Cosy Corners and Big Dreams: Designing the Perfect Nursery

When a little one is about to make their arrival, how do you design the perfect nursery? We asked our resident interior design expert, Megan Doherty from Edward Thomas Interiors for her top tips on the latest trends, themes and must-have essentials for your newborn’s very first home…

Let’s start with the basics. What colours are popular for nurseries right now?

Warm neutrals are a popular choice for nursery design, mirroring wider interior trends. So soothing shades like oatmeal, pebble and sand as well as soft greens such as sage. Not forgetting Cloud Dancer, the Pantone Colour of the Year. Layering any of these with muted pinks, blues or yellows will make a cute, calming room for your new arrival.

Platform Edit: Cosy Corners & Big Dreams

As the warmer weather arrives, what’s your advice for creating indoor/outdoor spaces?

Around windows and French doors, swap curtains for soft voiles to keep the light and visibility to the garden free flowing. Add visual interest to these areas with nature-inspired textures such as rugs, feature wallpaper or artwork. Plants can also bring much joy and a layer of interest to help soften that hard indoor-outdoor barrier. Finally, focus on earthy tones such as rich ochre, sage green and terracotta to create a more natural feel that blends with furniture.

What furniture should a nursery have?

The bare minimum! Being a new parent is chaotic enough, so one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your newborn is a practical design with space to move comfortably. At the very least, you’ll need a crib, nursing chair, changing table and plenty of storage but really, as long as you have somewhere to sleep, store clothes and share a bedtime story, you’re covered!

Good point about storage. Typically, nurseries are the smallest room in the house, do you have any space saving tips?

Try to be clever and considerate with your storage. Look for a cot with a drawer underneath, add shelving above your changing table, use hanging baskets for toys and books. Rattan storage baskets are also incredibly versatile, especially in different configurations and sizes, as they can slot neatly into storage cubes or work as standalone pieces.

What lighting should I consider?

A combination of soft and sensory lighting should be your go-to. Think a warm-toned, gentle ceiling light, paired with a couple of wireless, portable lamps that can be moved around to help with different tasks, and a nightlight. There are some gorgeous designs for these in the shape of clouds, moons and animals that add a cute, playful touch. And finally, don’t overlook your window dressings. Blackout blinds or shutters are a must for daytime naps!

Should I theme the nursery?

Themes are a beautiful way to bring personality into a nursery. We love timeless choices like woodland or farmyard, as well as more modern interpretations such as safari, the night sky, and ditsy florals. If a full theme feels too much, subtle touches such as wall decals, a wallpapered band or even a painted ceiling can create an eye-catching effect without overwhelming the space. The bonus being as your little one grows up, these are easy to remove or repaint!