1. Choose Your Furniture Wisely

Neutral-colored furniture will complement any color scheme. Choose practical pieces, like a convertible crib, which will be used for years to come. This will allow accent pieces like wall art to shine.

2. Start with a Theme

Before you begin decorating, make sure you have a clear vision in mind for the nursery. Choose a theme and find storage, stuffed animals and books that fit around it. Determining a favorite animal and color scheme is a great place to start when designing a unisex nursery. For example, this room showcases a penguin plush toy and includes grey accents.

3. Avoid Using Blue or Pink as the Primary Color

It’s best to avoid prominent use of blues and pinks. Instead, you may want to choose a cool color palette with blues and purples, or opt for yellows or greens as the primary hues. Color schemes that include whites, greys, beiges, or browns fit a modern, unisex aesthetic.

4. Add a Touch of Texture

Neutral colors are great, but using too many may leave the room feeling bland. Play around with texture for an added layer of visual interest. This bassinet incorporates a braided woven texture, which makes the nursery feel more welcoming.

Instagram - @asongforjames

5. Mix in Wood Finishes

Too much white or black in a room can end up feeling sterile. Add wooden tones to soften the look. This room uses wooden drawers and crib slats to balance the white walls, nursing chair, rug and statement pillow.

6. Play With Patterns

Having a gender-neutral nursery doesn’t mean you need to forgo personality. Subtly use patterns throughout the room, like on sheets and bedding, to add a playful touch. This will tie the room together without overwhelming it.

7. Make Flat Surfaces Fun(ctional)

Make the tops of dressers and nightstands multipurpose spaces. Add a changing pad, and adorn with photos or stuffed animals that complement your theme. Use storage baskets so you’ll always have important items close, but avoid the clutter.

Instagram - @natalie_colton_

8. Personalize It

Not only do personalized items make for great photo opportunities, they can also be a learning experience for your child. The more exposure a baby has to their name, the faster they may be able to learn it.

Instagram - @barcbybrettandali 

9. Use Toys as Decor

Some larger toys can also serve as added furniture or decoration. Baby rockers are a perfect example. Most rockers are also designed as different animals, so finding a unisex option should be fairly easy. 

10. Leave Room for Activities

With all the time you’ll be spending in the nursery, even the floor should feel welcoming. Leave space for your baby to enjoy tummy time or play on an activity mat.

Instagram - @potterybarnkids

11. Create a Blanket Keepsake

Consider monogramming a blanket with your child’s full name or initials. Drape the blanket over a chair so that it’s displayed when you walk into the room. Once your baby is a little older, it’ll make for the perfect keepsake to remember those previous first years.

Instagram - @cguypowell

12. Use White to Brighten Up a Room

White reflects light, which is what causes a room to look brighter. By doing so, it’ll also make the nursery feel more spacious. This technique can come in handy if you plan on incorporating a lot of furniture into a small space.

13. Incorporate a Rug

A rug will give the nursery a warm, comforting feel. Choose a rug with a subtle pattern to highlight the room’s accent color or opt for a monochromatic textured rug to add visual interest.

14. Showcase Stuffed Animals

These cuddly companions may become one of your baby’s prized possessions. They can serve as decoration, a cuddle buddy when sleeping, or a toy in the middle of the day.

15. Incorporate Metallics

Metallics add a little sparkle to a room without feeling too masculine or feminine. Choose copper, rose gold or silver accent pieces. This hummingbird mobile paired with a black light fixture creates a balance between dark and light tones.

16. Say It With Shelving

Shelves come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Have some fun with it by picking a shape that fits the theme of the nursery.

Instagram - @lindsey_cayton

17. Create a Statement Wall

Choosing wallpaper can be one of the most exciting parts of decorating a nursery. For a unisex nursery, simple wallpaper may work best. Opt for a geometric print or pattern using your nursery’s main color.

18. Hang Up Framed Prints

Wall art is a great way to keep the nursery looking fresh. The best thing about it is that it’s interchangeable, making it easy for you to switch things up based on the season.

19. Add Some Greenery

No matter what your color scheme or theme is, you can pair a plant with any aesthetic. Artificial plants may be the safest option for a nursery, especially if you choose a floor plant. With an artificial plant, you won’t have to worry about your baby getting into the soil or putting leaves in their mouth.

Instagram - @cherrelllynn

20. Add a Mobile

Help your baby fall asleep with a mobile that matches the nursery’s theme. Choose a planet mobile for your little scientist, or try an animal-themed one that adds a pop of color to the room.

Instagram -kyliebisignani

21. Add Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light and help the space feel bigger. They’ll complement any gender-neutral nursery theme and are great for those walls that could use a little something extra.

22. Showcase Shapes and Letters

Exposing your child to different colors, the alphabet and animals can help them learn more about the world around them. When designing their room, make a conscious effort to incorporate items that will stimulate their brain. For example, hanging up a print of the alphabet on the wall can help them become more familiar with all the letters.