Ikea. The chair is vintage Ercol--I found it for only a couple of pounds at a charity shop!

What amazing wallpaper! "Yes, this vintage wallpaper is from the Germany company Hausen. Leon smiled when he first saw it so I think he loves it as much as we do!"

How did you choose the colors? The colors of the room were determined by the wallpaper. We wanted to avoid the pink-for-a-girl, blue-for-a-boy cliche. I wanted Leon's room to be lively, fun, inspiring while keeping in line with the rest of the house.

Where did you get the curtains for the living room? "I made them from Pernilla fabric by Linda Svensson for Ikea. They divide opinions: Our friends either love or hate them. (People won't say they don't like them, you just know!)"

And the furniture? "The sofa is a reproduction of a Robin Day design from Habitat. I found the coffeetable at a vintage furniture stall in Camden Market, London."

This is such a colorful dining room. What mood were you trying to create? We wanted the room to have a Scandinavian and modern touch, to feel convivial and cozy.

Where did you find the sideboard and little pieces? "The sideboard is from a furniture stall in East London. The red vase and two vessels are from Habitat. I bought the wooden owl from a craftsman while on holiday in St. Ives, Cornwall."

With such a stylish mom, Leon is a lucky little bunny! See more of Fanja's home and designs on her flickr site or her blog.

E-mail your home-design questions and photos here.