From choosing soothing colour palettes that grow with your child, to selecting clever storage solutions that keep chaos at bay, the right design choices can make or break your plans for the perfect nursery. We spoke to mum of two and interior designer Kathryn Lea Barnes from The Curated Edit on the best way to approach the design and decor to create one of the most beloved rooms in your home.
“Designing a nursery is one of those exciting things you dream about during pregnancy. But once the baby arrives, you quickly realise that beautiful doesn’t always mean practical. I’ve found the best nurseries are those that feel calm, look great, and actually make life easier. If it’s a space you love, then those hours spent there in the early days are even more enjoyable. Here are five tips I wish every parent knew before setting up their nursery.”
1. Choose furniture that grows with your baby
“Babies grow fast, and their needs change just as quickly. That’s why I always recommend starting with flexible, future-proof pieces when designing a nursery.
One standout is the Bold Baby cot, which is a highly practical statement piece. Not only does it convert from a newborn suitable cot into a toddler bed, but it also features interchangeable coloured side panels, so you can update the look of your space without replacing the whole cot. Whether you’re refreshing the room for a second baby or just want a new colour scheme, this simple detail makes a big difference and means you’re buying high-quality once. Bold Baby cot is all about colour and personality, and being able to customise its look to suit your style.
To complement it, I always suggest using a dresser with a removable change table top. These are widely available and make so much sense; they double as your main change station in the early months, and once you’re out of the nappy phase, the topper lifts off and you’re left with a classic chest of drawers that fits anywhere in the home. Starting with pieces like these means your nursery isn’t just cute for a few months, it’s a space that adapts, evolves and grows with your child (and your style).”
2. Plan the room layout for nighttime ease
“This is one I always come back to. You want a space that feels good at 2 am, not just in daylight. Make sure everything is within arm’s reach – nappies, wipes, wraps, and a fresh sleep suit. Have a chair that’s genuinely comfortable for feeding and has good arm support (trust me, your back will thank you). If it rocks, that’s a bonus!
Soft lighting nearby you can adjust at arm’s length and won’t keep your baby awake. Think about how you move through the space when you’re half-asleep, and set it up for that.”
“It’s important too that your nursery space reflects your own individual style.”
3. Use layered lighting to support sleep
“Lighting isn’t just about style; it sets the mood for both you and your baby. During night feeds, I found that a dimmable lamp made all the difference. It was enough light to see what I was doing without waking everyone up. Once the baby is no longer a newborn, they become very sensitive to light, so the darker the room, the better for naps. I recommend a cassette blackout blind that is fitted to your window, paired with blackout/sheer curtains in front of it. Keep the window finishes neutral so you can adapt the room as the child grows.”
4. Choose a colourful, yet soft palette
“If you’re like me, you want the nursery to be colourful, inviting, but not too over-stimulating. You don’t need loud colours or big themes to make a nursery feel special. Thoughtful and fun use of colour and pattern within the space means you’re creating a room that both the child and the parents find enjoyable.”
5. Invest in timeless pieces
“One of the best choices you can make when setting up a nursery is to focus on pieces that will last beyond the baby months. A beautiful armchair, a quality rug that complements your colour palette, a bookcase, the right cot-to-bed combo. These are all items that can work just as well in a toddler room, playroom, or even another part of your home. Avoiding overly themed or baby-specific furniture and decor means you won’t need to start from scratch every time your child’s needs or interests shift.
For personality and fun, I love using removable wall decals or stickers. They’re a brilliant way to bring in a playful element without locking yourself into a permanent look. Whether it’s rainbows, trees, animals or geometric shapes, decals add that super fun touch while still being easy to peel off and replace later on.
As your child grows or their style changes, you want to be able to easily update the space with minimal effort. This is the perfect way to keep the room evolving, without compromising on the timeless base you’ve created.
Designing a nursery should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Start with what makes life easier for you and build in the beauty from there. If you’re stuck, don’t stress; you don’t have to get it all perfect. A little warmth, a little thought, and some clever pieces can go a long way.”
The Edit: Kathryn’s picks to shop for a calm, chic nursery
Customisable cot,
$1299, Bold Baby
Jamie Green Wiggle bordered washable rug, 180x200cm,
$199, Miss Amara
Atticus Forest Velvet Armchair
$999, Adairs
Small bassinet waterproof fitted sheet in Pink Gingham$49.95 $39.96, Organic Peach
100% organic cotton blanket in Flairy Floss & Fern,$119.95 $95.96, Organic Peach
The Mixer in sage,
$699, Mustard Made
Vintage washed linen check floor cushion,
$99.99, Adairs
Scandi Stripes wallpaper in Sage Green,
$5.95/sq ft, Happy Wall
