8 Hot Nursery Trends — and How to Decorate With Them

Creating a cute, calming baby space doesn’t mean you’ve got to pick pastels or go traditional. These daring baby room ideas don’t skimp on function or fashion.

Modern Mobiles

Nontraditional takes on this nursery staple have been showing up on all our favorite Pinterest boards – and we love the fresh take on an old classic! Plus, just how out-of-this-world is this globe-inspired mobile? It was completely DIYed and a totally fun redefinition of the traditional baby mobile. (If you make your own, just make sure the hanging objects are tightly secured!)

Photo: Becky Rosenthal

Tons of Texture

Another style we’ve noticed that’s getting a serious makeover? Baby blankets, rugs and toys. Instead of boring textiles, we’re layers with different touch-worthy surfaces. Think: Plush toys, faux-fur rugs, felt hangings, leather gliders and velvet ottomans. It just goes to show you that you don’t have to play it safe on decor just because you’re having a baby.

Photo: Ulrika Kukkenberg

Basic Black

You don’t typically think of black as your go-to for nursery furniture and accessories, but if the basic color in fashion is making a splash in nursery décor. We first saw the style making a statement in celebrity nurseries, but more and more, modern moms and dads have been tastefully working black into their baby spaces. And seriously — how chic is this room? Just take it easy: Don’t paint a wall all black. Instead, use hints of black here and there (like on this chair and mobile) to add a punch of posh.

Photo: Katri Kapanen

High-End Art

Go to your favorite art gallery for inspiration! This year, both abstract and high-end artwork is making an appearance in nursery spaces like never before. Nope, you don’t have to feel limited to alphabet murals and framed lullaby lyrics. If you’ve got a seriously curated eye for art, let it shine in baby’s space. Choose playful, dreamy prints over the heavier stuff.

Photo: Estee Stanle

Wild Wallpaper

Oh yeah, you read that correctly! Wallpaper is making a serious splash and where better to put it than in baby’s room? Say goodbye to the painted statement wall and help to the papered wall! It adds instant personality (the floral print totally makes the room!) and can be completely affordable. Go funky (we’ve seen fish-inspired designs) or classic (like this floral pattern) to fit your taste, but trust us, it’s a décor win!

Photo: Oeuf NYC

Wood Flooring

One thing to love about the evolution of nursery style this year is the bigger, bolder choices that parents-to-be are making. The latest we love? Wood floors. You wouldn’t think they’d be a go-to for baby-safe flooring, but adding a stylish no-slip rug keeps the space classy, yet infant-friendly. Since baby’s nursery is temporary (he won’t be a baby forever — sorry!), having the room be ready to go in any direction (office, kid’s room, play room) makes a future redesign possible.

Photo: Vic Bibby

Two-Tone Drapes

Remember the days where parents picked just one color for baby’s window treatments? Well this year, two-toned drapes are making a splash. And don’t be shy: It’s okay to pair these bold accessories with patterned walls.

Photo: Rachel Hollis

Metallic Polka Dots

Polka-dots are popping up all over nursery walls, but they’ve gotten a luxurious makeover — instead of pale pink and baby blue, they’re in rich metallic — and they’re not just for baby girl spaces. Polka-dots work for baby boys and even a gender neutral space when they’re metallic. We’re head over heels for gold and silver spots!

Photo: Jayme Anne Photography

Where did you get inspiration for decorating your nursery?