Baby Boy Nursery Inspiration • Interior Designer Des Moines Jillian Lare

As soon as it began to sink in that we were really having a baby, I began to think about the nursery and what type of space I wanted to create for our baby’s first few years. We initially thought we wouldn’t find out the sex but after trying to dream up a gender neutral nursery and failing (all my design concepts skewed girly), I caved.

Learning that we were having a boy was somewhat of a surprise. For some reason, I hadn’t even considered the possibility. Of course, I immediately started stressing about the two most important things – his name and the nursery. The name is still up in the air, but the nursery is starting to coalesce.

I have been gathering inspiration photos of nurseries and children’s rooms on Pinterest for years, so my first step was to dig through the images I’d saved to that board. Most of them were little girls’ rooms, and there were few neutral and boys’ rooms that called to me. It was easier for me to pinpoint what I didn’t want than what I did want. I did not want to get locked into a theme like baby woodland animals or rustic cabin or baby zoo animals, which seem to dominate boy nurseries. I did not want to paint the walls blue…too specific. And, I didn’t want it to be overly cutesy or babyish. Obviously, it’s a baby room, but let’s be honest – this space is more for me than for him.

This light and pretty room is by Erin Gates of Elements of Style blog for her little guy Henry. I love the soft tonal palette, cozy neutral rug, and especially the modern brass chandelier.

Erin Gates

This is obviously a girl nursery but take away the little touches of pink, and it could easily go baby boy. I like the combination of boho, modern, and vintage elements and graphic punch of the wallpaper.

Natalie Meyers

There is some great textural layering happening in this petite nursery space. Love the cozy shag rug, woven baskets, and blue trim.

Ryen Conley

This neutral nursery really speaks to me with its vertical white shiplap, basket light, and vintage rug. It feels modern and fresh but not cold, and it could easily transform to a big kid space.

Alicia Lund

I love everything Amber Lewis does and this nursery, which is all over Pinterest, is no exception. White walls, warm woods, a vintage style rug, modern rocker, and touches of blue are all inspiring me.

Amber Interiors

Sarah Sherman Samuel is another designer whose work consistently inspires me with its eclectic mix of modern, bohemian, and vintage. Her little boys’ room feels light, bright and modern. The emerald green and brass stool, pom-pom trim drapery panels, and vintage rug add layers of interest through color and texture without feeling babyish.

Sarah Sherman Samuel

This adorable space was designed by Rebecca Cartwright and Alicia Held-Morris for Rebecca’s grandson Jack. There are so many special touches throughout this space like the papered closet and ceiling, ticking stripe day bed, and modern lantern pendant.

R. Cartwright Design

Finally, Emily Henderson designed this room below for her son Charlie. It’s actually his big kid room, but I liked the combination of warm modern and organic elements.

Emily Henderson

I have a design scheme pulled together for our little guy’s nursery that I’ll be sharing soon. After combing through countless images, it was easier for me to pinpoint the elements I liked – mixed textures, a combination of boho, modern, and vintage styles, and lots of white. I also realized I wanted more of what you don’t see in many of these photos – color!

Do you have any strong opinions about nurseries and designing for boys vs. girls? I have no experience with babies so I’d love to hear your thoughts!