Putting together a nursery is one of the most fun ways to prepare for a new baby’s arrival, and looking at photos of how other people have designed theirs is the perfect way to get inspired and start dreaming up your little one’s space. Here, we’re sharing inspiration for a baby boy’s nursery in Iowa. The vibe? Classic, timeless, and decidedly dapper. Take a look around, and hear from the mama behind the design:
Let’s start with a quick intro! Tell us about you + your little one:
I’m Madeline from North Liberty, Iowa—mom to a baby boy, Shiloh!
What was the look and feel you were going for as you designed Shiloh’s nursery?
I was aiming to create a room that had a traditional vintage feel with a touch of whimsy and playfulness. I knew immediately that I wanted a color palette of dusty blue, hunter green, and natural wood tones with brass finishes that could grow with him throughout the years. My husband is an avid hunter and outdoorsman, so this inspired many of my design selections for the room, from the vintage duck prints to the carved wooden mallards on his bookshelf. I also prioritized selecting toys and art that evoke feelings of classic boyhood, so the room is filled with cars, airplanes, hot air balloons, animals, and more.
Can you share a little bit about the process of putting it together?
The first selection I made for the room was the blue and white striped walls. I considered installing wallpaper but was determined to create the look for less with paint and painters tape. After a long weekend of taping and painting with Sherwin Williams's "Niebla Azul," my vision for the nursery was starting to come to life. I then chose a beautiful crib and dresser from Namesake Home that brought in the rich wood and brass elements I wanted. Once the foundation was set, I began slowly collecting items and art that brought me joy and fit with the theme. I sourced most of the art from Etsy and eBay, found some items from Facebook Marketplace, selected pieces from children boutiques, and even found some more specific decor, like the brass car on his shelf, on Amazon. It was a labor of love over the course of my pregnancy, and I could not be more happy with how the room came together.
Did you add or change anything once Shiloh arrived?
Once his name was revealed to our friends and family, I added a hand-embroidered gingham pillow to his crib. We adore his name and its meaning, and being able to make this pillow for him to cherish for years to come was super special. The other element that changed in the nursery was the addition of the floor lamp and side table next to the glider. This was both for functionality and aesthetics. I originally had mounted a vintage spindle shelf behind the chair, and sadly, it was accidentally broken before our baby arrived. However, replacing the gap with the lamp and table is much more practical for those newborn middle of the night wake-ups!
Favorite thing about the nursery?
My favorite part about the room is the striped walls. I am so proud of the way they turned out and they truly make the room one-of-a-kind. I also love the bold statement the gallery wall, crib, and mobile make together. It’s the first thing you see when you enter the nursery and it is such a beautiful focal point.
Links + sources, please!
Crib
Dresser
Rug
Bookshelf
Floor Lamp
Glider
Mirror: Wayfair
Baby Mobile: Popyatot
Duck Prints: Etsy
Paint: Sherwin Williams "Niebla Azul"
