October 19, 2026

5 UNIQUE WAYS TO STYLE A NURSERY

Designing a nursery is one of those opportunities to have a little more fun with interiors. Of course, there are the essentials: a beautiful crib, a comfortable glider, a dresser, and all the sweet little things that come with creating a space for your baby. But I think what really makes a nursery special are the details that go beyond the expected. The pieces that bring personality into the room and make it feel uniquely yours. I've always loved the idea of a nursery feeling like an extension of the rest of your home, with a little more room for playfulness and imagination. Think unexpected shapes, interesting textures, creative uses of wallpaper, and artwork that inspires the entire color palette. It's these thoughtful design choices that can transform a room from simply beautiful to something that feels personal and thoughtfully collected, without being overly themed or traditionally babyish.

Here are five of my favorite nursery decor ideas for creating a space that feels playful, sophisticated, and entirely its own:

01. BUBBLE LETTERS

There's something so charming about incorporating a baby's name into the room, especially when it's done in a more unexpected way. I've been loving these oversized bubble letters, particularly in glossy ceramic finishes and handmade styles that feel almost sculptural. They're playful without feeling overly childish, and I love that they can be styled in so many ways. Above a dresser, along a bookshelf, or as part of a little gallery wall, they immediately add personality to the space. I also love the idea of choosing pieces that can grow with the child. These are the kinds of letters that could eventually find their way onto a bookshelf or desk rather than being packed away once the nursery years are over.

My design tip: Don't feel obligated to spell out the entire name if the room is small. Sometimes a single oversized initial makes an even more interesting statement. Keep any wall mounted letters securely installed and away from the crib and baby's reach.

Shop my favorite bubble letters here ↗

02. THE SCALLOPED RUG

I've always had a soft spot for scalloped details. There's something about a beautifully curved edge that instantly makes a room feel more interesting, and a nursery is the perfect place to incorporate one. A scalloped rug is such a lovely alternative to a traditional rectangular rug, bringing a softness and subtle sense of playfulness without feeling overly childish. I especially love how versatile the silhouette is, working just as beautifully in boys' and girls' rooms, or in a gender neutral nursery. In muted tones, warm neutrals, and natural textures, scallops feel timeless while still having that little bit of whimsy that makes them so charming for a child's space. It's the kind of detail that can easily grow with the room over the years.

My design tip: Go larger than you think you need. A generously sized rug that extends beneath the crib and surrounding furniture will make the room feel much more considered. I love letting the scalloped edge be a design moment of its own. The beauty of the scalloped detail is that it makes a statement without needing much else.

Shop my favorite scalloped rug here ↗

03. THE SCALLOPED MIRROR

Clearly, I have a thing for scallops, but hear me out. A mirror is one of my favorite ways to bring a little architectural interest into a room, particularly when the shape itself becomes part of the design. And much like the scalloped rug, the beauty of a scalloped mirror is in its softer silhouette. It takes something as traditional as a round or rectangular mirror and gives it a playful, almost whimsical edge without feeling overly childish. It's a detail that works just as beautifully in a boy's or girl's nursery as it does in a gender neutral space. I especially love the idea of placing one above a nursery dresser, where it can reflect natural light while adding a decorative element to the wall. Depending on the room, I'd gravitate toward a painted wood frame, an antique inspired finish, or something with subtle brass detailing. And the best part? Unlike so many nursery specific accessories, a beautiful scalloped mirror can easily find its way into another room as your child grows. That's something I always consider when choosing pieces for a home.

My design tip: You don't necessarily need to match your scalloped mirror to your scalloped rug, but there's something lovely about carrying that detail throughout the room. With one on the wall and the other on the floor, the scalloped edges can create a subtle sense of balance without feeling overly coordinated. Of course, each piece can make just as beautiful a statement on its own. It's all about finding the right balance for your space.

Shop my favorite scalloped mirror here ↗

04. WALLPAPER WHERE YOU WOULDN'T EXPECT IT

One of my favorite ways to introduce personality into a nursery is by using wallpaper in unexpected places. We often think of wallpaper as something reserved for the walls, but there are so many creative ways to incorporate a beautiful print without committing to an entire room. I particularly love the idea of wallpapering the ceiling, a surface we often overlook, especially considering how much time babies spend looking upward. Whether it's a delicate botanical print, something celestial, a subtle stripe, or even a hand painted mural, it can completely transform how a room feels. But the ceiling is just the beginning. Consider framing a beautiful section of wallpaper as artwork, lining the back of a bookshelf, or even covering simple storage boxes in a print you love. It's such an easy way to introduce pattern and color in smaller doses, especially if you're working with a more neutral palette. I also love the idea of using leftover wallpaper from a larger project for these little details. It gives the room a sense of continuity without everything feeling overly coordinated.

My design tip: You don't need to wallpaper an entire wall to make an impact. Sometimes the smallest applications are the most interesting. If you're introducing a bold print, think about where you want the eye to travel and let the wallpaper become an unexpected focal point rather than competing with everything else in the room.

Shop my favorite ceiling wallpaper here ↗

05. PRINTABLE ARTWORK THAT SETS THE TONE

One of my favorite ways to approach designing a room is to start with a piece of art and let it inspire everything else. And a nursery is no exception. Whether you're drawn to something dark and moody, soft and floral, or a little more whimsical, artwork can set the tone for the entire space. I love the idea of pulling colors from a print and carrying them into the room through upholstery, textiles, or even the wall color. It creates a sense of cohesion without everything needing to match. What I especially love about printable, downloadable art is the flexibility it offers. You can discover something you love, choose a size that works for your space, and have it printed and framed in a way that complements your design. A small print in an antique gold frame can feel just as special as an oversized piece in a beautiful walnut frame. And you're certainly not limited to traditional nursery artwork. Botanical illustrations, vintage inspired prints, abstract compositions, and even something a little unexpected can bring so much personality to a child's room.

The beauty of choosing artwork this way is that it doesn't have to be permanent. As your child grows or your tastes evolve, you can change the prints while keeping the frames, or move the artwork into another part of your home.

My design tip: Try choosing your artwork before finalizing your nursery's color palette. Pull two or three colors from a print you love and use them as inspiration throughout the room. And don't underestimate the power of framing. The same downloadable print can feel entirely different depending on its size, frame finish, and placement.

Shop my favorite downloadable printable artworks here ↗

A LITTLE PERSONALITY GOES A LONG WAY

I don't think a beautiful nursery needs to follow a particular theme or be filled with things that are specifically made for babies. Some of my favorite spaces are the ones that borrow ideas from the rest of the home, with a few playful details mixed in. A sculptural light, an interesting rug, a beautiful mirror, or something as simple as a baby's name in ceramic letters can make the room feel incredibly personal. And that's really what I love most about designing these spaces. You can have fun with the details while still creating a room that feels beautiful long after the nursery years.