Baby rooms are the most fun to decorate. You can (finally!) be a little silly and whimsical with decor. (Yes, a stuffed life-sized giraffe is totally acceptable). These stunning spaces showcase creative nurseries that are more about having fun, rather than focused on gender – which is one of the top home decor trends for 2020, according to Pinterest.
Published August 2, 2017, Updated January 9, 2020
Baby Chic
The Property Brothers opted for a soothing black and white palette in this modern gender-neutral nursery. We especially love the ultra-luxe soft accessories, such as the Mongolian-lamb pillow and white high-pile rug.
Related: How the Property Brothers Make Kid-Friendly Spaces Feel Just as Chic as the Adult Ones
Under the Sea
You can almost hear the soothing sounds of the crashing waves in this whimsical, ocean-inspired nursery. If you’re having a baby shower, you might even want to say goodbye to gender reveals entirely – here’s how to have a zodiac party instead.
Calm, Cool and Collected
Hidden Potential
and Rock the Block host Jasmine Roth recently designed this nursery for her own baby, due in April. We can’t get enough of this warm and neutral space, from the unique wicker rocking horse to the recycled wood frames.
Keep it Simple
Decorating your baby’s nursery can be an exciting process – but you might also feel the additional pressure to go over-the-top when it comes to colour palettes and decor ideas. This sleek-yet-simple design proves that sticking to a budget and curating a few small pieces can result in a polished and whimsical space.
A Pop of Colour
For something a little different than the usual pastels, dark wallpaper can have a calming effect on your slumbering infant. Infuse the space with various pops of colour for a gender-neutral nursery your baby can grow into.
Early Learning
The typographical wall treatment is ideal in a little one’s space. The nursery, designed by BC-based lifestyle boutique The Spotted Frog, has a serene Scandinavian feel (pale wood, a monochromatic scheme) that works if you’re after a gender-neutral aesthetic.
On Safari
Thematic rooms really work in a nursery (not so much in adult spaces). Designed by Sarah Richardson, this stylish safari-inspired room is all about pattern: from the wallpaper and grasscloth to the bucket chair and giraffe-print toss cushion. Even the mirror has a brilliant faceted pattern, while pops of green animate all the brown.
Shades of Grey
This ravishing room by Vancouver-based PlaidFox Studio features two standout elements: a vaulted ceiling and mesmerizing walls that can work for a boy or a girl (in this case, a boy). Designers Ben Leavitt and Kelly O’Quinn centred the crib in the space to make it feel less cavernous. And it takes a page from the circus – yes, the circus. Read more about this home here.
Plenty of Pastels
Gone are the days when blue = boy. At first, this pastel space might appear gendered, but the patterned rug, green rocking chair and polka dot curtains break up that notion. Any baby would be so lucky to have such a playful room.
Related: A Look Back at Our Most Beautiful Home Tours of 2019
Gold and White and Everything Nice
Adhering to a gold and white palette pays off handsomely. From the faux elephant’s head to the gold-painted stool, task lamp and dresser, we love the coordination in this gender-neutral nursery. And the sputnik pendant has a grown-up feel that’s quirky enough to work in any room.
Layer in Lots of White
Cool, calm and collected, this nursery was designed by Toronto’s Jacquelyn Clark for her close friend. From the pom-pom detail on the curtain to the white pouffe, it’s a winner that strays from the predictable pinks and blues. Check out more of this soothing space here.
Winning Wallpaper
We love the flamingo-print statement wallpaper and felted wood little lamb mobile. Don’t forget to add plants. So sophisticated and something we don’t often consider when it comes to nursery decor. Find some green inspiration with these easy-to-care-for indoor plants that go beyond succulents.
Cutie Patootie Artwork
Typographical art – it’s not just for adults. This chic-yet-child-friendly vignette is a gender-neutral must-have. We love the recliner for mom or dad, along with the ladder shelf, which keeps books within reach.
Related: 12 Loft Bed Designs Perfect for Kids (and the Young at Heart)
Pattern Play
Lively yet not too loud, this play area designed by HGTV Canada’s Samantha Pynn has tons of storage and character. Best of all? It doesn’t scream boy or girl.
Related: 15 Ways You Can Teach Your Kids to Be Organized, Highly Functioning Little Beings
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