18 Sweet Nurseries That Emphasize Form and Function Over Gender

When it comes to designing a nursery, regardless of the baby's gender, the goal remains the same: to create a comfortable, calming, and playful space for your newborn to dream, rest, grow, and play. So why approach the decorating process within the limiting, gendered framework of pink and blue? Admittedly, when you're searching for baby room design inspiration, it doesn't take long to see that the market is saturated with these binary modes of thinking and decorating for babies. To open up the space and emphasize pretty, cozy, cute, and unique bedroom design for children, we're spotlighting designer-approved gender-neutral nurseries. The only rule to gender-neutral decorating is that there are no rules! It's all about self expression, right? Right. So throw out those categories and expectations and have some fun with your little one. Whether you aren't planning on finding out the baby's gender in time for the decorating process or you want to create an open, fluid environment for them to explore their identity and interests, these are sure to set the right foundation for sweet dreams.

This nursery designed by Jean Liu is a masterclass in unique and unexpected (yet still neutral) color schemes. Pastel mint green walls, curtains, and bedding keep things crisp and fresh and match nicely with the gray accents, while the pale olive green crib speaks to the warmer camel and creams tones throughout.

It's not surprise that children love places where their imaginations can run wild. Here, interior designer Amy Berry wrapped this room in a mural of the Virginia countryside. "I thought of it as: How will they remember this when they grow up?" she says. Plus, it'll outlast those earlier crib-dwelling days and even look cool for a teenager.

Use a contemporary wallpaper with a metallic sheen for a dreamy. ethereal feel. In this nursery designed by White Arrow, the abstract Calico Wallpaper will still add some beauty and style no matter how the space is used in the future.

Honor the architectural integrity of the space by choosing complementary furniture. For example, here, Reath Design embraced the groovy 1970s vibe of the dark wood–paneled walls and shag carpet with a clean-lined, midcentury-inspired crib, floor lamp, and sofa. The fun floral prints throughout are both nursery and '70s-friendly while the cloud decals on the ceiling add a dreamy touch up top.

Take a Scandinavian approach with a blond minimalist wood crib, bohemian woven pendant, and modern, playful children's furniture, like an animal-shaped stool.

Soft, cozy materials? Check. Timeless furniture? Check. Bows? Check. This nursery designed by MA Allen strikes the perfect balance between child-friendly and bold. The bright red and deep blue accents spice up the cream foundation. We're loving unexpected the pops of green, too. Instead of super-sweet, baby-specific artwork, opt for playful but versatile photography, like this California snapshot.

Stephanie Woodmansee, co-founder of Henry & Co. Design,
says she "really wanted a yellow nursery [and] didn't want it to feel so 'boy' or 'girl.'" With a sunny yellow base and splashes of light green, blue, and red throughout, this bedroom definitely fits the bill.

Instill a sense of wonder and exploration early on with educational wall art (like maps) and storied collectables, like antique trunks that double a storage units. The bonus? Since storage is one thing you know you'll always need, they'll last and age with your child. In this child's room designed by Starrett Zenko Ringbom, the timeless pieces—like the ottoman and floor lamp—give the room a refined edge that will age well. And those stacked antique trunks bring in both character and extra storage for toys.

Designed by Steven Sclaroff, the green background of the wallpaper feels youthful thanks to the whimsical pattern, and the orange-red carpet adds a surge of energy. The classic armchair and dresser are also going to deliver function and style to the family home for years to come.

Who says gender neutral nurseries can't also boast traditional decor? A sweet shade of blue, along with whimsical patterns, and delicate furniture is a go-to for a reason. Amy Berry incorporated a chaise and rocking chair for reading and brought the room to life with a classic toile wallpaper and framed botanical prints. It's a lovely place for any baby to grow.

Orange is such an underrated nursery color. In this one designed by ETC.era, the bold rug sets the tone for an energizing, fun, and sweet space. Keep things soft and cozy with a warm cream as opposed to a cool white. And how could we not mention that awesome monkey pendant?

A well-organized nursery will ensure a soothing setting for both baby and parents. Keep clutter to a minimum and essentials easy to find and grab with labeled containers in open cabinets. Then add some fanciful twists with playful neutral-hued wallpaper and metallic accents, like the silver pouf designer Jean Liu opted for here.

Balance out some bright neons with calming cool blue-grays. Here, Mia Jung of Ike Kligerman Barkley chose a silvery plush carpet and matching wall color to offset the spirited accent wall that's sure to inspire pleasant dreams.

MA Allen Interiors' client wanted a room that would empower her two-year-old grandchild "to grow and pursue anything under the sun," so the North Carolina designer built in magical surprises to promote discovery and wonder. Basically it's a dream play space. To keep toys out the way, open shelves with baskets come in handy. For a similar effect, create smart seating and storage in your kids' playroom by turning two bookcases on their sides and adding cushions on top.

Just because it's a nursery doesn't mean it needs to be super whimsical and soft. Studio DB chose a more angular approach with a graphic wall mural and modern geometric mobile. The colorful details and layers of shapes make it appropriately playful for a nursery.

What better place to look for nursery inspiration then a retro circus? Hang a little tent-like canopy over a daybed, opt for red and cream striped textiles, and pile on some throw and bolster pillows. Then pack in the animal motifs. Today, the daybed can be used as a comfy place for late-night feedings, but one day it'll be a big-kid bed—stylish, ageless, multi-purpose furniture is always a good investment.

Contained by gold-leaf borders, the flowers climbing up the walls of designer Marie Flanigan's newborn's room are actually mural wallpaper. Keep it super simple and fresh with all-white bedding but then add some fun with a rainbow wall mural.

In this baby's room designed by Tamsin Johnson, the timeless pieces—like the ottoman and chair set, framed photographs, and traditional dresser—give the room a refined edge that will age well. To balance it out, she chose a whimsical pendant light. Plus, it draws your eye up (where the baby will be looking from their crib) and is an unexpected twist on the space.