How To Create a Sophisticated Nursery

I’m starting a new series over on my blog with two cats all about striking the right balance between sophistication and fun to create the perfect space for a child.

While I think it’s important to bring in adult decor into children’s spaces to prevent them from becoming too “cutesy”, I’ve also seen a lot of spaces lately that are going overboard and taking all of the whimsy, life, and fun out of a space that is supposed to be for little ones. (Example 1, Example 2)

After studying some of the best nurseries and kid’s rooms out there I’ve decided that there are three main elements that work together in each to create a great space:

Color Palette
Whimsical Touches
Statement Piece

Each week on with two cats I’m going to share a few spaces that get it just right and talk about how they did it. I thought I’d share the first set here on Spearmint Baby as well. I’ll start with this colorful, yet sophisticated space of Ramya Giangola and Chiara over on THE GLOW:

Color Palette – is one of the biggest things that makes this room read ‘child’. Separately, any of the important items in this room could easily fit into an adult space – the chevron bedspread, the floral rug or the abstract art . Even the chairs are very grown-up looking. None of these pieces necessarily read ‘kid’ on their own, but together the bold color palette created by all of these items makes this space just right for a fun-loving little one.

Whimsical Touches – stuffed animals, toy dinosaurs, and a playful garland all add to the childlike feel of the room

Statement Piece – Without the bold large-scale abstract art, the space would still be playful, but a little too monochromatic. This colors of this piece in combination with the rest of the space really shout, “This room is playful!” And playful = perfect for a child.

Next up is a room created by Palmer Weiss that I found in Lonny Magazine:

Color Palette – The main pieces in this room are very formal – the valanced drapes, upholstered headboards, bolster pillows, and tailored bedding are all very sophisticated and adult. It’s the color palette that really makes this room come to life. Bold oranges and soft pinks rescue what could have quickly become a very stuffy child’s room.

Whimsical Touches - A couple of ruffled pillows, a fun modern pendant and a few childish knick knacks on the dresser/nightstand are all it takes to add a little childish whimsy to the space.

Statement Piece – The stand-out pieces in this room are definitely the two photographs hanging above the beds. In case the color story and childish touches didn’t win you over, these pieces let you know without a doubt that children live here. (And the sunglasses are a great and unexpected touch).

And last (for today), but certainly not least is this beautiful and sophisticated nursery from Samantha Farjo found over on Decor Pad:

Color Palette – This room is mostly neutral, however the pops of springy green in the space help to add life to what would otherwise be a dull color palette for a baby.

Whimsical Touches – The birdcage pendant, stuffed animals, elephant toy, and polka-dot pillow all add those important childish elements to this elegant room.

Statement Piece – The bold botanical wallpaper would look right at home in an adult space, but the spring green colorway and climbing vines pattern add interest and movement to the quiet solids of the rest of the room.

What do you think of the first three rooms? Do you think that they work well as children’s space? What do you think makes them work (or not)?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

P.S. If you’d like to follow along with the entire series, be sure to check out my blog with two cats next week!