Should You Have a Theme for Your Nursery?

When you’re expecting a baby, there’s a good chance someone—usually a well-meaning family member—will ask, “Have you picked a theme for the nursery yet?” Suddenly, you’re spiraling… Do I need a theme? Which one should I choose? What if I don’t want a theme? Is there a “right” answer here?

The truth is, whether or not to follow a theme in your baby’s room is one of those personal design decisions. For some, choosing a clear theme feels fun and grounding, something that brings joy or helps cut through the noise of too many options. And if that’s you, great! Embrace it. But if you find yourself unsure or overwhelmed by the idea of committing to a “baseball” or “princess” motif, you’re in good company—and you definitely have other options.

As a designer who’s spent the better part of two decades crafting thoughtful interiors, I’ve learned this: the most beautiful rooms aren’t the ones drenched in theme or trend, they’re the ones where the design feels meaningful, balanced, and quietly collected. I find that nurseries that transition well throughout the ages and stages of childhood are those that have a foundation of timelessness - think sophisticated finishes, high-quality furniture pieces, and classic pattern pairings - with childlike elements layered in on top. Rooms grounded in this way will easily grow with your child and not seem locked in a particular timeframe. And when they’re 9 and want to ditch the babyish stuff, swapping in some more age-appropriate accessories will be a quick shopping trip rather than an entire room remodel.

So when it comes to choosing a theme for your baby’s room, I encourage parents to resist the urge to go overboard with overt motifs. Yes, it’s tempting to go “all in” on ballerinas, woodland creatures, or safari animals—but doing so often leads to a room that looks more like a catalog marketing image than a swoon-worthy magazine photo. Instead, I like to think of themes more as gentle threads of inspiration, woven in softly and sparingly. Here’s how to do it well:

1. Let Inspiration Be the Thread, Not the Whole Quilt

If you do want to use a motif to repeat in your baby’s nursery, think about drawing inspiration from something special and letting it subtly influence your choices instead of anchoring your entire design around a literal theme,. Repeat it 3-4 times in small pieces that are spread out throughout the space.

For example: in baby Evelyn’s nursery below, her parents wanted a floral motif to echo their love for gardening, so I included soft nods to flowers—not in an over-the-top way, but through a charming set of botanical prints above the crib, a gorgeous accent pillow on the glider, and a sweet flower-shaped light fixture. I also intentionally chose a color pallet of spring green and petal pink to hint at the requested floral theme without screaming it. The result? A space that felt inspired, not overdone.

You might pull from a favorite place, a meaningful story, or even a single image that evokes a feeling. The key is to use that inspiration as a guide, not a rulebook. Let it inform your color palette, your patterns, or a recurring motif that ties everything together without feeling matchy-matchy. Choosing a cohesive color palette and editing the decor with intention helps everything feel harmonious, even when you’re introducing little nods to a broader theme.

2. Add Soul with Sentimental Touches

Want to know one of my favorite ways to make a nursery feel truly special? Layer in pieces that tell your story—especially those that tug on the heartstrings.

Did you have a favorite childhood book? A beloved toy? A moment or memory that feels sacred to you as a parent? Those are the kinds of details that deserve a place in your child’s nursery. When we designed my son’s room, we started by gathering the meaningful items we wanted to share with him—my husband’s collection of tiny flags from his world travels, a painting of my father’s childhood hometown, and antique postcards from cities that hold special meaning to us. We had them framed and hung as a gallery wall, creating a subtle thread of world travel and curiosity. It’s a visual story of where we’ve been and our hope that our son will someday go far. Because the pieces are timeless and displayed with care, they’ve transitioned beautifully as he’s grown—proof that the most personal details often make the most enduring design choices.

These kinds of details—family heirlooms, vintage finds, hand-me-downs with history—add depth and a sense of legacy that brand-new items simply can’t replicate. They make a room feel lived-in in the best way: loved, layered, and deeply personal.

3. Texture Speaks Louder Than Theme

Here’s a little design secret: texture is the unsung hero of a beautifully layered nursery (or any room really) because a cohesive space isn’t just about color—it’s about feel. And texture is one of the easiest ways to add warmth and sophistication without relying on theme.

It’s easy to get caught up in the color palette or the theme, but don’t overlook the role texture plays in creating a cozy, interesting space. Mix in soft textiles like a chunky knit throw, a linen crib skirt, or a gauzy canopy. Add natural elements like a woven rattan hamper, a plush wool rug, or wood shelving. Then, sprinkle in a touch of shine, like brass drawer pulls or a vintage mirror for a little light-catching magic.

These layers of texture create dimension and warmth, which helps the room feel more inviting and thoughtfully put together—even if you’re working with a soft, neutral palette. These layers create visual depth and a feeling of comfort and care. Natural textures also age well, giving the room a softened, timeless quality that will grow with your child, like Charley’s nursery design below.

4. The Magic Is in the Details

Whether or not you choose a theme, what makes a nursery memorable is the love and thoughtfulness you pour into the little things: a hand-lettered quote above the crib, the perfect vintage lamp, a mobile that dances in the sunlight just right.

These details are what bring heart into the space - they reflect your story, your hopes, and your joy. These are the moments that make a nursery more than just a room, they make it a haven. These thoughtful touches create a space that feels like a love letter to this new chapter. One that brings you joy every time you step into it and tells a quiet story, stitched together by details that matter. Because in the end, the goal isn’t to build a perfect nursery. It’s to build a space that feels like home.

Ready to create a nursery that feels personal, polished, and perfectly you—theme or no theme?
Let’s make it happen. Explore my nursery virtual design packages or get in touch for a custom design experience made to fit your style, values, and growing family. Your little one’s first room can be both beautiful and intentional—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.