6 Nursery Ideas

Nursery design is one of the most exciting milestones while waiting for your new arrival, but it’s also a potential minefield if you’re looking to create a space with practical longevity. As is the case for any of our kids’ bedrooms, be that boys or girls, the trick is to think about zoning from the start – and ensure that you contrast more natural and muted paint with age appropriate accessories.

“The starting point for a successful nursery layout is all about creating distinct zones that each serve a purpose. A bedroom isn’t just a place to sleep, but needs to double or triple-up as a play area or discovery and learning environment. By separating the room into functional areas, you ensure the space remains organised and easy to navigate, even during late-night wake-up calls.”

My Bespoke Room founder Laura Simpson.

How to Zone a Nursery for Sleep, Play, and Changing

Now let’s go through some of the key considerations when designing your child’s nursery.

• The Sleep Zone: Always make sure to position the cot away from direct sunlight, drafty windows, and radiators. It’s important this area is visually calm, so consider soft textures and blackout blinds.
• The Changing Station: Ensure your changing table or dresser is within arm’s reach of essential storage. This helps prevent clutter.
• The Nursing & Comfort Corner: A supportive feeding chair paired with a small side table and a dimmable, low-glare lamp creates a peaceful space for feeding, reading, and winding down with your tot.
• The Play & Growth Zone: Make sure there is a decent proportion of open floor space – clearly marked with a soft, washable rug. Low-level, accessible toy storage helps your toddler discover and learn in their environment.

The Three Pillars of a Functional Nursery

When our interior designers kick off a nursery project, they stick to three fundamental principles:

1. Lighting Control & Layering

Natural light is wonderful by day but you must make sure that the room is as dark as possible during the night. Consider pairing blackout blinds with thermal lined curtains to block out the summer sun. Make sure to avoid harsh overhead lights – opting for low-wattage, warm LED nightlights.

2. Future-Proofed Furniture

This is important and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Ensure you’re opting for furniture that can still be used as your toddler grows up. So, instead of buying a standalone changing table that becomes obsolete in two years, buy a sturdy chest of drawers and place a removable changing caddy on top.

3. Tactile and Safe Textures

Texture introduces warmth and visual interest without relying on loud, overstimulating colours. They also pair and contrast nicely with more muted wall colours. For rugs, ensure they’re washable and made from natural, breathable fibres, such as organic cotton or wool.

Popular Nursery Design Styles to Inspire You

If you’re short on ideas, we’ve picked three design styles that are super easy to implement and strike a perfect balance between being age appropriate and being able to evolve as your toddler grows up.

Ready to Create a Space Your Toddler Will Love?

Our expert interior design team can help you every step of the way. Start your My Bespoke Room journey today.