8 Stylish Nursery Must-Haves Grown-Ups Will Want for Themselves
Little ones may have all the fun with these eye-candy nurseries ... why not steal the ideas for your own space?
Creating a magical and soothing space for babies and toddlers can be lots of fun, so why not take the same thoughtful approach when decorating other areas? These nurseries are brimming with stylish and versatile touches you’ll want to integrate into the rest of your home.
Break up a white room by painting the lower half in a contrasting shade, be it black, navy or charcoal. Not only will the darker hue make the room feel more intimate, it will make lighter furniture pieces such as this bed and bookshelf really stand out.
2. White-on-white
Be inspired to lighten up with this serene scheme, where layered textures make white anything but bland. Wood-panelled, or ship-lapped, walls meet sheer curtains and a fabric-covered armchair – together with some soft blue accents – to bring tactile beauty to this sleep-inducing room.
Be inspired to lighten up with this serene scheme, where layered textures make white anything but bland. Wood-panelled, or ship-lapped, walls meet sheer curtains and a fabric-covered armchair – together with some soft blue accents – to bring tactile beauty to this sleep-inducing room.
Anyone who has visited a paint store knows that ‘white’ can take many forms – pure, natural, antique, cool, warm… Often these variations look great when used side by side, so don’t be afraid to mix and match. For example, a chalky matt paint might work better on walls while high-gloss makes a cot/bed stand out.
3. Wall art
There is certainly no shortage of gorgeous options available when it comes to wall art for all ages – from delicate decals to landscape stencils. For a more grown-up look, choose neutral colours that will complement most colour schemes and won’t date in a hurry.
12 grown-up wall decals that wow
There is certainly no shortage of gorgeous options available when it comes to wall art for all ages – from delicate decals to landscape stencils. For a more grown-up look, choose neutral colours that will complement most colour schemes and won’t date in a hurry.
12 grown-up wall decals that wow
This ombré mountain design – hand painted using a gradient of blues and greys – makes a playful feature wall and adds a cosy feel to this bedroom nook. Use a stencil or, if you have a steady hand, have a go at free-form painting as a fun weekend project.
4. Fairy lights
An easy and inexpensive way to transform the mood of a room is to get the lighting right, and fairy lights bring a warm, welcoming glow. As a dreamy addition to any space, they are even more magical when paired with soft, sheer fabric such as an overhead canopy or draping curtains.
An easy and inexpensive way to transform the mood of a room is to get the lighting right, and fairy lights bring a warm, welcoming glow. As a dreamy addition to any space, they are even more magical when paired with soft, sheer fabric such as an overhead canopy or draping curtains.
Sleep under the stars with a string of twinkling lights above your bed. They also look great draped around a mirror or large frame, pinned in a zigzag pattern on a wall or wrapped around a ladder or bedhead.
12 fairy light delights
12 fairy light delights
5. Teepee time
Understandably not all nursery decor is welcome in the living room, but a playful teepee is one exception. DIY one with a few wooden dowels and your favourite fabric to customise the colour and size, setting up in your lounge room for the kids to have their own cubby house escape. The best part? It’s perfect for keeping toys out of sight.
Understandably not all nursery decor is welcome in the living room, but a playful teepee is one exception. DIY one with a few wooden dowels and your favourite fabric to customise the colour and size, setting up in your lounge room for the kids to have their own cubby house escape. The best part? It’s perfect for keeping toys out of sight.
For the young and young at heart, a wall-to-wall teepee is a conversation starter if nothing else. As well as looking great, it can also be highly practical when used as a room divider to separate beds or create multiple spaces in a large room.
6. Quirky wallpaper
Evoke a sense of whimsy through wallpaper – the bolder the better. Decor is best kept to complementary colours when opting for a statement design, and ensuring clutter stays at bay will keep the focus where it belongs.
See more whimsical wallpapers
Evoke a sense of whimsy through wallpaper – the bolder the better. Decor is best kept to complementary colours when opting for a statement design, and ensuring clutter stays at bay will keep the focus where it belongs.
See more whimsical wallpapers
If you’re looking for something a little more subtle but still want to introduce some print, look for a delicate pattern in a neutral colour, or pick just one wall to feature your chosen paper and keep the rest of the room subdued.
7. Pretty pastels
Light and lovely pastels are a popular option for nurseries, so why not make the most of their soothing properties in your own bedroom? Embrace the softest shades of pink, blue, lemon and green to add a whisper of colour to a restful sleep space.
Light and lovely pastels are a popular option for nurseries, so why not make the most of their soothing properties in your own bedroom? Embrace the softest shades of pink, blue, lemon and green to add a whisper of colour to a restful sleep space.
Soft shades of grey bring a sophisticated touch to a pastel scheme and ensure your palette isn’t at risk of being sickly sweet. Keep furnishings to a few standout pieces – a grey rocking chair and knitted pouffe take centre stage in this chic, minimalist nursery.
8. Festive bunting
There’s no doubt this colourful bunting would be a big hit with little folk, but it can be just as effective when used outside the bedroom, in living and dining areas – the playful flags instantly bring a sense of delight to any space.
There’s no doubt this colourful bunting would be a big hit with little folk, but it can be just as effective when used outside the bedroom, in living and dining areas – the playful flags instantly bring a sense of delight to any space.
As is the case with most decor favoured in nurseries, choosing muted colours such as grey, white and black can mean the difference between childish and sophisticated. Natural linen is an elegant choice for bunting – look to polka dot and star motifs for a youthful touch.
Tell us
Which of these calm-inducing decor ideas appeals to you the most? Share your favourite in the Comments below.
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Browse more inspiring nursery ideas
Tell us
Which of these calm-inducing decor ideas appeals to you the most? Share your favourite in the Comments below.
More
Browse more inspiring nursery ideas
Perfect for a picky toddler – or if you have two very different personalities sharing one room – Scandi-inspired black and white is an easy colour scheme that can be carried through to the rest of your home. Personalised with whimsical artwork, tiny black pompoms and a glossy charcoal cot, the magic is all in the details in this beautiful, light-filled space.