Choose an Artful Mobile
Jayson Home's Devin Kirk wanted to decorate his family's Chicago apartment in a way that allows for growth and embraces change, so he opted for a modern and mature nursery design that still feels playful. Black and white striped wallpaper creates a visual link to the rest of the home and feels youthful and polished, while a mobile doubles as modern art.
Invest in Window Treatments
As any parent will tell you, blackout shades are one of the best nursery ideas. Instead of trying to make do with flimsy paper stick-ons, invest in window treatments your child can have for a lifetime, like the patterned drapes in this nursery designed by Emily Janak Interiors.
Incorporate Cozy Textures
Welcoming textures, warm neutrals, and tons of natural light are the focus in the nursery designer Leanne Ford created in her own home. The furniture is a mix of vintage items and pieces from her line with Crate & Kids.
Lean Into Fun
When it comes to designing a memorable nursery, more is more (is more). This Atlanta bedroom by Colordrunk Designs is energized by pattern play, with contrasting hues that can grow with its occupant.
Hang a Playful Light
In this baby's room designed by Tasmin Johnson, timeless pieces—like the matching chair and ottoman, framed photographs, and traditional dresser—give the room a refined edge that will age well. To balance it out, she chose a whimsical pendant light.
Design for the Ages
To ensure the room could grow with her mini client, designer Heidi Caillier used an unexpected color scheme but kept all the furniture and textiles traditional for a balanced vibe. The mix of patterns dazzles the eye enough to enchant a baby but will surely age nicely and work well in an older kid's room or as a home office should the family decide to repurpose the space later.
Channel Nature
Designer Jean Stoffer says painting the ceiling and walls the same color "is a way to really level up your design." Here, she opted for a deep forest green tone that plays up the view of trees outside and creates a calming atmosphere for naps. The pocket door is another brilliant nursery idea, since it doesn't eat into the floor space and makes checking in on your little one quieter.
Give It an Edge
Modern lighting and a crisp gold and white color scheme make this nursery designed by Tamsin Johnson feel decidedly modern, while the classic molding, hardwood floors, and dramatic curtains give it a flair of old-world royalty.
Install Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting is perfect for a cozy nursery, acting as a way to absorb sound and giving little crawlers (and eventually walkers) a soft space to land. Wool is also surprisingly durable and easy to clean. Here, designer Heidi Caillier opted for a soft cream shade that coordinates with the curtains, lampshades, and wallpaper, adding to the sweetness of the space.
Step Away From Pastels
When choosing a color palette for your baby's nursery, know that commonly used pastel shades aren't your only option. "I love to do nurseries that avoid motifs and color palettes that a baby can outgrow in a few short years," designer Janie Molster says of this bright nursery in a vibrant fuchsia that couldn't be more fun.
Look at It From Baby's Perspective
Ashley Whittaker played with an arboreal theme throughout this ranch-style home, so she continued following that thread in the nursery with Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper in a soothing blue-gray for a twist. The shiny painted ceiling looks like a happy, expansive sky, the perfect thing for a baby to see when they look up.
Invest In Ageless Furniture
When it comes to designing your baby's nursery, don't feel fenced in by baby-only furniture. The daybed in Marie Flanigan's newborn daughter's room is "a cozy spot for late-night feedings, but one day it'll be her big-girl bed, with a trundle for sleepovers," the Houston designer says. Stylish, ageless, multipurpose furniture is always a good investment.
Add Some Whimsy
This charming escape designed by April Tomlin feels like a fairy tale, with whimsical woodland wallpaper and a moody yet sophisticated color palette. Prettiness aside, there's also a practical perk hidden here: a disguised door that goes right into a portion of the primary closet for quick nighttime access to baby.
Dress Up the Changing Table
Studio DB transformed this corner into a happy, practical changing station by finishing it with a cheerful gallery wall, floating shelves, and a plush animal head. In addition to looking cute, they'll be a helpful distraction during diaper changes. Opt for a changing table with drawers instead of open shelves to tuck away unsightly essentials, and anchor the space with a happy hue, like this butter yellow.
Pick Fun Furniture
Think of your child's room as an excuse to play with profiles and silhouettes that may not fit in the more "serious" parts of your home. In this adorable nursery designed by Chango & Co, the Lucite shelving unit is shaped like a dollhouse, while the bubblegum pink crib nods to midcentury modern design.
Bring In Two Gliders
Photographer Gray Malin and his husband, Jeff Richardson, have two gliders in their nursery suite so they can make storytime a family affair. If your space is snug, sneak in an extra stool or ottoman instead—it's a handy addition for parents of more than one child too.
Choose an Interesting Crib
Your crib doesn't have to be plain white or wood. We're loving the modern black border of the crib in this nursery designed by Amber Interiors. Paired with plush rugs, whimsical wallpaper, and luxe linen curtains, it results in a charming escape with just the right amount of edge.
Opt for Durable Upholstery
In this charming little girl's bedroom, designer Amy Berry worked several upholstered pieces into the equation. While delicate fabrics may scare wary parents, outdoor fabric or other spillproof materials are brilliant nursery ideas that lend a beautiful look and durability.
Go Bold With Color
Vibrant, unexpected colors can set the scene perfectly for childhood memories. Case in point? This nursery designed by Steven Sclaroff. The saturated green wallpaper feels youthful thanks to its whimsical pattern, while the orange-red carpet adds a surge of energy. Nearby, a classic armchair and dresser deliver function and style the family can rely on.
Install a Little Library
Step story time up by adding a little floating shelf library to display all their favorite bedtime books. Compared with a piece of furniture, wall-mounted shelves won't require babyproofing later on, either. This simple space designed by Amber Interiors allows a collection of books to double as decor, animating the crisp white walls.
Bring In Cute Storage Pieces
Keep blankets and towels easy to access with an etagere or a storage ladder—just make sure it's sturdy. In this nursery designed by Cameron Ruppert Interiors, the wood towel rack adds a classic touch while also giving heirloom quilts more time to shine out in the open.