Motherly nursery tour: bohemian meets minimalism in this cozy space

1. What inspired your nursery?

Lauren: I wanted to create a modern, neutral and warm space. His room honestly doesn’t stray too far from the rest of our house, which is where I pulled the colors from when I set out searching for a rug with burnt orange, gray and green in it.

I also knew I wanted to include some house plants—again like the rest of our home!—and a few cacti. But I was careful not to get too theme-y, as I knew I would regret it. Rather, I stuck to a color scheme to go with the white walls, natural wood and modern furniture I had in mind.

2. What was the first item you bought for the nursery?

The first item I purchased was a bassinet basket from Design Dua , which actually lives in our room now, but is probably my favorite piece for baby. I also already had a large sheepskin rug given to me as a birthday gift and knew I wanted to save it for the baby’s room to do layered rugs since it is a small cozy space.

3. What is the most meaningful piece included in the room?

The most meaningful items in his nursery are the crocheted play blanket made by my mom. It was technically for my oldest, June, but perfect for all those early baby days spent playing on the floor around the house. And the heirloom Willaby blanket , as they are such a beautiful keepsake. I guess I really like blankets!

4. How does the space make you feel when you spend time there?

Relaxed and cozy.

5. What “must have” items did you decide to go without?

With him being our second, we already had all the necessary baby gear, so my nesting was mostly all about creating his modern little nursery. I prefer not to have a crowded home with baby stuff everywhere, so we chose not to invest in a pack ‘n’ play, baby swing, baby activity center, double stroller or even a true changing table—or any other baby furniture really, besides the affordable IKEA crib ! Rather, I got pieces I can arrange around the house in the future.

6. What are the most-used elements of the nursery?

The rocking chair and the sheepskin rug. I discovered with my daughter you spend a lot of time playing on the floor, so a fluffy rug was a must—as is a comfortable and stylish rocking chair for rocking those babes to sleep daily for the next couple years. And, currently, his handmade baby gym is a hit daily!

Although I was inspired to create a baby gym that matched, I was mostly motivated by wanting one that was foldable to set out the way in his small room when not in use. We made one by combining a couple Pinterest DIYs , using leftover wood from our garage and a few leftover pieces from his DIY mobile.

7. What advice would you give any pregnant mamas planning a nursery?

It’s easy to impulse buy or get overwhelmed with giant lists of must-have baby items, so it helps to plan it out. Or, at least, that is what I enjoy doing as I tend to be an online shopper. That way you can take advantage of sales or coupon codes after you’ve thought about what will work well in your space. Also, pick items that can grow with your baby or have multiple uses.

A few more faves:

nuLOOM Handmade Wool Tribal Rug , $351

Schoolhouse Electric Odyssey Light Fixture , $219

The Bee & The Fox Co. Peace Banner , $32

Hemington Server , $212

Little Unicorn Cotton Swaddles , $16

CB2 SAIC Quantam Padded Rocking Chair , $699

Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad , $129