Whether Boho or Scandi, nursery interiors continue to move away from the traditional blue and pink colour palettes. With Pinterest searches up 527%, the gender-neutral nursery trend continues in 2020. Parents now want to be more inclusive, giving their children the freedom to explore colour and play without limitation. Use of softer, neutral palettes, texture and key gender-neutral pieces are now the go-to inspiration for parents to be.
No matter if it’s a first-time bub or another addition to the family, we’ve curated a list of the must-have gender-neutral items for 2020-2021. Elysia and Renee from Mini Minx Kids and sought-after Sydney interior stylist Emma Blomfield share the current trends, and their tips on how to create the gender-neutral nursery of your dreams.
It all starts with the design. It’s the key to creating a space you’ll love, and the right design upfront can save a lot of headaches down the track. Whether you’re scrolling Pinterest boards, magazines, or Instagram, collect images of trends, furniture and accessories you like. Then place them on a mood board and start to bring your gender-neutral nursery to life. Start with your overall colour palette and go from there. Once you’ve made a few key decisions, the rest of the concept can quickly fall into place.
Mini Minx Kids - Cactus Silk Cushion
7PM Linen - Clay fitted bassinet sheet
We know that creating a design plan can be a little overwhelming, especially for the ‘non-designer’ or those without a clear vision, so here are a few things to keep in mind:
Mini Minx Kids - Earthy Tone Tassel Garland
If the overwhelm is kicking in about now, you could always call in the pros. I ask interiors specialist Emma Blomfield how a designer can help. "If you're someone who appreciates a beautifully decorated space but doesn't have time to dedicate to the process. Or, if you don't want to drag the kids all over the city looking at homewares, paint colours and furniture, then it's worth calling in the experts. I help my clients source all the specific pieces we want to place in the nursery right down to storage items, rugs, cushions, cot linen and artwork. We pull it all together in a mood board and then start the purchase process. Once it's all been delivered, I visit the nursery to style up a storm before bub arrives!"
If you’re designing on a budget, Emma says it’s as simple as knowing where to shop. ” Invest in the big-ticket items like the cot and rocking chair,” says Emma. “Then scale the budget back for items like artwork, cushions and a rug”.
Etsy is a great place to find on-trend printable artwork that is really affordable. Purchase the digital file and then print the image yourself. It’s a great way to save some money without compromising on style.
Iron and Cub - Chunky Rainbow Autumn
The gender-neutral nursery is all about the colour palette. Where dove greys, white and the cooler tones were once the go-to shades, the current trend is towards neutral colours with softer hues giving a feeling of warmth. According to Emma Blomfield, “sticking to the warmer end of the neutral’s spectrum, rather than cool whites and greys, will stay trendy for years to come. Straw colours, sandy tones and beiges are ideal here”.
Think one or two solid coloured walls and then a feature wall, consider a theme or bring the outdoors in with greenery. Dried flowers are a popular and growing trend at the moment and a great option for time poor mums. They don’t require any maintenance and are great value for money as they’ll last a lifetime.
Mowgli Studio - Deep Dreaming Rainbow Pot
If you’re looking to create something unique for bub, why not consider a themed approach to your design. From the monochrome-coloured theme to a jungle paradise, there are plenty of gender-neutral options to consider. Here are some suggestions:
Whether it’s an old school rocking chair, or a vintage-inspired crib or dresser, the use of traditional wooden furniture complements the current Boho theme perfectly. It not only allows the nursery to grow with bub but pale wood furniture and baskets, made from natural fibres, bring warmth and functionality to your Boho nursery style.
Another trend we’re seeing for the Boho gender-neutral nursery, in particular, is the repurposing of existing furniture pieces. Think a vintage chest of drawers doubling as a changing table. Not only adding extra storage but it’s practical at the same time.
Sacred Bundle - Louie Bassinet
Now it’s time to find those perfect finishing touches to complete your Boho style. According to Emma Blomfield, “texture is key with a gender-neutral nursery. Play up the number of textures you use in a space when adding those final touches to make it interesting. These are elements like sheepskins, timber tones, cottons, linens etc. Natural fibres are best so linens and cotton are ideal. Feathered art items are also beautiful additions to a Boho nursery”.
Mini Minx Kids - Hand painted earthy tone rainbow
From decorative pillows for the rocker, the Mini Minx Kids Stackable rainbow, to the Mini Minx Kids Tassel Garland for the wall, or contemporary accents in bedding, there is so much scope to create the nursery of your dreams.
Think striped rugs or add to that Boho style with a changing basket made of seagrass or other natural fibres. It’s a great alternative to the traditional changing mat and can eventually be used as a toy or book caddy.
Whatever you do, make your nursery unique by adding a few personal touches when the baby is born. A personalised name plaque or painting. Although it’s a gender-neutral nursery, “consider popping in gender-specific items once bub arrives,” says Emma. “They can be small touches, and you’ve already got a neutral base to work with anyway so pretty much any colour will be an easy addition”.
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Mini Minx Kids - Terracotta Vase, Earthy Tone Rainbow, Earthy Tassel Garland
