Of all the rooms in a standard home, nurseries most often fall victim to design cliches. From color palette to themes, there are so many go-to aesthetics when it comes to creating a nesting space for little ones.
But, with a little design help from the pros, you can easily create a refreshing, unexpected nursery that will evolve with your little one. From DIY crib canopies and elevated statement lighting to animal print decor, our designers have more than a few nursery design ideas up their collective sleeve.
Ahead, find 10 playful and unique nursery designs pulled straight from the Havenly design archive.
1. Install statement lighting
From the ethereal woodland wallpaper to the traditional-style daybed (complete with a trundle pull-out), this nursery design is peak whimsy. The elevated brass light fixtures add a little designer touch, while the plush bedding and sheepskin rug lean soft and sweet.
2. Start with a neutral base
Minimalists, this one’s for you. Stay true to your neutral roots with a jute rug, light oak furniture, and clean white upholstery and paint, and simply add a few playful touches. We love the pom-pom valance and floating shelves, and playful wall art in the above space — it’s understated, yet kid-friendly.
3. Hang a crib canopy
Fun touches — like a crib canopy fashioned by our very own Kelsey Fischer — can make any nursery feel unique and inspired. Her DIY turns the light oak crib into a full-on design feature, complete with a brass mobile and ornate pleating at the top.
4. Add a pop of color
Sure, the wallpaper in the above nursery definitely makes an impact, but it’s the dark pink curtain to the left that really stands out and makes this space feel unique. Paired with the rich walnut dresser and brass art frames, the finished look is dynamic and design-forward.
5. Embrace a large-scale wallpaper
Wallpaper in a nursery isn’t exactly unique, but the in-your-face scale of this fun whale print feels refreshingly different. Paired with the pink medallion area rug and bordered Roman shades, the pattern-play is truly elevated and eye-catching.
6. Create an artwork moodboard
Sometimes, a little homegrown touch is all you need to bring a nursery to life. We love the playful, DIY feel of the tassel garland, plus the colorful bedding and kids drawings tacked up on the wall, moodboard-style.
7. Invest in a statement crib
Something as simple as investing in a vintage-inspired brass crib is enough to give a nursery a unique, elevated touch. Keep the rest of the design minimal (save for an oversized stuffed giraffe and pretty mobile) to really let your statement piece shine.
8. Add an accent wall
From paint to wallpaper, accent walls feel truly at home in playful nurseries. We love how the blue and white botanical print pops in the above space, especially set against an aquamarine crib and a brass mirror. The finished look is equal parts fun and elevated.
9. Don’t sleep on animal print
Animal print likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of nursery designs, but the above space makes a case for a pop of soft fawn. From the area rug and throw blanket to the statement wall hanging, we love the more mature, unexpected look of the above nursery.
10. Head into the woods
Honestly, we’ll never say no to a woodland-themed nursery, and the above space truly does it right. From the stacked vintage trunks to the addition of cognac leather and wall moulding, the look feels library-inspired in the best possible way.
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