Design trends come and go — and then they come back again. You want to style a nursery that draws on the past, but still feels current. A space that incorporates fresh takes on classic styles, and is centered around a few time-tested pieces. Here are three decor elements to include when designing a modern nursery with a retro feel, and creating a homey haven you and your little one will love.
1. Warm woods. From walnut to chestnut and beyond, warm woods are a hallmark of retro-inspired design. They’re inviting, balanced, and not overly neutral or bold — blending well with many different accent colors. The easiest way to incorporate these wood tones into your nursery is through your crib and dresser combo. Look for pieces like the Palma 4-in-1 Crib in Natural Walnut and Palma 7-Drawer Dresser in Natural Walnut, or the Sprout 4-in-1 Crib in Chestnut / Natural and Sprout 6-Drawer Dresser in Chestnut / Natural. Essentials like these combine clean-lined, updated silhouettes with nostalgic wood tones — creating a dynamic look where old meets new.
Featuring: Palma 4-in-1 Crib in Natural Walnut
2. Playful prints. You’ve got your versatile, understated centerpieces. Now it’s time to have some fun. Geometric wallpaper, patterned area rugs, and abstract art pieces can all bring playful prints into your design, allowing you to decide how bold you want to be. While tried-and-true patterns like checkerboard, gingham, and argyle can all help create that retro feel, they’re nowhere near the only options. One tip? Think back to prints that may have been present in your own nursery, and seek out some updated versions of them. A chair like the Madison Glider in Velvet Checker can be the perfect patterned statement piece, or you can go smaller-scale with bedding. Our Golden Hour, Terrazzo, and Terracotta Rainbow prints all play well with warm woods, while incorporating some distinctly retro hues.
Featuring: Madison Glider in Ivory Velvet Checker
3. Pops of color. Earthy brown, teal blue, burnt orange, mustard yellow. These are some classic retro, mid-century colors — and they just so happen to contribute to a warm, inviting, and gender-neutral nursery design. Sprinkle hues like these throughout your space, turning to items like an orange accent lamp, teal throw pillow, or warm brown window treatment. Upholstered seating can also provide a welcome pop of color. Chairs like the Poe Channeled Swivel Glider in Rust Velvet or the Kai Rocker in Performance Dijon Eco-Twill will tie retro colors into your nursery without overpowering it. The end goal? Putting all these elements together to create a space for your little one that’s fun, cozy, and feels like home.
Featuring: Poe Channeled Swivel Glider in Rust Velvet
