Create the most gorgeous nursery for your baby

A nursery is more than just a room—it’s the first space your baby will call home. It’s where you’ll rock them to sleep in the quiet hours, where their first giggles will echo, and where countless memories will unfold. Designing a nursery isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that feels warm, peaceful, and deeply personal—a place where love lives in every detail.

A thoughtfully designed nursery provides comfort for both mama and baby, blending beauty with function to make those early days smoother and more enjoyable. The right colors can soothe, the right layout can simplify daily routines, and the right details—soft textiles, cozy lighting, meaningful artwork—can transform the space into a sanctuary.

As your sweet baby grows, their nursery becomes the backdrop to their earliest milestones. It’s the place where bedtime stories are whispered, where tiny hands reach for toys, and where a lifelong sense of security begins. Investing in a beautiful, intentional nursery isn’t just about décor—it’s about creating a foundation of love, comfort, and joy for your family’s journey ahead.

Before you start buying all the cute baby things (trust me, it’s tempting!), take a moment to dream. What kind of space do you want to create? Soft and serene? Playful and colorful? Minimal and modern? Start a Pinterest board or screenshot things that catch your eye—patterns, colors, furniture styles—whatever speaks to you. Once you have a general feel, it’ll be much easier to bring everything together.

Pick a Color Palette That Feels Good

A nursery should feel calming, not chaotic. Soft neutrals, warm earth tones, or gentle pastels always work beautifully. If you want a little more personality, add a fun accent wall—maybe wallpaper, a painted arch, or some cute decals. Just remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time in this room, so choose colors that make you feel at ease too.

Think About Layout & Functionality

You’ll want to set things up in a way that makes those late-night feedings and diaper changes easier. Keep the crib in a safe spot (not near windows or cords), have a comfy chair nearby for feeding and snuggles, and make sure your changing station is stocked with everything you need within arm’s reach. And trust me—storage will be your best friend. Baskets, shelves, and bins will keep things tidy (at least for a little while!).

Invest in a Few Key Pieces

Not everything in the nursery needs to be expensive, but a few high-quality items make a big difference. A comfy glider or rocking chair is so worth it. A good crib that can grow with your baby is another great investment. And blackout curtains? Absolute lifesavers for naps and nighttime sleep. Everything else—rugs, decor, wall art—you can find budget-friendly options that still look amazing.

Make It Personal

This is where the magic happens. Adding special touches—like your baby’s name in wooden letters, framed ultrasound photos, or a handmade quilt from grandma—makes the space feel like home. A gallery wall of family photos, a sweet little bookshelf, or a piece of art that holds meaning to you will make it feel extra special.

Keep It Safe & Cozy

Safety first, always. Anchor heavy furniture, choose non-toxic materials, and keep crib bedding simple (no pillows, bumpers, or loose blankets). Then, layer in warmth with soft textures—cozy rugs, plush blankets, and dimmable lighting to set the mood for bedtime snuggles.

Enjoy the Process

I know it’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect, but don’t stress too much. Your baby’s nursery will be filled with love no matter what color the walls are or which rug you choose. And honestly? The sweetest moments won’t come from perfectly styled shelves or designer decor—it’ll be in the quiet, sleepy cuddles, the late-night rocking, and the first giggles that fill the room.

You’re creating something beautiful, my friend. Enjoy every bit of it.

Your baby’s nursery is the place you’ll spend the most in the first few weeks of motherhood. As a mom, a photographer and a human who seeks to be surrounded by beauty, I paid close attention to how I designed my son’s nursery space. I know you’re a mom who cares about creating a beautiful space for your baby and for you to experience motherhood in the early years. If you’re not into DIY’ing, I thought I’d share some designers that really sparked my imagination and created gorgeous spaces.

Naomi Coe, founder of Little Crown Interiors and author of Your Perfect Nursery, has specialized in nursery and child space design since 2008. With degrees in studio art and interior design, she launched her firm to fill a gap in the industry, focusing on beauty, functionality, and safety. Her work has been featured in Domino, People Magazine, California Home & Design Magazine, and more. Named HGTV’s Designer of the Month in 2019 and recognized by Forbes as the “Queen of Modern Nursery Design,” she has also earned multiple Best of Houzz awards. Based in Orange County, CA, Little Crown Interiors offers Virtual Design services nationwide.

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Shalena Smith, founder of GaGa Designs, is an international celebrity designer with over 20 years of experience specializing in luxury nurseries, children’s bedrooms, and play spaces. Known for her imaginative themes and commitment to safety, she collaborates with top artisans to bring clients’ visions to life. As a mother of two, she also offers a Baby Concierge Service, assisting high-profile parents with baby registries, nursery planning, and postpartum support. Her work has been featured in People, US Weekly, The Bump, and on HGTV, The Tyra Banks Show, and E! Entertainment’s Hollywood Baby Boom.

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Nursery Design Studio was created to blend a passion for interiors with expert design knowledge. With a background in interior design from Parsons School of Design and business expertise, this studio offers the only online nursery design service that combines the personalization of working with a professional kids’ room designer with the convenience of virtual room design.

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