Designer Nurseries Shift Into High Gear by Going Neutral

We know the idea of designing a nursery is exciting, not to mention a fantastic excuse to do a little shopping! But before you grab that can of pink paint or hit the aisles for every baseball-themed item you can find, why not do something a bit different? Gender-neutral nurseries offer all the cuteness you crave. Think gender-neutral sounds boring? Think again. Check out these fabulous rooms to create energy and whimsy for baby, plus a little serenity just for you.

Here's an excellent example of how to use a theme without overdoing it. Counting sheep is no fun unless you're in this adorable nursery. The black swirl pattern of the sheep's wool in the artwork over the crib gets repeated in the crib bumper and chair fabric. The tree branches in the bottom photo mimic the swirl as well. Sure, there are sheep -- in the mobile, on the wall, and in the crib -- but they're not so in-your-face as to shout "sheep"! We also love the buttercup checked paint and white sheers and cornices to soften the look.

Photos: Spearmint Baby

This next room by designer Angie Hranowsky uses a more muted yellow and pairs it with a soft turquoise blue. See? Blue isn't just for boys. This nursery establishes unity with color and repeated banding in the beautiful roman shades, pillow trims, and chair border. The large, white, plush area rug anchors the room while also creating softness. And who doesn't love the idea of a day bed in a nursery? Hey, parents need to snooze on occasion! Don't be afraid to mix and match your furniture. There's no rule saying you need to buy a set.

Photos: Simplified Bee

Little Crown Interiors took a beach theme to a sophisticated level in a nursery that uses orange for a pop of vibrancy. We like the idea of establishing a theme with accessories. Fun shovels hang as wall art and a starfish pillow accents an oversized chair. If you tire of the theme, simply re-accessorize. (Yay for more shopping!) Another idea we love? Placing a changing pad on top of a dresser. No need to purchase a separate changing table you'll use for a short time -- at least until that little one gets feisty!

Photo: HGTV

When it came time for designer Mark Cutler to create a space for his daughter, he went all out. Okay, so you know this one is for a girl, but we think it'd work great for a boy, too. Cutler used wallpaper in moderation, literally framing it with orange on one wall to create the impression of art behind the crib, and then using it again on just one wall. The paint and drapes create visual breaks amidst the variety of fun patterns.

Photos: Elle Decor

So, are you getting ready to design your kids' room? Share with us. We'd love to hear what great things you have planned.

Adding Playfulness to Your Room Design

(Source: Jonathan Adler)


We just fell in love with this lamp when we saw it! Simply adding accent pieces is such an easy and trendy way to add your own personal touch and style to a room, like this giraffe lamp we came across. It looked so playful with the giraffe poking its head up over the lamp shade yet still had a sophisticated approach with the black/white and sleek design. We could see this lamp added to a contemporary room with bold colors and modern décor. This lamp could easily replace a different boring lamp you might otherwise have in its place, and in any room boring just isn’t acceptable.

A room demands personal touches. We could see this piece getting a second glance from someone who may ask, is that really a lamp shaped like a giraffe!? We believe that playfulness in a room can be added in the cleverest yet most subtle of ways. Having uncommon pieces in a room just adds personality to it.

At Storibook Designs we’re always trying to find a way to make a room more interesting and appealing, and especially enjoy incorporating your own personal style to a room. This lamp could go with so many different fabrics and different designs yet still is an original piece. We think personal style is what makes a home a home and finding that unique style is what something we aim for.