There’s a certain joy derived from picking out a truly next-level kid-friendly wallpaper print, bassinet, or mobile—which any parent feverishly googling nursery ideas (and the decor that goes with) can attest to. These days, there are a dizzying number of options for designing a child’s space—enough to make parents feel overwhelmed trying to narrow it all down to just one theme or color scheme among the Crayola box of hues and concepts. For the design experts who are called in to reimagine an office or guest room as a nursery, casting restraint aside and getting ambitious about the space’s look is part of the fun.
“Clients are generally willing to take more risks with a nursery as it is a place that brings so much joy,” says interior designer Jennifer Hunter, who resides in New York City. Her rules for decorating one are simple: “Always do a fun wallpaper and don’t be afraid of color and pattern mixing.” California-based designer Jen Samson agrees. “When designing children’s rooms, I wholeheartedly believe in letting imaginations run wild.”
To give you a little nudge in the right direction, we’ve compiled an assortment of sweet nursery ideas that will help you envision how you want to shape the space.
What is trending when it comes to nursery decor ideas?
Rather than über-modern nurseries that speak to the parents’ tastes, New York City–based designer Hilary Matt says that homeowners are letting their kids be kids and having the furnishings and decor reflect a more “baby-ish” aesthetic. “I think people are starting to really lean into the idea that your baby will only be at this stage for a very small amount of time and you should cherish that and all of the whimsy that comes with a nursery,” she says.
What are some thoughtful ways to curate a gender-neutral nursery?
If you don’t buy into the idea of color-coding based on gender, there are plenty of ways to keep palettes more ambiguous while still injecting fun into the room. Matt says a great way to achieve this is through “neutral colors done in a durable or performance fabric,” which could include a variety of hues, from a sunny yellow to tranquil grays or beiges. She suggests starting with a neutral base, then layering in a variety of colors through accessories such as stuffed animals, artwork, and books.
How can you convert a room to a nursery?
If you’re feeling too daunted by the idea of transforming a room of the home into the nursery, start small: Repurpose some of the furniture you already own. “Kids’ spaces don’t always have to use decor and furniture that is marketed as being for ‘kids,’” Matt explains. “You can use many adult pieces in kids’ spaces and add whimsical touches with accessories or other elements.” Consider sliding in soft rugs underfoot, sticking removable decals on the walls, swapping out the light fixtures (especially if you want something dimmable for sleep training), along with framing some art or prints to add elements of playfulness.
What should you keep in mind for nursery room decor when it comes to safety for small children?
Even more important than the color scheme or decor options in a baby’s room are the furnishing choices you make related to safety—so things don’t have sharp edges, aren’t at risk of falling, or otherwise posing a threat to a newly mobile infant. “While I always design with function in mind, I take that even more seriously when I am designing a space specifically for kids,” Matt says. She considers the safety of storage solutions first and foremost (wall-anchored units are your friend!), as well as the importance of incorporating soft surfaces throughout that babies can safely crawl around on. Clutter is another important safety consideration for kids that are on the move. “Don’t overcrowd kids’ spaces with furniture,” she advises.