Beautiful Virgin Islands

Wednesday, Jun 25, 2025

Sweet Nurseries That Emphasize Form and Function Over Gender

Sweet Nurseries That Emphasize Form and Function Over Gender

Time to rethink the pink and blue binary.

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.



Go Green


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.



Install a Wall Mural


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.



Dress Things Up With Metallics


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.



Follow the Architecture's Lead


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.



Give It a Scandinavian Spin


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



Hang Modern Artwork


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.



Set a Yellow Foundation


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.



Layer In Antiques


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 piecesขlike the ottoman and floor lampขgive the room a refined edge that will age well. And those stacked antique trunks bring in both character and extra storage for toys.



Think Long-Term


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.



Stick to Tradition (Sort of)


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.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
Macron and Merz: Europe must arm itself in an unstable world
Germany and Italy Under Pressure to Repatriate $245bn of Gold from US Vaults
Airlines Evaluate Flight Cancellations Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions
Starmer Invites Innovators to Join Government Talent Scheme
UK Economy’s Strong Opening Quarter Shows Signs of Cooling
Harrods Seeks Court Order to Secure Al Fayed Estate for Victims
BA and Singapore Airlines Cancel Dubai Flights Amid Middle East Tensions
Trump Faces Backlash from MAGA Base Over Iran Strikes
Meta Bets $14 B on Alexandr Wang to Drive AI Ambitions
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
FedEx Founder Fred Smith, ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Company, Dies at 80
Chinese Factories Shift Away from U.S. Amid Trump‑Era Tariffs
Pimco Seizes Opportunity in Japan’s Dislocated Bond Market
Labubu Doll Drives Pop Mart to Status as China’s Most Valuable Toy Maker
Global Coal Demand Defies Paris Accord Goals
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
BBC Demands Perplexity AI Immediately Stop Using Its Content
Telegram Founder: I Will Leave My Fortune to Over 100 of My Children
Political Turmoil Resurfaces in Belgium Amid Economic Concerns
Fed policymakers divided on timing of interest rate cuts
Trump signals imminent agreement with Harvard University
Inheritance tax referendum alarms Swiss billionaire community
Japan cancels bilateral security meeting amid US defence demands
AI skeptic Emily Bender warns that ‘the emperor has no clothes’
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
×