14 Nursery Trends and Children’s Design Ideas to Watch for 2020

It’s a new year, and Project Nursery HQ is ready to roll out the new nursery trends and children’s design ideas! As we honor another rotation around the sun, it’s our tradition to look back on the past year’s nursery design trends and predict what will emerge in 2020. There are some new breakout stars, some trends that will remain on the scene from last year (perhaps with a little tweak) and a few big trends that we’ll say goodbye to. Without further ado, we’re using our 20/20 vision to predict our top 14 nursery trends and children’s design ideas for 2020.

1. Naturally Chic. Botanicals and nature-inspired rooms have been trending strong for a while. 2020 will be the year that nature-inspired decor will evolve from rustic to totally chic design. Get ready, mamas, because natural wood and natural tones have gone upscale.

Natural Boho Nursery with pampas grass mobile Design: @nicoleeachus
2020 Nursery Trends: Naturally Chic
Nursery | Design: @nicoleeachus

2. Moody Green. Pantone may have chosen a blue hue as their color of the year, but when it comes to the nursery, a dark, moody shade of green is on point. While not for the timid, these dramatic greens are for those that love to take a little risk in the design department. This edgy hue has stolen all of our design hearts.

Moody Green Nursery with Painted Shiplap Design: @megbasinger
2020 Nursery Trends: Moody Green
Nursery | Design: @megbasinger

3. Desert Sunrise. Past years have brought us a few desert vibes like our cute, prickly friend, the cactus, but 2020 is all about that early morning desert sunrise! Who can resist those earthy, canyon colors like peachy corals and rusty browns to keep things calm and neutral in the nursery.

Desert Sunrise Mural in Boho Nursery Design: Sydney Penner
2020 Nursery Trends: Desert Sunrise
Nursery | Design: Sydney Penner

4. Changing Baskets. Move over regular-old changing topper, there’s a new sheriff in town. The changing basket is a softer way to incorporate this nursery essential. In fact, we can’t keep our best-selling Reva Basket in-stock.

Changing Basket in Girl's Nursery Design: Youthful Nest
2020 Nursery Trends: Changing Baskets
Nursery | Design: Youthful Nest

5. The Muted Rainbow. The rainbow emerged as a top motif in 2019, and its softer cousin, the muted rainbow with its earthy color way, will come out to shine big this year. From decals, pillows, crib sheets and more, this sweet, fun trend will be sure to rise above the clouds.

Muted Rainbow Wall Decals in Nursery Design: @spacefordreaming
2020 Nursery Trends: Muted Rainbows
Nursery | Design: @spacefordreaming

6. Dark with Dimension. While board and batten was a 2019 trend, it’s been updated for a much bolder look. If you are going to go dark, the key is to add dimension, which is exactly what this trend accomplishes. Don’t get us wrong, we still love a bright and airy nursery, but kudos to the parents and designers that are taking this hot interior trend and bringing it into their kids’ rooms.

Navy Blue 3D Accent Wall
Nursery by Design: @culoramegreen
Nursery | Design: @culoramegreen
Black 3D Accent Wall in Modern Nursery Design: @lollipopsandlightsabers
Nursery | Design: @lollipopsandlightsabers

7. Freshly Cut Blooms. Yes, it’s true—our list wouldn’t be complete without a floral trend because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a soft and feminine nursery? Now, we aren’t going to name names, but a certain pink and gray floral has been hot, hot, hot for some time. However, in 2020, get ready to see florals in a variety of updated colorways, which offer something for everyone.

Framed Floral Wallpaper Panels in Girl's Nursery Design: @claire.foehrkolb
Nursery | Design: @claire.foehrkolb
Floral Wallpaper
Nursery by @reneejeaton
Nursery | Design: @reneejeaton

8. Citrus Punch. From clementines to grapefruit, lemons to limes, citrus fruit prints are popping up all over nurseries and big kid rooms. This delightful theme adds a splash of bright color while giving parents a gender neutral option. Find your favorite citrus in wall decor, crib sheets, wallpaper, swaddles and more!

Clementine Themed Boy Nursery
Design by @meghanhargrave
2020 Nursery Trends: Citrus Punch
Nursery | Design: @meghanhargrave
Lemon Wallpaper in Pink Girls Nursery Design: Melissa Grace Designs
Nursery | Design: Melissa Grace Designs

9. Every Inch Counts. We’ve encouraged this from day one, and it’s nice to see parents making every inch count in the nursery, especially when closet space or lack thereof, is a major challenge. Closets have officially become a part of the room’s decor—highly organized and decorated to the max with decals, wallpaper and shelving. It’s truly a beautiful thing.

Nursery Closet with Wall Decals Design: @StudioMeld
2020 Nursery Trends: Pretty Closets
Nursery | Design: @StudioMeld

10. Leafy Greens. We predicted botanicals in a big way last year, and we were right! (Just sayin’) This trend is going to stick around for another year, and we’re not sad about it. Leaves in many shades of green and foliage-inspired designs from the fern family are a great way to soften up a modern design. Expect botanicals to show up in wall decals, wallpaper, bedding, garlands and more.

Botanical Wallpaper in Girls Nursery Design: @chloekdesign
2020 Nursery Trends: Botanicals
Nursery | Design: @chloekdesign

11. Modern Black Cribs…And Navy Too! While statement cribs have been a thing in the past (Oh hello, Vetro), this go-around will be all about the deep, dark, painted crib. It’s an emerging trend in the nursery, so I guess there’s no time like the present to introduce you to our brand new Wooster Crib in black and white!

Black and White Modern Crib
2020 Nursery Trends: Black Cribs
Wooster Crib in Noir + Blanc
Navy Lolly Crib in Navy Nursery Design: @dd_design_decor
Nursery | Design: @dd_design_decor

12. Mother Nature meets Wall Mural! From misty mountain ranges to deep in the jungle to serene forest scenes, the artistry and realism of these stunning wall murals are indeed works of art.

Nature Inspired Lavender Girls Room with Tree Mural Design: Little Crown Interiors
Nature Mural Nursery Trends
Girls Room | Design: Little Crown Interiors
Mountain Forest Mural in Shared Kids Room
Design: @jessicasaramorris
Nature Mural Nursery Trend
Kids Room | Design: @jessicasaramorris

13. Colortastic Kids Rooms. Big kid rooms stayed neutral in 2019, but watch out, cause COLOR is back and ready to play.

Colorful Girls Room Design: @annuenointeriordesign
Colorful Kids Rooms Trend
Girls Room | Design: @annuenointeriordesign

14. Jungle Meets Boho! Two design worlds collide, and we’re here for it!

Boho Safari Nursery Design: @twosaparty_
2020 Nursery Trend
Nursery | Design: @twosaparty_

See past years’ trends: 20192018201720162015.

Pam

Pam

Pam lives in the heart of San Francisco, CA and is a multi-tasking mom to three tots: Gigi (9), Gray (7) and Sloane (4). She co-founded Project Nursery to share her love of design and great finds.

Comments

  1. Kelly Ferguson

    February 19, 2020

    Can you recommend any nursery fabric that will be especially popular this year? I make baby bunting (garlands), and I am trying to order my spring fabric.

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