Whim·si·cal 

adjective

Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. 

You want a nursery that’s quirky, lighthearted, and playful. One that’s not too serious, and is full of personality and character. The great news about designing a whimsical nursery space is that if you approach it with the right mindset, you can’t go wrong. The main idea is to have fun, go with the flow, and delight in the unknown. If you’re not sure where to start, there are some general guidelines you can follow. Here are five tips for designing a wonderfully whimsical nursery. 

1. Embrace the unexpected. Whimsical = on a whim. What does that mean in terms of nursery design? Don’t overthink it. If a decor idea speaks to you in the spur of the moment, embrace it. Reach for pieces and accessories that stand out to you, and don’t be too concerned with whether they “match.” A truly whimsical space will draw from a few different design styles and inspirations, so don’t follow a specific formula or any rigid rules — simply piece your space together as you go, using unique items that you genuinely love.  

Featuring: Bondi Crib in Honey

2. Don’t shy away from color. If you want a whimsical space, a subdued neutral palette isn’t necessarily for you. But colorful doesn’t have to mean using every color of the rainbow, either. As long as you incorporate a few different hues, you’ll be right on track. Rather than a simple wooden crib and a standard beige chair, look for more playful pieces like the Bondi Cane Crib in Forest Green and the Madison Swivel Glider in Velvet Checker. Both are vibrant without being overpowering, and are just one example of an unexpected combination that can create a whimsical feel.

Featuring: Bondi Cane Crib in Forest Green | Bondi 6-Drawer Dresser in Forest Green

3. Mix prints and patterns. Bright florals, woodland scenes, abstract designs, geometric patterns — all of these can be whimsical, especially when you layer two together in a space. The key is to look for contrasting prints that still blend nicely. One potential approach? Choose one statement print, and one subtle print to bring into your space. Maybe that means mixing bright botanical wallpaper with a neutral gingham chair, or subdued floral curtains and a bold checkerboard rug. You can also play with bedding in prints like Golden Hour and Terracotta Rainbow. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your combinations. 

Featuring: Golden Hour Muslin Crib Sheet & California Quilt

4. Play with different shapes. From sunburst to scalloped, playful shapes that make you look twice are a great way to bring some whimsy to your nursery room. Look for sculptural light fixtures, wavy wall mirrors, and even items as small as funky flower vases or candlestick holders. Even the most standard furniture pieces can come in unique shapes and sizes, it’s just a matter of expanding your search and being open to all the possibilities. 

Photo credit: @lilybchapman | Featuring: Arc Recliner in Ivory Boucle, Enoki Storage Ottoman in Ivory Boucle, Lolly 6-Drawer Dresser in White & Natural

5. Pepper in your personality. Whimsical design is all about bringing character and personality to a space. Think about some of your favorite motifs (or those you associate with your little one), and use them to add your unique signature to the decor. This can be anything from a specific animal, to a type of flower, to a favorite fruit. The most important thing is that it brings a smile to your face, connects you to the design, and makes your nursery just as unique as you and your little one.

Photo credit: @Julialang | Featuring: Yuzu 6-Drawer Dresser in Natural Walnut