How to Design a Nursery

Designing a nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your baby. It’s a chance to get creative, reflect your style, and build a space that feels calm, cozy, and welcoming. Whether you’re a planner or more of a ‘decorate-as-you-go’ type, this guide will help you feel confident designing a room your little one can grow into.

At Timberwood Designs, we’ve helped thousands of families bring their dream nurseries to life with our personalized name signs and wooden baby blocks. Here’s everything we’ve learned about designing a nursery that’s both stylish and practical.

1. Choose Your Nursery Theme or Style

Start with inspiration! A theme gives your space direction without limiting creativity. Some popular nursery styles in 2025 include:

• Nature-inspired (think: greenery, animals, mushrooms)

• Scandinavian (clean lines, minimal decor, warm wood tones)

• Boho Chic (earthy tones, texture, rattan elements)

• Vintage Whimsy (floral prints, curved furniture, warm metals)

• Modern Minimalist (neutral palettes, statement pieces, open space)

It’s okay to mix and match! What matters most is that it feels like you.

2. Pick a Soothing Colour Palette

Your baby’s nursery should be a peaceful place for rest, snuggles, and connection. That’s why soft, calming colours are a go-to. Some trending nursery colour combos include:

• Sage green + cream + maple wood

• Dusty rose + mushroom + white oak

• Oatmeal + terracotta + soft white

• Misty blue + natural wood + ivory

Need inspiration? Visit the Timberwood Designs Instagram to see how families are pairing our name signs with trending paint colours.

3. Focus on the Nursery Essentials

Before diving into decor, make sure you’ve got the basics:

• Crib (safe, convertible options are great long-term)

• Dresser with change pad

• Comfortable glider or rocking chair

• Soft rug for playtime

• Blackout curtains for better naps

• Storage bins or shelves for easy organization

These items form the foundation of your nursery, everything else is the fun part!

4. Personalize the Space

Adding personal touches makes your nursery feel warm and unique. Here’s how many parents do it:

• Name signs above the crib or dresser (a Timberwood Designs favourite!)

• Heirloom baby blocks with their name, birth date, or initials

• Framed ultrasound photos or family pictures

• A meaningful quote or piece of art

These details turn a baby’s room into your baby’s room.

5. Maximize Functionality

Newborns come with a lot of stuff, and you’ll be using the nursery 24/7 in the early days. Here’s how to keep it functional:

• Keep diapers, wipes, and creams within arm’s reach of the change table

• Use drawer dividers or baskets to stay organized

• Choose washable items (crib sheets, covers, rugs)

• Install a dimmer switch or add a soft night light for nighttime feeds

Practical doesn’t have to mean boring. Beautiful design and smart organization can absolutely go hand in hand.

6. Style the Space with Decor

Now comes the fun part: bringing in decor that ties the room together!

Some cozy finishing touches include:

• A mobile above the crib

• Textured blankets or throws

• A mirror or soft lighting

• Personalized shelf decor (hello, baby blocks!)

• A large piece of wall art or statement wallpaper

Need something that pulls it all together? Our Timberwood Designs wooden name signs are handcrafted to match your nursery style, whether you’re going for soft minimalism or playful charm.

7. Leave Room to Grow

Designing a nursery doesn’t mean you have to commit to a “baby room” forever. Choose elements that can evolve as your child grows:

• Neutral furniture pieces that work in toddler or kid rooms

• Storage that transitions from diapers to toys

• Decor that suits a newborn but still feels stylish in a few years

This way, you’ll get long-lasting value from your nursery setup.

8. Add Safety and Comfort

A few simple steps can help make your nursery feel safe and secure:

• Anchor heavy furniture to the wall

• Use cordless blinds or secure cords out of reach

• Keep the crib away from windows and hanging cords

• Use a crib mattress that fits snugly

Peace of mind is the ultimate nursery essential.

9. Take Your Time

Designing your nursery doesn’t have to happen all at once. Many parents decorate in phases, starting with the basics and layering in special pieces as they go.

Give yourself grace to change your mind or pivot your plans. Your baby won’t notice if the mobile isn’t up by week one, but you’ll love watching the space come together over time.

10. Where to Find Personalized Nursery Decor

Looking for the perfect final touch?

At Timberwood Designs, we specialize in personalized wooden name signs, heirloom baby blocks, and custom shelf decor. Everything is handcrafted from solid hardwood and made to last—from newborn snuggles to preschool playdates.

✨ Free shipping on first and middle names within Canada and the USA
✨ Hundreds of 5-star reviews
✨ Styles that blend beautifully with any nursery palette

Whether you’re designing your first nursery or refreshing a second-time space, we’d be honoured to be part of your story.

Designing a nursery is more than choosing colours or crib sheets—it’s about creating a space filled with love, comfort, and a little magic. Whether your style is classic, modern, whimsical, or earthy, trust your instincts and enjoy the process.

And when you're ready to add those one-of-a-kind finishing touches, Timberwood Designs is here for you.

At Timberwood Designs, we’re honoured to be part of that journey. Each sign we create carries a little piece of your story. And that’s something we don’t take lightly.

I love writing about nursery design and sharing inspiration with you! Keep checking back for the latest since I’m always adding new nurseries to the blog! And don't forget to follow us on Instagram for even more stunning nursery photos and exclusive behind-the-scenes content!

If you liked this article, you will also enjoy our What are the Nursery Colours of 2025? What is the Nursery Trend in 2025? and Customer Canadian Name Signs