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A Serene and Light Nursery for Our Fourth Baby

Designing this nursery felt extra special — it’s for our fourth baby and third little boy. With each child, I’ve learned that a nursery doesn’t need to be overdone to feel meaningful. For this space, I wanted it to feel serene, light, and timeless — a calm corner of our home that feels just right for him.

Designing this nursery felt extra special — it’s for our fourth baby and third little boy. After years of creating spaces for each of our children, I’ve realized that nurseries are about more than design — they’re about slowing down, preparing for a new rhythm, and making room in both your home and your heart. For this little one, I wanted a space that felt serene, light, and full of peace.

The room itself is bright and airy, flooded with natural light, so I softened it with cozy textures. The faux grasscloth wallpaper from Society Social adds a beautiful layer of warmth, while a plush rug, custom cut and bound for the space, grounds the room in softness. It’s already become a favorite spot for the older kids to sit together and adore their new baby brother.

The dresser from Winston’s Collection in Winston-Salem feels beautifully crafted and classic, while the Ballard baskets tucked beside it hold blankets, books, and tiny essentials. Next to the rocking chair sits an acrylic drink table — a simple Amazon find I thought would be temporary but love too much to replace. And one of my favorite details: the cordless floor lamp from Pooky Lighting with a pleated stripe lamp shade, keeping cords hidden and the space looking calm.

The artwork adds a timeless touch, with pieces from JSH Home Essentials and Etsy, and cream and brown hanging plates featuring fish and hunting scenes — a subtle nod to the boys’ rooms and their love for the outdoors. The drapery fabric, another Society Social find, was sewn locally into pinch-pleat curtains, lined in blackout fabric to keep the space dark and restful. I chose one-and-a-half widths so they’d close completely and hung them on brass French return rods from Amazon to block out even the smallest bit of light.

Now that we’re settling in, I often find the older kids quietly gathered here — reading, giggling, or just taking turns holding their baby brother. This nursery is light and lovely, but more than that, it already holds some of my favorite new memories.

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Design notes Design notes

5 Ways to Create a Timeless Nursery

So many memories are made in those first few months, and having a special space to soak it all in really is a dream. Here's what I've learned from studying the pros, and after designing nurseries for my own little ones. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Alisa Bovino

Today we're talking all about nurseries! I have saved so much inspiration over the years, as these sweet little spaces always make me smile. So many memories are made in those first few months, and having a special space to soak it all in really is a dream. Here's what I've learned from studying the pros, and after designing nurseries for my own little ones. 

Try A Tonal Look

One designer trick I've learned over the years is to choose one color when you're dressing up a space, from crib skirts to wallpaper. In a nursery, blues, pinks, green or neutrals work really well—and these photos are proof. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Clary Bosbyshell Welsh
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Anna-Louise Wolfe
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Clary Bosbyshell Welsh

Play with Wallpaper

A nursery is a great place to incorporate whimsical wallpaper. Florals and stripes are classic choices, but you can always go with something a little more bold and keep the rest of the space simple. Pair your wallpaper with well-constructed window treatments and your little one's space will strike the right balance between polished and playful. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Betsy Anderson Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Betsy Anderson Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heather Thames Rowland | Design by Sarah Brannon Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Bailey Ward Interiors

Frame Murals and Panels

If want the look of wallpaper without the commitment, consider framing a pair of panels or a mural. Paint the walls a complementary color so make it feel cohesive. I like how this option allows the room to easily grow with your child. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Katie Gibson Interiors
Photo by Molly Culver Photography | Design by Jennifer Barron Interiors

Mix in Natural Materials

Whether its a stack of wicker baskets, an antique dresser or bamboo blinds, I like mixing natural materials into a space to help ground it. These materials help add warmth and dimension, especially if you're drenching a room in color otherwise. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Emily Followill Photographer | Design by Lauren Elaine Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Analicia Herrmann Photo | Design by Francesca Herro Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Carolyn Kelly Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Clary Bosbyshell Welsh

Make A Cozy Seating Area

You'll probably spend quite a bit of time in this room, so make sure there's a space designed for those late-night snuggles. I've found the winning combination is a glider, ottoman, side table and light. If you have space, a daybed is a great option, too. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Rachel McGinn | Design by Smith & Ryan Design
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Bailey Ward Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Becky Nielsen Filipski

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