Pick a color

Select the colors you want first, or use ones in a favorite item you already have. (We’ve taken our pink and yellow from the rug.) This will give the room a pulled-together look and will make future choices easier.

Find a focal point

We used a custom-painted crib, which was available in a range of colors, for a bright, out of the ordinary look.

Grow with baby

It’s all about flowers here. The pegs now holding baby shoes may hold jewelry and jackets when she’s 10. The rose lamp will be sweet, not babyish, when she’s older  — she may even take it with her to the dorm!

Do double duty

The sturdy hatboxes are perfect “girly” storage. They’ll hold plenty of toys, keepsakes, even hats  — and stacked, they work as a table.

Boy’s Room

For this room, we took our cues from the bedding, adding other blue, green, and gingham accessories for a soft but standard boy’s palette.

Tinker with tradition

Toy chests are a nursery staple. This one will hold all of his treasures, and the pinch-proof, stay-open lid makes getting toys in and out easy and safe.

Add a touch of texture

This rug does more than keep toes warm  — its furry feel will be fascinating to Baby during his tummy-time play.

Rest easy

Getting baby to sleep is the main objective in a nursery  — so whichever items you choose, remember: Simple is soothing.