Insights on designing the perfect space for your baby with Emma Sabban

In this month’s Insights Series, we spoke with interior architect, entrepreneur, and new mom, Emma Sabban. Emma shares her professional journey, inspirations, and her vision for design that is beautiful, genuine, and full of life. She also shares tips on how to create spaces in your home that are both beautiful and adaptable to real life. Discover Emma’s inspiring story and get tips on creating the perfect baby spaces!

Can you tell us about your journey before founding Emms Interior Design?

Before founding Emms Interior Design, my path was rather unconventional. After completing a science-focused high school diploma, I did a 180° by joining an art preparatory program at the Ateliers de Sèvres. I was then accepted at École Camondo in Paris and Central Saint Martins in London, but I chose to stay in Paris, close to my family. 

During my studies, I did internships with well-known interior architects while also working as a freelancer. In my fourth year, I started taking on my own projects alongside a friend. Naturally, I eventually wanted to go solo that’s how Emms Interior Design was born. But my desire to be an entrepreneur didn’t start yesterday. At 17, I had already launched a brand of clothing, tableware, and home linens with my best friend. I’ve always loved this world, and entrepreneurship has always felt like a natural choice.

What inspired you to start your own business?

Freedom. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, that’s what drives me, what I love. Creating, moving at my own pace, making my own decisions, that’s where I feel I belong. And to be honest, I’m quite stubborn, so working for someone else was never really an option!

Any advice for those who want to start but haven’t dared yet?

Go for it! Take the time to learn, surround yourself with the right people, and move forward in your own way. Be curious, stay open-minded, follow your heart, and above all, trust yourself. Entrepreneurship is a journey as demanding as it is amazing, but every step is worth it.

How do you balance work and motherhood?

It’s still a bit early to say I’ve found the perfect balance, but I think it’s essential to prioritize yourself and your baby, set a clear date to return to work, and in the meantime, fully enjoy this unique role that is motherhood. For my part, I tried to disconnect as much as possible. Even though, honestly, it’s not easy when you’re an entrepreneur. To give you an idea: I once responded to a client about a marble supplier from the delivery room! 

Luckily, I was fortunate (and took the time) to build a strong support system. My team is amazing, and that makes all the difference. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to listen to yourself and surround yourself with the right people.

Any tips for small spaces for those who want adaptable décor?

In a home with children, décor needs to be adaptable. It needs to change quickly, so it’s important to think of flexible spaces: modular furniture, clever storage solutions, and areas that are easy to transform as children grow. For style, I recommend timeless colors that you won’t tire of. If you want to take risks, do it with accessories that can be easily swapped over time. As for materials, I favor subtle, soft woodwork that can stand the test of time without ever feeling outdated.

Where do you find inspiration in your daily life?

I find inspiration everywhere. I love traveling, observing how each culture inhabits its spaces. I have a real passion for craftsmanship, fashion, contemporary art, and flowers. Anything related to home life fascinates me.

I also spend a lot of time exploring Pinterest and social media, because yes, today that’s where inspiration lives too. But for me, inspiration should remain a starting point. Copying? Not for me. What drives me is creating something genuine, personal, and meaningful. And then, there’s my greatest source of inspiration: my mom. She was full of culture, taste, and elegance. Even though she’s no longer here, she inspires me every single day.

What has been your absolute must-have as a young mom?

The new Doona X, without a doubt. A car seat that transforms into a stroller in one click? It’s a dream. When you’re just starting out, everything feels complicated and this makes life so much easier. The first trip to the pediatrician? Easy!

Next, a good co-sleeper, essential for surviving sleepless nights. And of course, the Baby Brezza: the machine that makes bottles automatically. At 4 a.m., when you’re running on zero energy, it’s a little miracle.

Your must-have décor items to create a space that’s pretty, practical, and reassuring for a baby?

For a charming baby room, I focus on a few essentials like a beautiful wallpaper to set the tone and instantly immerse you in the theme, a custom rug (by Emms Interior Design, of course!) that harmonizes with the room, and an ultra-comfortable armchair essential for nights and cuddles. I also add carefully chosen accessories to create a soft atmosphere without clutter, soft lighting, and practical storage to combine style with daily life.

If you could give advice to “you” at the start of your career, what would it be?

Trust yourself. Listen to your instincts and above all, create your own universe. Don’t spend too much time looking at what others are doing; their path is theirs. Yours is unique. The more you stay true to your vision, the stronger and more genuine what you create will be. You’ll make mistakes, that’s normal but you’ll learn, grow, and achieve beautiful things. So go for it! Launch yourself, your way.

Emma Sabban is an interior architect, entrepreneur, and new mom. She founded Ems Interior Design to bring her design visions to life. You can stay connected with Emma through her Instagram handle @ems_interiordesign or her website emmsinteriordesign.com. 

At Doona, we’re committed to making parenting simple for every family. That's why we’ve created our innovative and revolutionary Doona Car Seat and Stroller, transforming from car seat to a stroller in seconds; and Liki Trike — the most compact folding toddler trike on the market that grows alongside your toddler from 10-36 months.