6 Hottest Nursery Trends to Look Out for in 2024
One of the biggest to-dos expecting and new parents have to tackle: getting baby’s nursery in order—and the task can be more challenging than it sounds. You’ll need to create a functional space that meets your family’s needs, and one that sets the tone with a comfortable, calming and aesthetically pleasing vibe. And since you’ll be spending a lot of time in this room (in the middle of the night, for example), you want to make sure you like what you see. Whether you’re designing a nursery for a girl or a boy–or going with a gender-neutral theme—you might find inspiration by perusing a few up-and-coming trends and styles. Here, Elizabeth Rees, founder of wallpaper brand Chasing Paper and mom of two, shares her predictions for the hottest nursery trends we can expect to see in 2024 and beyond.
The past couple of years, home palettes have been dominated by muted colors and neutrals. While neutrals will never truly go out of style, Rees says that large murals with pops of color are making a major comeback. Not only can bright colors positively impact baby’s development, but murals also allow parents-to-be to get creative with baby’s new space. “A mural that’s made from a hand-painted or drawn file adds a layer of whimsy that we love for a child’s space,” she adds.
“Flowers and foliage feel like a forever trend, but poppies specifically are having a moment,” Rees says. She loves the playful and cheery nature of this perky flower, and adds that it “aligns with the joyful spirit of nurseries.” Poppy accents can make baby’s nursery more vibrant; consider a bright poppy print for baby’s crib sheets, a throw, rug or even a mural of a big poppy on one of the nursery walls. If you prefer subtlety, you can choose more muted and pastel pinks and oranges. (FYI, Pantone named Peach Fuzz, a charming and delightful hue, as its color of the year.)
“There’s been a big resurgence of Western-themed designs and motifs for kids’ spaces,” notes Rees. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to entrench yourself into cowboy and cowgirl themes for baby’s nursery. Rather, Rees gravitates toward vintage-inspired looks that reflect the American Frontier. You can incorporate this aesthetic into baby’s nursery with “subtle prints and patterns that nod to Americana,” or with “vintage-inspired furniture for a timeless feel.” For example, decorate with darker wood furniture, varying shades of brown, woven wall decor, textured denim and plaid patterns.
Odds are you saw mushrooms everywhere this past holiday season—and there’s no sign that the trend will be slowing down anytime soon. According to Rees, mushrooms represent an affinity for earthy tones and a way to bring the outdoors in. “Soft browns, muted greens and warm grays evoke a natural woodland aesthetic, creating a cozy and grounding atmosphere that complements the mushroom theme,” she says. Some easy ways to include this trend in baby’s nursery? Get mushroom-shaped lamps, printed storage bins, plush toys and wall prints. “These add both whimsy and utility to the room, while contributing to a cohesive and imaginative design,” adds Rees.
According to Rees, layering textures is one of the biggest trends for 2024. “This approach not only adds a dynamic and visually appealing dimension to the nursery, but also encourages sensory stimulation, fostering a nurturing and engaging space for infants to grow and thrive,” she explains. Use silky satins, nubby knits, grasscloth wallpaper, woven baskets and wall decor, plush rugs, boucle pillows and other detailed fabrics.
Celestial imagery (think clouds and stars) is a mainstay when it comes to baby’s nursery decor, but another rising star for 2024 is the silhouette of a city skyline. According to Rees, this creates “a sophisticated and artistic focal point for parents who are seeking an alternative to traditional nursery decor.” Of course, there are tons of ways to incorporate city skylines into baby’s nursery, but one of the most popular (and versatile) options is a wall mural. You can control how colorful it is, how detailed it is and whether it includes other images, like clouds, planes, hot air balloons and more.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Elizabeth Rees is the founder of Chasing Paper. She started the brand in 2012 after creating a removable wallpaper solution for her friend’s New York City office. The company is dedicated to creating simple, achievable designs and transforming everyday spaces, such as apartments, offices and baby nurseries. The brand works with artists to curate unique and sustainably made collections. Rees earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University Bloomington and her master’s degree in global communications from the American University of Paris. She is currently based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
