In the months leading up to the day you welcome your new baby into the world, learning how to style a nursery is likely among the many steps you’ll take to prepare. A nursery is a space for your baby to feel safe and protected, to grow, learn, and play, not to mention rest. There are so many ways to approach designing this bedroom, and much like your baby’s future that lies ahead, the possibilities are endless.
We turned to our seasoned AD PRO Directory designers for a little bit of inspiration for nursery decorating ideas. From choosing paint colors to rocking chairs, the experts shared everything you need to know to transform an empty room into a dreamy, cozy safe haven for your infant.
Modern Nursery
To design a modern yet warm nursery, think about elements that couple timeless sophistication with a sense of childlike joy. “A nursery’s foundation starts with comfort and heart,” says Lindsay Olson, interior designer and founder of Lulu Designs. She began designing the baby’s room by considering the textures, tones, and spirit of the entire living space and incorporating them into the nursery for a cohesive, harmonious look. “Design isn’t about isolated rooms—it’s about creating a home that flows with your life.”
A baby’s nursery should make them feel safe, comfortable, and calm, so allow for bedding to feel like a warm embrace. “Texture and pattern tell the story but keep it timeless, so the space grows with your child,” says Olson, who opted for a black-and-white printed crib sheet because those are the colors babies can see first.
Babies need a firm mattress to support them as they grow, so look for a crib mattress with a breathable cover to help regulate temperature. “Invest in a mattress that promises restful nights and peace of mind, knowing that every detail—seen or unseen—contributes to the sanctuary you’re creating for your little one,” Olsen says.
Don’t shy away from bold statement lighting, even in a baby’s nursery. “Lighting is the jewelry of your room,” says Olson. An eye-catching pendant light fixture draws the eye, but the real magic lies in layered lighting, like adding a night light, ensuring the space feels welcome no matter the time of day.
.jpeg)
“Choose pieces that invite you to linger, read, and dream,” Olson says of the nursery furniture. She opted for a modern crib with clean lines, a plush upholstered armchair, and storage furniture that doubles as decor.
.jpeg)
Nursery decor should be personal and meaningful. Hang family photos in a grid layout to achieve a gallery feel, and name letters to make the space feel like it truly belongs to your baby. Remember, textiles are everything when making a room feel cozy. “Adding a tactile element, like a pillow on the glider, is a great way to engage all the senses.”
.jpeg)
Organic Nursery
When approaching this gender-neutral nursery, interior designer Amy Storm, founder of Amy Storm & Company, chose a soft vibe that incorporated muted versions of colors that already existed throughout the house. She considered how the room could grow and evolve alongside the baby, opting for neutral tones and organic materials.
Crisp white bedding is as elevated in a baby's room as it is in an adult bedroom, and the added bonus is that it’s often easier to keep clean than colorful alternatives. Storm opted for a fresh white fitted sheet that makes the detailing in the side of the crib the focal point of the bed.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
To design a room to grow as the baby grows, a flippable mattress is a great choice. One side is firmer for infants while the other side is for toddlers, as a toddler bed can be softer and plusher.
With no shortage of natural night in this nursery, there’s little need for an excess of lamps or harsh overhead lighting, though the boho-style chandelier Storm added complements the wood finishes throughout the space. If anything, blackout curtains may be helpful for creating a soothing, dark environment when it’s time for the new baby to sleep.
To achieve a softer feel, Storm recommends selecting similar wood tones in the furnishings for an almost monochromatic look, save for a few subtle variations. The crib, or bassinet, is actually the only piece that caters specifically to babies. Even the rocker and ottoman feel sophisticated enough to become a reading chair as the child grows.
.jpeg)
It’s in the small touches, like the elephant stool, crib wall art, and wooden blocks showcasing the age of the baby that truly make the room feel like a nursery. “We left space available for baby to grow into a toddler and beyond while we created a relaxing environment that is a quiet and peaceful retreat,” says Storm.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Nursery for Multiple Children
.jpg)
Designing a nursery that also functions as a bedroom for other children presents its own set of unique challenges. The space needs to feel nurturing and gentle for the baby, but mature enough to suit older kids. Heather Weisz, interior designer and founder of HW Interiors, finds that the key to navigating the age gap is taking creative risks that add personality to extend well beyond the crib years. “A well-designed nursery should age as gracefully as the rest of your home,” she says.
Cohesive bedding can help tie together a room shared by children of different ages. Opting for classic, sophisticated bedding can bridge the gap between babies and older kids. Weisz chose classic white sheets for this nursery-bedroom hybrid, but the colorful border still adds a playful touch. Like we mentioned above, a nursery should always feel gentle and nurturing, but it’s important for the mattress to be firm. Crib mattresses should support the baby’s development—they can switch to a softer bed when they get a little bit older.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
To make this a space feel as functional as it is poetic, Weisz suggests shopping for a decorative sculptural pendant and layered in softer task lighting—a must for late-night feedings and diaper changes. “Don’t be afraid to choose pieces that feel more artful than utilitarian,” she says.
%2520copy.jpg)
Good quality furniture will outlast the baby stage, which is why it’s important to choose pieces based on longevity. “Avoid overly ‘baby’ finishes and design, with an eye toward how the room will evolve,” she advises. Weisz says to choose a changing table that is mature enough for the older children in the space, as well as a dresser below to remain functional and stylish long after the baby is out of diapers.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
A nursery, even one that doubles as another child’s bedroom, should be soft, cozy, and warm. “The key is to keep it refined: fewer oversized stuffed animals, more intentional layering. Think of the room as an extension of the home, not a departure from it,” says Weisz. Wallpaper is a great choice for a nursery or child’s room too. “Skip the obvious motifs and opt for something unexpected—think whimsical yet modern murals, or abstract patterns in calming tones. A great wallpaper acts like art and sets the tone for the room.”
Colorful Nursery
Creating a space that is fun and imaginative is a great goal, according to Susana Simonpietro, the creative director at Chango. Like the nursery pictured, a room with this design can easily flow with the rest of the home while also leaning into colors and patterns to foster a sense of childlike wonderment. “We maintained the clean bright aesthetic of the home by not overfilling the room and instead focusing on a few really special pieces,” says Simonpietri. Nurseries often double as a playroom, and this space offers plenty of room for creativity to run wild.
Since infants only sleep with a crib sheet, you can choose a fun and playful pattern. But you don’t have to splurge on them, because they won’t be in a crib for long. Simonpietri opted for this simple patterned sheet from Amazon, which perfectly complements the rest of the colorful decor.
.jpeg)
If the nursery has a lot of natural light, allow this to set the tone for a soft and comforting room. Simonpietri says to add in a night light and a table or floor lamp for additional layers of light, and you’re good to go.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
In addition to a classic natural wood crib, Simonpietri points to furniture that’s playful, yet practical. “The hanging rattan chair and some key functional storage, like the arched bookshelf, both have intentional curves for softness and play off the graphic pattern on the wall.” She kept the wood tones natural and oaky, which not only serves as the perfect juxtaposition to the colorful mural, but also helps ground the space.
The key to ensuring bold colors don’t overpower your nursery design is to embrace natural woods, textures, rattans, and jutes. “If you’re going with a wallpaper, or even a hand-painted mural on the walls, keep the furnishings and floors neutral,” says Simonpietri. “Bring in similar colors and tones with accents and accessories like throw pillows, crib sheets, and blankets.” And, if you can’t achieve a hand-painted mural, wall decals will also do the trick.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Minimalist Nursery
Creating a minimalist nursery doesn’t mean you have to stick to neutral colors and clean lines. “We chose soft colors and bright whites to create a space that felt minimal but also soft and playful,” says Simonpietri. This nursery is soothing and peaceful, yet offers plenty of room to create, imagine, and explore through play.
A subtle, playful print is all you need to make the crib feel complete. But if you want an added cozy touch, drape a throw blanket over the side for a pop of color. Crib sheets are readily available on Amazon in a wide range of abstract patterns and prints. A crisp white background can make those small details pop.
.jpeg)
Natural light plays a central role in the look and feel of this cozy nursery. Thick curtains give you control over how much light enters the space, which is essential during nap time to make sure the baby sleeps soundly.
.jpeg)
The muted green walls and artwork bring color to this nursery, and the furniture helps ground the space. “Furnishings are featured in neutral colors, and crisp, linen upholstery,” says Simonpietri. “Many of the pieces, colors, and textures are very simple like the white linen chair with an ottoman and coordinating white dresser.” The pieces will certainly outlast the baby phase, and may serve you for many years to come.
Say goodbye to traditional pastel color schemes. Like this nursery, swap more elegant, refined colors. “Elements like the sage green Roman clay plaster on the walls and the patterned drapery add a touch of texture, while still feeling pared back,” says Simonpietri. “The whimsy comes through in the playful rug, art, and accessories to create a clean but comforting nursery space.” For truly one-of-a-kind pieces, head to Etsy, especially if you want to add a personalized touch.
