Baby Nursery Decorating Ideas – Kids Rooms that Work from Crib to College

Balm Interiors
Aug 13, 2024
6 min read

mood board features botanical rug, white iron antique twin bed, green an soft pink, velvet curtains, pencil sketch wall art, white pottery barn style dresser with gold pulls — Little Girls' Bedroom Mood Board

Kids’ spaces will adapt and change more than any other rooms in our homes. And as parents, it feels like we make space adjustments nearly as often as we buy bigger shoes.

Whether you’re thinking through a homework zone for your 8 year old or pinning nursery photos for your due-in-August, consider these life-changing tips from 8 years of decorating and 4 years of mothering.

Kids’ spaces are uniquely tricky, and the challenge of keeping up with our kids' ever-changing preferences while protecting both function and style is difficult, but it's a completely winnable game of tetris. Let’s talk about designing a room that grows with your child, from the crib to college and beyond.

My Game-Changing Process for Kids' Zones

The key to baby nursery decorating ideas that stand the test of time is to set up a space that grows with your child. This means investing in versatile furniture and embracing a color scheme that allows for easy theme adjustments without major purchases. Think of it as building a solid foundation that you can layer upon as your child’s interests, needs, and size evolve. By choosing adaptable pieces and a flexible color palette, you’re ensuring that your child's room remains functional, stylish, with subtle inspiration from their personality and interests, no matter their age.

climbing wall with real-rock pulls, blue denim chair, gray and white foam mat, denim and jute rug, patterned curtains, yellow chairs, ikea play table play room — Patterned Neutrals Playroom Mood Board

The Kiddie Trifecta – Baby Nursery Decorating Ideas

When it comes to kids' rooms, less is more—especially when it comes to furniture. Start with the essentials: a twin bed, a comfy chair, and a dresser. This is the kiddie trifecta, and each piece should be chosen with growth in mind. For example, a twin bed can be used from the toddler well into the teenage years, and a quality dresser can serve as storage for everything from diapers to clothes to legos.

Choosing subtle and timeless colors for each of these key pieces is crucial. Opt for neutral undertones and timeless wood tones that won’t clash with future room themes and colors. A white or wood-finished dresser, for example, can seamlessly fit into a nursery, a superhero-themed room, or a teenage dream retreat with minimal adjustments.

BONUS TIP: Consider skipping the crib unless it's a must-have for you. Nuna makes an adorable Pac-n-Play (my daughter used one until she was 2). Why am I the only designer on the internet urging you to rethink the crib? Because any full-size piece of furniture your child will outgrow in 18 months deserves some serious consideration. And as always, I support whatever my clients decide for their families! It's just my job to give you options.

playroom featuring denim and jute rug, denim blue chair, climbing wall, supply and toy storage, yellow toddler chair, white and gray foam mat — Soothing Pattern Play Room dramatic curtain wall

Muted Earth Tones are Your Best Friends for Baby Nursery Decorating

Your toddler is obsessed with pink or bright blue? Fantastic! But instead of painting the walls a bold shade that you’ll need to cover up in a year or two, consider using muted earth tones as the base for the room’s color scheme. There’s a calming, earth-toned version of every color your child loves. Think soft blush instead of hot pink, or a gentle sage green instead of neon.

BONUS TIP: If your child is old enough to have an opinion (about paint color or otherwise), pick 3 options you like and let them choose. And dear God, do not take them to the paint store – they will immediately latch onto magenta and then you’re screwed.

By sticking to one neutral tone and mixing in a few soothing, saturated colors, you create a palette that can ebb and flow with your child’s changing tastes. This approach not only makes the room easier to update in the future, but it also creates a calm, serene environment—something every parent can appreciate when bedtime rolls around.

Additionally, muted tones provide the perfect backdrop for more vibrant accessories and decorations. Whether your child’s next phase involves unicorns, dinosaurs, or Billie Eilish, these adaptable tones ensure the room remains cohesive and stylish over time. Because 18 years goes faster than you think, and you don’t want to spend it repainting!

featuring gold frames with kids' art display, white pottery barn bed, ikea play table, art storage, yellow toddler chairs, gray and white foam mat, denim and jute rug, wall pull down art pad play room, playroom — Play Room Mood Board Gallery Art Storage

Bring in Themes with Wall Art

We all love a good theme, especially in kids' rooms. But instead of going overboard with themed wallpaper or bedding, which can be costly and quickly outgrown, lean into the theme with wall art. Wall art is easy (and inexpensive) to swap out as your child grows, making it the ideal way to keep the room fresh and relevant without the need for a complete redesign.

Consider using framed prints, decals, or even wall murals to bring in the theme. If you’re feeling especially artsy, a hand-painted mural can be a fun weekend project that adds a personal touch. And don’t forget to hang some pieces at your child’s eye level—my daughter used to give hugs to the art that was just at her height!

The best part? When your child inevitably moves on from one phase to the next, you can update the wall art without having to replace major pieces or repaint. This makes it easy to keep the room looking current and fun without constant redecorating. You’re welcome.

Winnie the Pooh wall art for kids room, nursery, play room, playroom — Set of 3 Classic Winnie the Pooh Prints, Baby Girls Nursery Wall Art, Nursery Child Kids Decor, Etsy Vendor

Buy Fabrics From IKEA for Your Baby Nursery

Kids are hard on fabrics—there’s no getting around it. Whether it’s spilled juice, art projects gone wrong, or just the daily wear and tear, fabrics in kids' rooms take a beating. That’s why I recommend purchasing your curtains, bedding, and pillow covers from IKEA. Not only are they affordable, but IKEA also maintains consistent inventory year after year. This means that when it's time to replace those well-loved items, you'll know exactly where to find them and can be confident they’ll still be in stock..

For curtains, look for machine-washable options (all IKEA curtains are washable) that can withstand frequent cleanings. Bedding sets should be both durable and comfortable, with pillow covers that can be easily swapped out as needed. IKEA’s range of options makes it easy to find pieces that fit your child’s evolving style, all while staying within budget.

PRO TIP: If you find a bedding or duvet you love, consider buying an extra set. This way, when they’re potty training or “find the scissors” and destroy yours, you’ll have a replacement on hand that avoids an impromptu trip to Target where they are sure to choose the most garish character-centric option they'll of course become obsessed with.

BERGPALM Duvet cover and pillowcase, light pink/stripe, — I love the Bergpalm bedding for kids' rooms - blue, pink, gray, pink, green, yellow

Being a parent is wild; let your kids' spaces be effortless.

Parenthood is a wild ride, and decorating your kids' rooms doesn't have to add to the stress. By following these simple, versatile tips, you can create a space that grows with your child—saving you time, money, and a few gray hairs along the way. Remember, the goal is to create a room that is as adaptable and dynamic as your child, evolving with them as they move through different stages of life. With thoughtful choices and a bit of planning, you can design a space that both you and your child will love for years to come.

Ready to transform your kids' room into a space that grows with them? Let’s chat! Whether you’re looking for a full redesign or just a few tips to get started, I’d love to get you pointed in the right direction. Comment below or schedule a call. Remember, your home has endless potential, and I’m here to help you unlock it, one room at a time.

QUESTION AND ANSWER SECTION

Q1: HOW CAN I CREATE A ROOM THAT GROWS WITH MY CHILD?

Start with the basics: a twin bed, a comfy chair, and a dresser in neutral colors. Choose a versatile color palette that allows for easy updates, and focus on adding themes through wall art and accessories that are easy to change as your child grows. Remember, the goal is to invest in pieces that will serve your child through multiple stages, saving you time and money in the long run.

Q2: WHAT COLORS SHOULD I USE IN MY KIDS’ ROOMS?

Muted earth tones are your best bet. They’re calming, timeless, and there’s an earthy version of every color your child might love. This palette will adapt easily to new themes without needing a full room makeover. Plus, these tones create a serene environment that helps balance out the chaos that can come with having kids.

Q3: HOW DO I DECORATE A KIDS' ROOM ON A BUDGET?

Stick to the essentials—bed, chair, dresser—and shop smart. IKEA is a great source for affordable, durable fabrics that you can replace over time. Focus on wall art and small accessories to bring in themes without breaking the bank. Consider shopping second-hand for quality furniture pieces that you can upcycle or refresh with a coat of paint.

Q4: ALTERNATIVES TO A CRIB?

You don't necessarily need a crib. They make some gorgeous and stylish Pac-n-Plays these days, and this option worked well for my family until it was time for a toddler bed. Skipping the crib can save space and money, and you can put those resources towards more versatile pieces that will serve your child longer. Plus, the Pac-n-Play is portable, making it a convenient option for travel or moving around the house.