Behind the DIY: Our Girls Nursery Makeover
My Goal of a Budget-Friendly Space
I wanted to share a little win from one of my favorite projects to date—designing my baby girl’s nursery! If you’ve been following along, you know I love creating spaces that of course look beautiful but are also functional without going overboard on the budget. I had so much fun pulling this room together, and I’m excited to walk you through the choices I made to bring this neutral space to life!
Nursery Design Inspiration
Soft, Coastal, and Timeless
When I started designing the nursery, I knew I wanted something soft and modern with a coastal touch—nothing too theme-y, just a peaceful space with cozy textures and a warm, welcoming feel. I also wanted to make sure the room could grow with her, so I leaned into neutral tones, natural materials, and timeless elements that won’t feel dated a year from now.
Must-Haves for Daughters Nursery Room
The Breakdown
The Color Palette
Warm Whites, Taupes, and Natural Woods
The foundation of the room is made up of warm whites and soft taupes, we went with two main colors to go off of: Coral Dust for the base of our ceiling and Antique Rose for the accent color and diy of painting the bookcase. We also added in pops of light oak wood to keep things soft and feminine without being too pink. The natural wood tones we layered in really warmed up the space.
Functional Furniture Choices
Best Budget-Friendly Nursery Furniture That Blends Style and Function
Lighting ($350)
The standout in the room is definitely the fandelier—equal parts fan and chandelier—which adds a touch of elegance. We brought in a standing lamp that’s perfect for winding down during bedtime routines. For those late-night diaper changes, the Hatch nightlight has been a game-changer—soft, soothing, and just the right amount of light when you need it.
Crib ($499)
We chose a clean-lined wood crib in a natural finish, and I love how timeless it feels. It’s simple, sturdy, and blends seamlessly with the rest of the room. The natural wood adds a warm, calming vibe that works beautifully with both modern and classic styles.
Dresser/Changing Table ($230)
This dresser doubles as a changing table, which makes it a great space-saver. The minimal hardware keeps the look clean and streamlined, and it blends right in with the rest of the room. Plenty of storage for diapers, clothes, and all the little essentials—super practical without sacrificing style.
Rocking Chair ($642)
This rocker quickly became a favorite spot in the room. It’s upholstered in a soft, durable fabric that holds up well and feels great to sink into—especially during those late-night feeds. The motion is soothing for both baby and parent, and the neutral style works with just about any décor.
Scalloped Bookshelf ($40)
These scalloped wooden shelves are perfect for all the little keepsakes that make the space feel personal. I added a few hooks underneath to hang some pieces from loved ones. A charming and budget-friendly way to create a cozy little nook.
Wall Art + Decor
I kept things minimal with a few framed prints of our family, beachy elements, reused woven turtle we had from our sons nursery, and a mirror from my wife’s childhood bedroom. We also added a sweet custom woven basket with our daughters name to keep toys and blankets neat but still accessible.
Textiles
We layered in neutral linen curtains, a soft Safavieh rug with a subtle pattern, and organic cotton crib bedding that’s breathable and cozy. Everything feels soft and perfectly textured without being too busy.
Pulling It All Together
Personalized and Practical Touches
We tied everything together with matching soft woven textures—from the curtain fabric to the crib sheets and even the lamp shade. And I intentionally left some empty space so the room feels open and breathable. I know it’ll naturally fill in over time with books, toys, and all the little things that come with growing up.
Why This Nursery Feels So Special
A Space That Will Grow With Our Baby
Every decision in this nursery was made with intention. I wanted it to feel like her space—gentle, soothing, and full of warmth. It’s quickly become one of my favorite rooms in the house, and I hope it gives her a peaceful place to rest, play, and grow.
We set out to create a room fit for a queen—and that’s exactly what she is.
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