Nursery goals! 5 designer tips for setting up your baby’s room

Designer tips for creating a nursery that works and wows.

By Kathryn Lea Barnes, Mum of Two & Interior Designer at The Curated Edit

Designing a nursery is one of those dreamy pregnancy projects, but once baby arrives, you quickly realise that “beautiful” doesn’t always mean practical.

After designing spaces for my own children and other mums, I’ve learned that the best nurseries feel calm, look great, and actually make life easier. And just as important: your nursery should reflect your style.

If you love spending time in the room, those early hours with your baby become a little sweeter. Here are five tips I wish every parent knew.

5 designer tips for nursery that’s stylish and functional

1. Choose furniture that grows with your baby

Babies change fast, and your nursery should too. Flexible, future-proof pieces are key.

Take the Bold Baby cot, for example. It converts from a newborn cot into a toddler bed and comes with interchangeable coloured side panels, perfect for refreshing the look without replacing the whole cot.

Pair it with a dresser that has a removable change table top. Use it for nappy changes in the early months, then lift it off to reveal a classic chest of drawers that fits anywhere in your home. Pieces like these keep your nursery stylish and functional for years to come.

2. Plan your layout for nighttime ease

Late-night feeds are easier when everything is within reach – nappies, wipes, wraps, and a fresh sleep suit. Choose a chair that’s genuinely comfortable, with arm support (your back will thank you). If it rocks, bonus!

Keep soft, adjustable lighting nearby, so you can see without waking your baby. Think about how you move through the space half-asleep and design it to work for you.

3. Layer lighting to support sleep

Lighting sets the mood for both baby and parents. A dimmable lamp makes night feeds manageable, while blackout blinds and neutral curtains help your little one nap during the day. Layering light – soft night lamps, adjustable overhead lights, and window treatments – creates a calm environment that grows with your child.

4. Make colour calm and playful

A nursery can be colourful and inviting without being overwhelming. Thoughtful use of colour and pattern keeps the space fun and comforting for both kids and parents. Removable wall decals are perfect for adding personality – they’re playful, peel off easily, and let the room evolve with your child’s tastes.

5. Invest in timeless, adaptable pieces

Choose furniture and décor that lasts beyond the baby stage. A quality armchair, a versatile rug, a bookcase, and a cot-to-bed combo are all items that can work in a toddler room or elsewhere in your home. Avoid overly themed furniture, and you won’t need to start from scratch as your child grows.

Designing a nursery should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Start with practicality, layer in beauty, and choose pieces that grow with your family. A little thought, some clever choices, and your nursery can be both stunning and functional, just like you imagined.

Shop the Bold Baby Customisable Cot, $1299.99 (was $1649.00) at Bold Baby.