10 Nursery Design Ideas & Inspiration to Make Your Baby Feel Right at Home 

Last updated on May 16th, 2024

A precious new life and a whole new world for your baby to explore—and it all begins in the nursery of your new home. Explore ten nursery design ideas from Toll Brothers luxury homes across the country that will help you envision the ideal space for your child to rest, grow, and learn. Creating your baby’s nursery can be incredibly enjoyable while also helping you feel more connected and prepared. As you browse these nursery design ideas, think about the atmosphere you want to create and imagine how the room will function throughout your baby’s first years.  

When Should I Start Designing My Nursery? 

Deciding when to start planning your nursery is a personal decision that your comfort level and cultural traditions may influence. If you wish to prepare in advance, many experts recommend designing your nursery about 20 weeks before your baby’s expected arrival. This recommendation allows time for pieces to be ordered, delivered, and assembled. Begin by thinking about overall nursery color schemes and themes, then select essential items such as a crib and changing table to ensure they arrive in time. Although painting may seem like a logical first step, it may be easier to choose other pieces like artwork and bedding and then determine your wall color based on those choices. 

How Should I Choose a Nursery Theme? 

Nursery theme ideas can span from broad concepts, like “vintage-inspired,” to more specific, like “teal mermaid.” When choosing a theme, take a moment to reflect on the things that brought joy during your childhood. Consider exploring memories linked to a favorite book, movie, or location as potential sources of inspiration. Visualize yourself in the nursery as you soothe your baby to sleep, read bedtime stories, and greet your baby’s smiling face upon waking. Can you picture walls adorned in a specific hue or envision a particular style of rocking chair? Remember that your theme does not need to be rigid; let yourself have fun and enjoy creating a space where your baby can thrive.

Add Personality with Wallpaper 

Counting sheep takes on a new meaning in this dreamy nursery. A soft blue polka-dot wallpaper perfectly complements the matching blue quilt, white crib, neutral furniture, and beautiful beadboard paneling. An adorable sheep rocker, playful stools, and charming wall art carry through the whimsical sheep theme. 

While this room shares common elements with the previous—including a modern high-contrast crib and geometric accents—an illustrated forest wallpaper contributes to a bright, enchanting, wilderness-themed nursery. A light wood dresser creates harmony amid the black and white décor and complements the medium-toned flooring. 

Create a Cheerful Nursery with a Bright Color Palette? 

This cheerful nursery color palette is an ode to sunshine with buttery yellows, blush pinks, and energetic oranges. Choose neutral wood furniture to let bright wallpaper and décor accents like a sunny lamp, geometric rug, and wall art shine. A charming playhouse rounds out this colorful nursery, offering a space for imaginations to run wild. 

This boho nursery is infused with a refreshing vibe thanks to the aquamarine accent walls. Rounded shapes in the carefully matched rug, mirror, and window shade create balance against colorful straight lines in the wall art and side tables. Utilize white picture rail shelving to store books and toys and showcase playful decor items. Opt for an unexpected hanging chair as a unique alternative to the traditional rocking chair. 

Use an illustrated wallpaper or wallpaper decals to introduce a splash of color and inspire creativity. A beige carpet, neutral dressers, and a white crib set the stage, letting the fantastical nursery accent wall be the star. Plants and simple patterns on other elements, such as the chair and bedding, ground the space. 

Enhance Visual Appeal with Distinctive Nursery Décor 

Refined sage green wainscoting is an elegant addition to this cozy nursery. Soft grays in the rug and a neutral crib, dresser, and curtains perfectly balance the pops of pale pink in the bedding and gorgeous wall hanging. A stylish safari-themed wallpaper adds the perfect finishing touch. 

Take decorating to new heights in your nursery. A scalloped border in a gradient of blush tones highlights the ceiling’s unique architecture. Curtains and a blanket in matching tones extend the color scheme through the room, while two floral paintings and a gold pendant light offer a delicate touch. 

Strategically Position Wall Art for a Big Impression 

A blend of black furniture, bold prints, and fun décor pieces create a monochromatic nursery that is anything but boring. Embrace a combination of shapes and patterns in wallpaper, curtains, and wall art while opting for furniture with clean lines to accentuate pops of color, like in these charming dog illustrations. 

Opting for a neutral nursery color palette makes redecorating simple. A collection of four magical mermaid paintings introduces a subtle beach theme, infusing the space with pops of vibrant teal. This lively hue echoes in sea-glass-toned lamps, a contemporary rocking chair, throw pillows, and window treatments. When it comes time to update the room, switch décor elements out, and keep the timeless white dressers, charming shiplap, and durable wood floors. 

To explore more nursery design ideas and other décor tips, visit the design category on our Toll Brothers Build Beautiful blog.