7 things We Learned from Nadia Bartel's New Nursery

Refinery29's global editor-in-chief, Christene Barberich, challenges conventional nursery design with her newborn daughter, Rafaela "Raffi" Rose's, unique bedroom. Breaking away from typical pastel palettes and animal themes, Barberich crafted a space that merges whimsy with an edgy aesthetic. The nursery, featured in a cover story for Domino magazine, showcases moody walls, graphic prints, accent throw pillows, and a vibrant hot pink velvet couch, asserting a cool, feminine presence. The design reflects Barberich's personal style, known for bold fashion and design choices, which she also expressed in a recent home furnishings collaboration with The Inside. Barberich details her design journey in transforming an 8-by-12 foot quasi-laundry/guest room in her Brooklyn Heights apartment, shared with her architect husband Kevin Baxter, into a functional and stylish nursery. The process was an exercise in maximizing a small footprint while infusing it with personality. Despite the unconventional design, the room maintains essential nursery elements like a sleek mini crib, a bassinet, colorful picture books, and a minimalist mobile. These intentional inclusions ensure the space is practical for a baby while aligning with the parents' sophisticated taste. Barberich highlights the space's adaptability, noting that it doesn't immediately scream "nursery" but remains a comfortable and evolving home for her daughter. She expresses her belief that the room will continue to grow and adapt with Rafaela, making their apartment feel more like a home as her daughter develops. The article emphasizes that a nursery doesn't have to conform to traditional expectations but can instead be a reflection of the parents' aesthetic preferences while still being a nurturing environment for a child. This approach encourages creativity and personal expression in home decoration, particularly in spaces often confined by traditional design norms. Through her collaboration with The Inside and her feature in Domino, Barberich inspires readers to consider more individualized and bold design choices for their living spaces. #NurseryDesign #ChristeneBarberich #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DominoMagazine #BrooklynHeights #SmallSpaceDesign #Refinery29 #BabyRoom

Jodie Snyder Morel, co-creator of the jewelry line DANNIJO, and her husband Greg Morel collaborated with Noa Santos, co-founder of the interior design firm Homepolish, to design a nursery for their daughter, Margaux. The objective was to transform a guest room/office into a space that was both stylish and functional, allowing their daughter to grow into it rather than being a typical baby's room. The design process began with Snyder Morel's clear understanding of her personal aesthetic, which facilitated a smooth collaboration with Santos. They prioritized selecting key furniture pieces first, and subsequently accessorized the space, embracing a step-by-step approach to allow the room's vibe to evolve naturally. Snyder Morel expressed immense satisfaction with the finished nursery, noting her desire to move in herself, and highlighted their excitement to bring Margaux home to a specially designed, peaceful, and airy environment. Noa Santos emphasized the importance of the client-designer relationship in the success of the project, stating that a strong bond leads to a better outcome. The nursery's color palette primarily features soft whites, creams, and greys, contributing to a calm and serene atmosphere. This choice aimed to create a chic and soothing environment suitable for a baby in a Tribeca apartment. In terms of decor, the room incorporates various textures, playful elements, and distinctive art pieces. Notable inclusions are a large giraffe painting by Jenna Snyder Phillips and a piece by Lyle Owerko. The furniture selections include items from ducduc and a raw crib from Kalon studios. Soft textures were integrated through sheepskin rugs and pillows, enhancing the room's comfort and aesthetic. Snyder Morel described the room's overall feel as "girly in a bohemian gypset way," indicating a blend of feminine charm with a free-spirited, unconventional style. The design successfully maximized the use of space, with Snyder Morel commending Santos for fitting all necessary items without clutter, contributing to the room's peaceful and calm ambiance. The designer's approach avoided a traditional nursery aesthetic, focusing instead on creating a versatile space that Margaux could comfortably inhabit and grow with over time. This collaborative effort resulted in a highly personalized and aesthetically cohesive nursery that met the family's specific vision. #NurseryDesign #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesign #Homepolish #JodieSnyderMorel #BabyRoom #HomeDecor #BohemianStyle #FunctionalDesign

This article details the design and setup of a Palm Beach Chic themed nursery for a baby girl, emphasizing a blend of coastal inspiration with feminine aesthetics. The nursery features a pastel color palette and incorporates various functional and decorative elements. The crib area is equipped with a Naturepedic organic breathable 2-stage crib mattress, which offers both firmness for infants and a softer side for toddlers, along with a waterproof pad to protect against spills and messes. Above the crib, a vibrant abstract art piece by Jessa Adler, featuring soft pastel colors, sets a cheerful tone for the room. For safety and peace of mind, an Owlet Monitor Duo, comprising a Smart Sock and Cam, is integrated to track the baby's heart rate and oxygen levels while providing video and audio streaming. The changing station is organized around an Ava Regency Extra Wide Dresser & Topper Set, complemented by an Ubbi diaper pail designed for odor control and compatibility with standard trash bags, eliminating the need for specialized liners. A portable Ubbi diaper caddy and wipes dispenser are included for convenience during diaper changes throughout the house. A Monte Design Vera nursery glider is a central feature of the seating area, providing a comfortable space for feeding and bonding. This extra-wide glider is handcrafted with sustainable materials, features removable and washable cushions, and comes with a lumbar pillow for added support. Adjacent to the glider, a side table holds a Hatch Rest + for nighttime illumination and sound, alongside a pineapple-themed standing lamp and a leather pouf for footrest and posture support. Storage solutions include a six-cube organizer shelf for books and toys, decorated with books like '_Palm Beach Chic_' and custom floral arrangements from The Collective. Minted watercolor scallop fabric storage bins with personalized leather handles contribute to an organized and aesthetically pleasing space. For playtime, a pink ocean play gym from Scandiborn aligns with the Palm Beach theme, while a NogginStik from SmartNoggin encourages early developmental milestones through visual and tactile stimulation. A large, non-toxic Toki Mat in a rainbow print provides a soft and safe area for play and tummy time, designed to be easily washable and portable. Resting essentials include a Dock-A-Tot for supervised lounging, with an additional Catalina beach print cover. Decorative and functional items like a Skye mermaid cuddle+kind doll, which supports a charitable cause, and aden + anais muslin swaddle blankets in a Salty Kisses collection are also highlighted. Kickee Pants sleepwear and HALO SleepSacks are chosen for comfort and safe sleep, while Wildbird ring slings offer a stylish and ethical babywearing solution. For bath time, personalized Weezie Towels in light pink gingham add a luxurious touch. The nursery is further adorned with a customizable wooden height chart from Grow and Company and pehr pom pom bins, emphasizing a harmonious and playful environment. All elements are selected to create a cheerful, functional, and well-designed space that reflects the Palm Beach Chic aesthetic. #NurseryDesign #BabyGirl #PalmBeachChic #HomeDecor #BabyEssentials #CribSafety #PlayroomIdeas #StorageSolutions #SustainableProducts

Arielle Charnas of the popular fashion blog Something Navy recently unveiled her newborn daughter Ruby's nursery. Having previously shared glimpses of her modern-meets-glam New York City apartment, anticipation for the nursery reveal was high. The nursery, designed in collaboration with the Design Atelier Team at RH Baby & Child, is described as a soft, welcoming, and elegant space. The overall aesthetic combines contemporary design with glamorous touches, creating a sophisticated environment for the infant. The centerpiece of the nursery is an upholstered crib, complemented by a dramatic wood canopy bed crown. The changing station maintains the room's elegant theme, featuring calming neutral tones. Key elements in this area include an antique silver dresser and a set of framed art. The design incorporates subtle metallic accents to introduce a touch of glamour, consistent with the rest of Arielle Charnas's home. These details include a Venetian cut-glass mirror and crystal floor lamps, which contribute to the room's refined ambiance without overpowering the serene nursery setting. Comfort and practicality are also evident in the nursery's furnishings. A sumptuous slipcovered swivel glider provides a cozy spot for parent and baby, while a Parisian side table is positioned nearby, ideal for holding bedtime stories as Ruby grows. The room's windows are fitted with chic Belgian linen Roman shades, designed to ensure optimal darkness for naps. A small, pink sweater hanging from the dresser adds a personal and tender touch to the decor, highlighting the baby's presence in the thoughtfully designed space. The article invites readers to view more inspiring photos of the nursery and baby Ruby on the Something Navy blog. #NurseryDesign #BabyRoom #InteriorDecor #SomethingNavy #RHBabyAndChild #GlamourousNursery #ModernDesign #NeutralPalette #ArielleCharnas

This article explores the evolving trends in nursery design for 2025, highlighting how interior designers are approaching these spaces with increased attention to detail and sophistication, aligning them more closely with the aesthetic of other rooms in a home. Historically, nurseries often received less design focus due to the rapid growth of children, but a new perspective suggests these rooms deserve as much, if not more, thoughtful consideration. The featured trends move away from traditional overstuffed plushies and floral chandeliers, emphasizing more original and unexpected design solutions. One significant trend is gender neutrality, offering a versatile aesthetic that does not commit to traditional pink or blue palettes. This approach is particularly useful for parents who opt not to know the baby's gender in advance. Designers achieve gender-neutral spaces by layering textures and patterns in soft, subtle ways and selecting durable, adaptable elements like rugs that can transition with the child over time and effectively hide stains. Sustainable materials are another prominent trend, with designers increasingly incorporating eco-conscious choices. This includes sourcing Greenguard-certified furniture, such as cribs, and selecting items with low VOC (volatile organic compound) off-gassing. The emphasis is on creating a toxin-free environment, prioritizing both aesthetic appeal and the child's well-being. Functionality remains a core principle, with sustainable choices becoming the norm rather than the exception in children's rooms. Monochromatic palettes are also gaining traction, offering a cozy and cocoon-like atmosphere for newborns. This design choice, while often bold in other contexts, provides a serene and calming environment essential for infants, creating a comforting space through tonal aesthetics. Chinoiserie, a decorative style characterized by European interpretations of East Asian artistic traditions, is being used to create elegant nurseries that integrate seamlessly with the overall home aesthetic. Designers are applying sophisticated chinoiserie wall coverings to wood panels and layering them on blush walls for tonal compositions. This approach creates a sweet and youthful backdrop that can evolve with the child, adapting as furniture changes to suit older children or young adults. Playful patterns in neutral tones are favored to create calm and serene environments, preventing sensory overload for newborns and infants. Designers are selecting whimsical patterns but grounding them in neutral color palettes. This strategy allows for the introduction of brighter accents, such as orange side tables or green prints, while maintaining an overall relaxing and calming feel through the use of neutral wallpapers and rugs. Custom valances are being introduced as elegant focal points, particularly in nurseries lacking numerous windows. These elements, typically found in primary bedrooms, are used to create a soft, feminine anchor for the crib, adding a sense of grandeur and architecture. Custom valances are designed to be adaptable, seamlessly evolving as the crib is replaced with a twin bed, making them a long-lasting design investment. Finally, touchably soft textures, such as shearling, are becoming popular choices for nurseries. Shearling chairs, known for their visual harmony and comfort, are practical for parents during long, sleepless nights. The material's durability also makes it suitable for children's rooms, as it can withstand pulling, staining, and general wear and tear, offering both comfort and resilience. These trends collectively emphasize creating nurseries that are stylish, functional, sustainable, and capable of evolving with the child's needs. #NurseryDesign #InteriorTrends #GenderNeutralNursery #SustainableDesign #MonochromaticPalette #ChinoiserieDecor #PlayfulPatterns #CustomValances #SoftTextures

This article details a nursery makeover project led by Sassy Mama, aimed at helping expectant parents design a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for their baby. The project involved a collaboration with several Singapore-based brands and an interior design expert, Melisa White, who specializes in children's spaces. The focus was on creating a serene, playful, and stylish nursery that could evolve with the child's age, incorporating elements that would remain relevant from infancy through teenage years. The design process began with understanding the expectant mother's style preferences, which included a love for bold colors. Melisa White proposed adding metallic, botanical, and organic elements to enhance the room's coziness. The chosen color palette featured soft florals, gold accents, and muted hues to create a dramatic yet cohesive and harmonious look. The key was to make a statement while maintaining a calm and restful environment for the baby. One of the primary design elements was the wallpaper from Wall Catalog, which featured a Scandinavian floral print in muted yellows, greens, pinks, and blues. This bold print was intended to make a significant impression while being soft enough for a nursery. The large-scale floral and foliage pattern set the room's tone, with other walls kept neutral to balance the design. The choice of a versatile print ensures that the room can transition from a baby's nursery to a teenager's space. For furniture, the FLEXA Play Baby Cot was selected for its versatility, converting from a baby cot to a toddler bed, suitable for ages 0-3 years. The cot's rounded organic details and wooden legs complemented the room's other wooden elements. FLEXA, a Danish brand, is known for its high-quality, contemporary Scandinavian designs that prioritize safety and a stimulating environment, offering long-lasting materials for their cots. The nursing chair and side table from Mulamu were chosen to complement the wallpaper and serve as accent pieces. The modern lounge chair, upholstered in 'Golden Rod' fabric, was selected for its comfort, ease of cleaning, and stylish appearance, adding a pop of color and balancing the room. Melisa emphasized selecting a nursing chair that could serve multiple purposes as the child grows, such as reading or studying. The solid round side table, also from Mulamu, was highlighted for its stability and versatility. Kids Haven provided a floating bookshelf, soft toys, and a handcrafted bunny print. The bookshelf was designed to be low enough for a toddler to access, mounted off the floor to create an illusion of space, and safe from tipping. The handcrafted bunny print and crocheted bunny and deer soft toys added charming decorative touches. Kids Haven is noted as Singapore's largest children's furniture store, offering a wide range of products from beds to decorative knick-knacks. To complete the room, a handmade jute rug from Ruby Slipper was chosen for its natural fibers, durability, and ability to anchor the space. The rug's soft strands of gold metallic thread added texture and visual interest. Ruby Slipper is known for its custom, handmade rugs, which also support local artisans in rural India. Samantha Ong of Girl in Paperland created a custom-made, personalized keepsake print with a framed quote, designed to coordinate perfectly with the nursery's theme and wooden elements. Cuckoo Little Lifestyle Store supplied various small decorative items, including a floral cushion, a bohemian birdcage, sculptured metallic 'LOVE' wall art, a hanging toy swing, building blocks, a soft padded quilt, and folding crates for storage. These items contributed to the room's boho-chic aesthetic and practical organization. Finally, NODUMS BARCELONA, found at AC Collective, created a personalized Singapore Skyline artwork. This modern and sophisticated piece added a local touch without being overly kitsch, fitting handsomely into the room's overall design. The AC Collective is described as a multi-label boutique featuring creative designers. The comprehensive makeover transformed the room into a beautiful and functional nursery, demonstrating how strategic design choices and collaborations can create an inspiring space for both parents and children. #NurseryDecor #BabyRoom #InteriorDesign #HomeMakeover #SingaporeDesign #ChildrensFurniture #WallpaperDesign #ScandinavianStyle

This article details the transformation of a formerly plain, white office wall into a vibrant and functional nursery accent wall. Annika Elbracht, the homeowner, aimed to personalize the space for her baby boy, moving away from the existing bland white wallpaper. The project's initial phase involved removing the old baseboards and wallpaper, followed by meticulous preparation of the wall surface. Annika carefully patched and smoothed all uneven areas and holes, ensuring a flawless foundation for the upcoming decorative elements. This crucial step established a clean, flat canvas, essential for the aesthetic outcome of the project. The next stage of the renovation focused on applying new wallpaper to the upper portion of the wall. Annika selected a geometric design with a freehand aesthetic, sourced from Coloray Decor, to add visual interest and a playful touch to the nursery. She emphasized the benefit of having at least two people for wallpaper installation, noting the increased ease and efficiency. Following the wallpaper application, the lower section of the wall was fitted with wood pieces to create a board-and-batten wainscoting effect. This was achieved primarily using adhesive, with additional nails providing extra security where necessary. The wood pieces were then meticulously caulked to fill any gaps and sanded smooth, preparing them for painting. The final decorative touch involved painting the newly installed board-and-batten wainscoting. A light blue-green paint color was chosen, which effectively highlighted the architectural detail and complemented the geometric wallpaper above. This color choice added a sense of calm and freshness to the room, perfectly aligning with a nursery setting. Annika estimated the entire project, including material costs, to be approximately 90 Euros and required about seven hours of labor, with a significant portion dedicated to the preparatory work. She expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, particularly appreciating the harmonious combination of the patterned wallpaper and the colored wood paneling, which she described as a "perfect match." This DIY project successfully converted a generic wall into a unique and charming feature for the nursery. #NurseryDesign #DIYProject #BoardAndBatten #WallpaperAccentWall #HomeRenovation #ScandinavianStyle #BeforeAndAfter #HomeDecor #ChildrensRoom

This article showcases ten exceptional nursery designs from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child's latest Spring collection, highlighting spaces that transcend basic functionality to offer sophisticated and imaginative environments for infants. The featured nurseries span a range of styles, from glamorous and chic to traditional and whimsical, each carefully curated with high-end furniture and decorative elements. The first nursery is a soft, glamorous space for a baby girl, featuring the Vienne Crib with mirrored sides and a Soho Crystal Chandelier, creating an elegant and light-filled atmosphere. Following this, a Chic Parisienne Nursery is presented, characterized by the French Script Grand Wall Canvas Tapestry, which adds an eclectic yet eye-catching focal point. Another design, titled 'Up, Up, and Away,' centers around a whitewashed aesthetic, where a Hot Air Balloon Crystal Pendant serves as a whimsical and uplifting element. For a truly regal touch, a 'Room Fit For Royalty' is detailed, showcasing a Gilt Canopy Bed Crown and an Adelaide Armoire, designed to create a special space for a baby girl. A sophisticated, old-world space suitable for either a boy or girl features a Vintage Wooden Carousel Horse and 18th-century English sheet music as decorative elements, introducing maturity and historical charm. A posh, neutral nursery is inspired by Louis XV antiques, featuring the upholstered Colette Crib, offering a sumptuous and versatile design. The article also presents a temptingly traditional gender-neutral nursery, defined by the French Directoire style Jourdan Crib and its coordinating Armoire, providing both structure and softness. A 'gentle jungle' themed nursery incorporates Papier-Mâché Animal Heads and a distressed wood Etienne Chandelier, striking a balance between chic design and child-friendliness. A 'Whale's Tale' nursery uses a Scientific Whale Tapestry as a statement art piece, complementing the curves of a Roll Arm Rocker. Finally, the 'Star Is Born' nursery channels a refined Old Hollywood aesthetic with the Belle Upholstered Crib in Antique Grey Mist and an 18th-century Venetian Cut-Glass Mirror. Each nursery design is presented with specific product mentions and their respective price points, offering readers a glimpse into the luxurious options available from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child. The article emphasizes the brand's ability to create nurseries that are not merely functional but also visually stunning and unique, catering to parents seeking elevated and distinctive environments for their children. #NurseryDesign #BabyRoomDecor #RestorationHardwareBabyAndChild #LuxuryNursery #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ChildRoomDesign #GlamNursery #GenderNeutralNursery

The author reminisces about her earliest memory, a blueberry-patterned wallpaper in her childhood nursery, and notes a personal inclination toward exuberantly patterned wallpapers in her current home. She reflects on how decorating a baby's first room, like many parenting decisions, provides an illusion of control and an opportunity to project hopes and aesthetic values. Jeffrey Bilhuber, an ELLE Decor A-List designer and parent, suggests that while a nursery's decor primarily matters to parents, it can still provide sophistication and sweetness rather than being a separate, overly sentimental realm. Charles Curkin, an editor at ELLE Decor, echoes this sentiment, detailing his experience designing his daughter Nell's nursery. He chose a print of Karel Appel’s _Clown d’Amsterdam_, the same artwork his father had displayed above his crib, attributing his love for the CoBrA art movement to this early exposure. Designer Matilda Goad shares her own vivid childhood memories of a chintz-filled cottage, including a ceiling covered in wallpaper. For her daughter, Domino Dakota, Goad created a nursery blending nostalgic elements with practical innovations, such as a bookshelf that cleverly converts into a changing table. When planning her son Hal's nursery, the author aimed for a streamlined design, drawing inspiration from vintage Airstream interiors and Deco utility apartments with their sleek built-ins, partly hoping to keep the space compact. She even designed a changing table reminiscent of a Murphy bed for efficiency. Ultimately, her desire to create a magical space for her son led her to wallpaper. She selected a reissued 1930s print from Bradbury & Bradbury, featuring a shepherdess, a sinister lamb, a monkey, and giant mosquitoes, a design far from neutral and purportedly 3D. Despite initial doubts about the boldness of the choice after installation in February, the nursery transformed into a sanctuary following the onset of COVID-19. Before Hal's birth in early April, she spent hours in the room, finding solace there. She acknowledges that the reality of parenting a newborn often deviates from initial plans; the innovative changing table is rarely used, and the idea of neatly tucking the baby away is far from practice. The author also notes that the nursery's completion might be a continuous process, a lesson in itself. Nevertheless, every time Hal is placed in his room and sees the whimsical wallpaper figures, he responds with a wide, knowing smile, conveying a sense of safety. This sense of security for her child, she concludes, is all she could have wished for. #NurseryDesign #Wallpaper #InteriorDesign #Parenting #HomeDecor #BabyRoom #AestheticChoices #PersonalizedSpace

Creating a calm nursery for both the baby and the caregiver is essential for fostering a peaceful environment. Architect Merilee Meacock, a partner at KSS Architects, emphasizes prioritizing the caregiver's comfort, as a relaxed parent contributes to a calm baby. The nursery should function as a supportive space for parents, with design choices that enhance well-being. Meacock suggests several key elements for a calm nursery. A room with an outside view helps caregivers feel connected to the world, while natural light aids in synchronizing the baby's circadian rhythms. Blackout curtains or wood blinds can be used to control light during naptime. Choosing a smaller room size is recommended, as coziness can be nurturing for both parent and child. For the interior, soft textures, comfortable and ergonomic furniture, and natural materials like wood and wool are preferred. A 2007 study in the Journal of Wood Science indicated that wood promotes restorative and tranquil feelings, and rooms featuring natural wood have been shown to lower pulse rates. Wood's warmth to the touch also adds to its soothing qualities. Ergonomic furniture is crucial for parents who will spend significant time in the nursery in similar positions. Meacock highlights the importance of a changing table configured at the right height and a nursing chair that provides ample back support to ensure lasting comfort. Drawing from her experience designing environments for children with special needs, Meacock notes that cozy nooks are more calming than large, open spaces, a consideration that can guide room selection. Simplicity and an uncluttered environment are also paramount. Meacock recounts her own nursery, a small 8x8 room with an angled eave, which naturally limited the amount of furniture and toys it could hold. This minimalist approach created a "safe cocoon with few stimuli." She advises against excessive word decals or stacks of objects, promoting a spare and uncluttered feel. The few objects included should have a sensory element, such as books with crunchy plastic, a mock aquarium, or high-contrast toys, as babies typically see in black and white with a dash of red until about six months old. Simple patterns are preferred over complex ones. For further guidance on integrating natural materials and sensory experiences, Meacock recommends Terrapin Bright Green’s "14 Patterns of Biophilic Design," a report detailing design choices that support human health and well-being. Beyond decor and design, routine plays a significant role in creating a calm environment. Nadia Galloway, creator of Pillow Sheets, stresses the importance of a consistent bedtime schedule. Babies and children thrive on routine, which provides a sense of security and comfort. This includes repeating the same lullaby and following bath time with a beloved book each night. Ultimately, the philosophy is that a calm parent leads to a calm baby, making the caregiver's peace of mind a central component of nursery design. #CalmNursery #BabyCare #NurseryDesign #ParentingTips #BiophilicDesign #ChildDevelopment #NaturalMaterials #ErgonomicFurniture #RoutineBuilding