In this article
There are few things in parenthood (or life in general) that are within our control. Thankfully, creating a peaceful space for our little one is a great way to feel more prepared for motherhood, as well as channel all your urges to nest while pregnant.
While there are endless possibilities when it comes to planning a themed nursery, one of our favorite ideas is a nature-themed nursery. A nature-themed nursery can be whimsical, rustic, earthy — or all of the above! Whether you want your child’s room to be gender neutral, you’re working with a tiny space, or you’re just looking for a look that’s timeless, you can’t go wrong when you look to nature for inspiration. Here are 8 tips on how to design the nature-themed nursery of your dreams!
Why choose a nature-themed nursery?
Nature-themed nurseries make for a calming, happy atmosphere. While many parents tend to choose nursery colors according to the gender of their child (pink for girls, blue for boys), there’s actually a science behind selecting colors for your home — and it’s especially important in a baby’s room. This is because color can have a significant impact on moods and behaviors, including quality of sleep, concentration, and attitude.
Green, the color most commonly associated with nature, is one of the best colors to choose for a baby’s nursery, according to Lee Chambers, a psychologist and wellbeing consultant. “With its connotations to growth and the outdoors, [green] takes some of the happiness from yellow and some of the calming of blue," Chambers said in a survey conducted by Home Edit and reported by The Daily Mail. "It promotes concentration and soothes the mind, but it doesn’t motivate or inspire energy or communication.”
Types of nature themes
Choosing “nature” as your nursery theme is a great start but where do you go from there? After all, there are so many different directions you can go in. We’ve narrowed down the four most popular ways to bring a nature-themed nursery to life.
1. Rustic retreat
If you’re someone whose idea of a vacation is retreating to a cabin in the woods, complete with stargazing and open fires, a rustic nursery could be the way to go. By incorporating shades of brown, wood accents, and textured elements, you can easily transform a nursery into your very own hideaway.
2. Whimsical haven
For parents looking to create a magical, more playful atmosphere for their baby, a whimsical nursery is always a lot of fun. Think twinkling stars and fairy lights, coupled with rich, vibrant colors and unexpected details. How over-the-top you take this theme is up to you, but giving your baby a lot to look at is actually a good thing!
According to How To Have A Smarter Baby, written by Susan Ludington-Hoe and Susan K. Golant, “Babies who are stimulated by their environments reach developmental milestones faster; have better coordination and a more secure self image.”
3. Animal-inspired
Long before a child is old enough to name their favorite animal, many parents choose one that they come to associate with their baby. For instance, some will gift their little one with an elephant lovey or throw a monkey-themed baby shower. If there’s an animal that you associate in your mind with your baby, why not make that your theme? If not, here are a few popular ideas:
- Fawn
- Giraffes
- Bears
- Elephants
- Monkeys
- Lambs
- Bunnies
- Owls
- Foxes
4. Botanical sanctuary
Get back to basics and fully embrace nature with a botanical nursery oasis! By incorporating lush shades of green, real (or faux) plants, and dreamy prints, you can easily create an inspiring yet calming environment for your little one to play and sleep.
How to create a nature-themed nursery on a budget
If you’re worrying about how to create a nature-themed nursery without breaking the bank, rest assured it’s easier than you think to save money.
Shop second hand
Nowadays there are lots of great ways to shop second hand. From garage sales to Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, you can often find gently used (and much less expensive) versions of the furniture you want. Stay open and flexible while keeping in mind the aesthetic you’re looking for. And don’t forget to haggle!
DIY
• Repurpose what you have. Have some old hand-me-down furniture you’re not crazy about? Before putting it to the curb, consider painting or restaining it and swapping out the hardware.
• Skip the expensive wallpaper and opt for less expensive paint. If you really want to save, you could keep three walls neutral and paint one accent wall. A little bit of paint can go a long way, trust.
• Utilize Pinterest and Instagram by following DIY accounts who can show you step-by-step how to recreate expensive updates for a fraction of the cost. Like Lindsay of Frills and Drills, a stay-at-home mom turned influencer who is known for low-cost makeovers like her no-sew IKEA curtain hack.
Keep it simple
When in doubt, scale back. Remember, all your baby really needs is you. A beautiful nursery is lovely, but there’s no need to stress or stretch your budget.
“It was important for me to create a peaceful and somewhat earthy space for my daughter, but I was also on a budget at the time," mom Amanda Ruller told Mom.com. "So we painted the walls green, added some accent decor, and kept it simple. It’s not over-the-top and it may not be 'Pinterest-worthy' to some, but it's a serene space that's all her own and we love it."
