Design ideas for a stylish, gender-neutral nursery

Looking to set up a nursery? These days, the idea of pink rooms for girls and blue everything for boys isn't as popular. In fact, many expectant parents — including those who have chosen to know their baby's sex in advance — are eschewing gendered nursery decor altogether in favour of neutral-coloured, stylishly decorated nurseries that could transition easily into a child's bedroom in a few years, or be used as-is for subsequent babies. 

Whether your aesthetic leans toward Scandi-minimal, 'modern farmhouse', 'global eclectic' or another style entirely, it can be easier than you think to create a stylish, gender-neutral nursery that fits with your existing decor. On Instagram alone, there are 2.4 million posts tagged with #nurserydecor and close to 900,000 #nurseryinspo posts. We scrolled through to find the most adorable baby room ideas, then found the must-have pieces for you to get the look.

Texture Play

Decorating baby's nursery in different shades of the same neutral colour — in this case, beige — doesn't have to be boring. A monochromatic look can be soothing and interesting when you incorporate a variety of textures. Mix sheer and heavyweight textiles, and add in unexpected materials such as wicker, wool and linen.

Crate & Kids Rattan Ceiling Light, $249, Crate & Barrel

Sidai Designs Miniature Multi V Wall Hanging, $125, Advice From A Caterpillar

West Elm x Pottery Barn Kids Mid-Century Convertible Crib, $839 (on sale for $671.20), West Elm

Jute Rug With Tassels, $149, Zara Home

Green Day

The trendy wall colour of the moment for nurseries is both unexpected and quite sophisticated: a rich, dark hunter green. It's a gender neutral choice that can make the room seem extra cozy and relaxing. Ideally, you'll want to use it for a space that has enough natural light, and decorate the room with lighter coloured soft goods, drapery and baby furniture. 

Sniglar Crib, $99, IKEA

Rookie Humans Mini Crib Sheet, $32, Indigo

Nautical Mood

A blue-and-white nautical themed nursery is definitely not new, especially for boys' rooms. But executed in a washed out, significantly lighter colour palette, the result can be charmingly gender-neutral. It doesn't hurt to warm up the look with peach and yellow coloured accessories, either.

Anchor Stick-on Decals, $25 per set (on sale for $11.99), Pottery Barn Kids

Striped Cushion, $49.90, Zara Home

Pehr Pompom Canvas Bin, $61.34, Nordstrom

High Contrast

Some fashionable parents are even opting for almost-black nursery walls these days. It's not a look that's for everyone, but one that can definitely work if it fits the general decor of your home. Just be sure to select light coloured furniture, and go for an eggshell or semi-gloss paint finish (instead of matte or flat) unless you want to clean up toddler fingerprints regularly.  

Small Canvas Storage Basket, $4.99, H&M

Grey Geo/Stripe Play Mat, $169 (on sale for $139.99), Play With Pieces 

Cheetah Swaddle Set, $65, Pottery Barn Kids

Background Check

Beautiful, colourful murals look great in any nursery. It's simply a matter of picking a gender-neutral theme and running with it. We love the distinctive colours and warmth of this desert-inspired space, and the room theme could easily be changed with a fresh coat of paint and a few accessory updates.

Metal And Wood Hook, $12.99, H&M

Tillgiven Baby Blanket, $16.99, IKEA

Cloud Island Fitted Crib Sheet, about $13, Target

Photo Synthesis

An amazing wallpaper can really add personality to a nursery, especially if the scale of the pattern leans toward oversized and dramatic. The best part? There are so many amazing peel-and-stick wallpapers available these days, so it doesn't even have to be a permanent style commitment.

The Mountains Are Calling Wall Mural (Self Adhesive), $491.68, Rocky Mountain Decals

West Coast Walls Removable Wallpaper, $9.50 and up, Etsy

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.