Top nursery decor ideas

Expecting a new addition or have a penchant for nesting? We love a little interior design candy ourselves — especially in spaces for the littlest members of the family.

Here are the top nursery trends we’ve been following this year and how to make them work for you. 

Every day is a celebration with fabric or paper bunting in the room. Regaining popularity since the royal wedding in 2011, bunting is a hit with crafty types who adore it for the nostalgic quality while décor fiends love it for the added whimsy it gives to a nursery.

We love this shot from Amanda Michele Photography

 Look up! A fresh approach to stripes that’s catching our attention is on the ceiling. Tone on tone colour (one shade lighter or darker) or bold contrast combos (say, white and hot pink) are both great options for baby’s developing sight and can replace the traditional over-crib mobile. (When J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons is doing it in her home, you know this trend has legs!)

Read more: 15 of our favourite baby mobiles>

Grey is the fashionable alternative to beige — and can be gender-neutral if needed. No matter your design sensibility, grey is a perfect base to balance hits of bold hues, or, paired with white or cream, lull your little one in to a cloudy serenity.

We love this shot from Never a Lack of Ideas

Go graphic with mix and match patterns. The key to making the palette work is using one print from each of the families: stripe, graphic, dot and floral, and balancing the amount of hard lines with those of soft curves. A solid chair or dresser anchors the look and prevents visual overload.

We love this shot from J and J Design Group

Wallpaper has been making a major come back for the past five years, but most people fear the commitment that comes with it. Try it on just one accent wall in a bold, sophisticated print that can stand the test of changing tastes.

We love this shot from J and J Design Group

 Mini guitars, poster art and a dark, brooding wall shade create a den fit for your future rocker. Completing the look are album covers and a splash of vintage furniture — just like your favourite indie band’s hangout. Converse high-tops not required.

We love this shot from Amanda Michele Photography

This trend is a mix of mid century retro and Scandinavian cool. The sleek minimalism of the design will be a welcome reprieve from all the accouterments that accompany baby. Simple furniture lines and sparse but unfussy art keep the look balanced.

We love this shot from Empire Lane Design

Opposites on the colour wheel make for the best partners in decor. This year, the hottest pairs have been coral and robins’ egg, as well as the mod combo of persimmon red and teal.

We love this shot from Make Bake and Love

Made from paper, fabric or plastic, pompoms have replaced traditional mobiles for visual stimulation. Pompoms are on trend in clean white rooms; choose three to four colours in the same family for a softening and sculptural effect.

We love this shot from Covet Garden

Baby shower ideas: Old-timey>
One reader gives us the lowdown the inspiration behind her adorable old-timey baby shower.