Hi friends! It’s Courtney (Melissa’s daughter). I’m excited to share the design mood board I created for our baby boy’s nursery.
If you’re new here or catching up, my husband and I got married in July 2022 and are expecting our first baby on February 14 (Valentine’s Day!). This summer we moved from a small apartment into a rental townhouse with more space to prepare for our little one.
Here’s a photo of the nursery before we moved in. The little window seat is my favorite part!
There’s a lot to do before the room is complete, but I wanted to share the design plan and inspiration today.
I’m drawn to a cozy Scandinavian aesthetic—neutral backdrops, clean lines, and plenty of texture. Over time my style may shift toward a cottage-transitional mix as we collect pieces and eventually own a home, but for now I’m leaning into a calm, cozy Scandinavian vibe with whimsical touches.
For the nursery I pictured neutral walls and key furnishings with pops of color, pattern, and layered textiles. I didn’t set a strict theme, but I kept returning to nature-inspired elements: sailboats, botanical prints, warm wood tones, and muted coastal colors. We live in a Pacific Northwest coastal city between forest and sea, so those influences felt natural to include.
Below is our design mood board!
I’ll share the mood board sources, why I chose them, and additional elements we’ll include that aren’t pictured.
Cross Baby Quilt
We received this sweet muslin baby quilt at our shower. The tiny cross pattern is even prettier in person and feels cozy and simple—perfect for layering on the window seat or in the crib for photos.
Bunting Banner
I haven’t decided exactly where this bunting will hang—maybe above the crib—but its muted colors add a whimsical, playful touch to the room.
Green “Explore” Pennant Banner Art
This piece felt right for the nursery and echoes the nature-inspired direction we’re taking.
Ikea Sniglar Crib
We chose the Sniglar crib for its simple design, solid beech wood construction, affordability, and ability to convert into a toddler bed. It fits the clean, Scandinavian look I wanted while staying practical and budget-friendly.
Wood and Crochet Mobile
We considered making a mobile but decided on a high-quality pre-made option with wooden stars, moon, clouds, and crochet accents. It adds texture and charm and can be personalized with small additions.
Machine-Washable Rug
Even though the room is carpeted, a patterned washable rug can define the space and add color while being easy to clean—important in a nursery.
Faux Olive Tree
I’m considering a faux olive tree to bring a touch of greenery into the room without the maintenance of a live plant. I’ll choose the size once the furniture is arranged.
Ikea Ektorp Chair with White Slipcover
We have an Ektorp chair passed down from my mom and a washable white slipcover. While some recommend a glider for nursery use, our chair will create a cozy corner for now and keeps costs down until we decide if an upgrade is necessary.
Wood Accent Stool / Side Table
A small wood stool or side table will sit next to the chair for books, a cup, or nursery essentials. I’ll likely use something we already own but like the look of a simple versatile stool.
Black Floor Lamp
A black metal floor lamp will provide focused light by the chair for late-night feedings and reading while complementing the neutral palette.
Wood Blanket Ladder
I’ll display a few special blankets on a wooden ladder—one is handmade and too sweet to hide away.
Lightweight Curtains
Light, stitched curtains will frame the window seat and we’ll add room-darkening panels where needed for naps and nighttime.
Botanical Art
I plan to use botanical prints to bring subtle color and organic shapes to the walls—calming and timeless choices for a nursery.
Vintage Wicker Elephant Accent
I found a wicker elephant at an antique shop that will be a playful storage accent. I’ll keep an eye out for similar vintage finds to mix with our practical pieces.
Wood Sailboat with Animal Toys
Wooden sailboat toys feel personal to us—sailboats are meaningful in our coastal city and reflect our love of simple, tactile toys.
Watercolor Sailboat Art
I bought a watercolor sailboat print as a housewarming piece and think it will add a splash of color and coastal charm to the nursery.
A sailboat muslin swaddle will be both useful and decorative—too pretty not to be displayed when not in use.
Hemnes Dresser with Wood Knobs
We’re using an existing Hemnes dresser as a changing table and swapping the hardware for unfinished wood knobs to better coordinate with the crib and mobile.
Teddy Bear
One of the first items we bought for baby—soft, simple, and already beloved.
That’s all for now! I hope you enjoyed this peek at our plans. I look forward to sharing the finished nursery when it’s ready.
Would you like more nursery inspiration and baby gift ideas here on The Inspired Room? I’ve loved gathering pieces and will have more recommendations as we continue preparing. Tell me what you’d like to see next!
You can also follow along with me on Instagram for more of my home and life.
Looking for gift ideas for babies, kids, or anyone on your list? Check curated gift guides for more suggestions and inspiration.