Achieving a Personalised and Meaningful Children’s Nursery Design with Art Prints and Thoughtful Design Choices

Designing a nursery is an exciting journey that allows you to create a special, personal space for your little one. One of the most effective ways to bring warmth and character into a nursery is by mixing and matching nursery prints with other design elements. Whether you’re working with a few carefully chosen items or building out a more detailed design plan, you can create a cohesive, polished look that’s both charming and functional.

1. Choose a Theme or Colour Palette

Begin by choosing a theme or a colour palette. A defined theme, such as nature, animals, or vintage charm, will give the nursery a focused look, while a cohesive colour scheme will unify different design elements. For instance, soft pastels like blush pink, sage green, or baby blue work well for a calm and soothing atmosphere. If you prefer something bolder, consider jewel tones or warm neutrals, which add depth and a modern touch.

Pro Tip: For a classic look that remains versatile as your child grows, start with neutral walls and bring colour through prints and design accents. This approach makes it easy to update the room over time without needing a full redesign.

2. Layer Textures and Patterns

Adding textures and patterns is key to achieving a dynamic, layered look. When choosing nursery prints, consider pairing them with textured design items like woven baskets, soft rugs, and plush throws. Gingham or floral mat boards, for example, can add visual interest and complement your print selections beautifully. The goal is to balance patterns and textures, creating a welcoming environment without overwhelming the space.

Pro Tip: If your nursery prints feature busy or bold designs, balance them with simpler, more muted textures in other design elements, such as plain crib sheets, soft linen curtains, or a neutral-toned rug.

3. Incorporate Accent Items to Highlight Your Prints

Accent items like throw pillows, lamps, and wall design can draw attention to specific nursery prints and create focal points in the room. For example, if your nursery print features woodland animals, consider adding small animal figurines or a lamp with a nature-inspired base. These subtle design pieces can echo themes in your nursery prints, making the overall design feel intentional and cohesive.

4. Use Frames and Mat Boards to Elevate the Prints

Selecting the right frames and mat boards is essential to integrating nursery prints into your design. Frames in wood or classic white work well with almost any nursery style, while coloured or patterned mat boards, such as botanical or gingham, can add depth to the prints. Mat boards are an excellent way to introduce additional colour and texture, creating an elegant finish that makes each print feel special.

Pro Tip: Experiment with frames in different shapes and sizes, grouping them together on one wall to create a mini-gallery. This adds a sense of artistry and can help balance the room’s overall look, even if design items are minimal.

5. Focus on Versatile, Timeless Pieces

Choose nursery prints and design items that can grow with your child. Select timeless prints with elements like animals, nature scenes, or monograms, which are just as appealing for toddlers and older children. Accent elements like soft rugs, throw blankets, and shelving for books and toys also offer functionality while adapting well to future redesigns.

6. Create Balance with Negative Space

Avoid overcrowding the room by using negative space thoughtfully. Leaving some walls unadorned or placing a single, statement nursery print on a blank wall can have a calming effect, giving the eye a place to rest.

Pro Tip: A well-placed print above the crib or changing table can create a focal point that doesn’t overwhelm the space. Balancing prints and design items with blank spaces will ensure that each piece shines. Remember to  ensure prints are well-bolted to walls for extra safety. 

7. Personalise with Family Heirlooms and Sentimental Items

Adding a personal touch with family heirlooms or sentimental items can elevate the nursery’s character and make it unique to your family. Consider placing a framed family photograph next to a nursery print or incorporating a vintage rocking chair alongside more contemporary pieces. These touches add depth and warmth, blending seamlessly with nursery prints for a cohesive, layered design.

Mixing and matching nursery prints with design elements is a rewarding way to create a nursery that feels cohesive, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed. By carefully selecting a theme or colour palette, layering textures, and using accents and frames wisely, you can achieve a balanced look—even with a limited number of items.

For a more detailed guide on designing your nursery, you can look at our free, downloadable nursery design guide. 

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