“In the early days, a nursery is really more for the caretaker than the baby,” says Jackie Cary, founder and principal designer at Boffo Design. “You’re the one rocking at all hours of the night and changing countless diapers. So you need to think about the practical elements of the space, like a supportive and comfortable chair where you might even catch a few minutes of sleep, plenty of storage, and, of course, blackout window treatments.”
When designing her son’s nursery, Cary opted for “elevated whimsy” that felt quirky and lively—a space where her son could be a kid and she wouldn’t need to stress about every spill or stain. “My goal was to create a playful space that a little boy would love, but an adult could enjoy, too,” she shares.
For Cary, practicality always complements design. She focuses on creating spaces that are meant to be lived in, with careful attention to safety, like anchoring furniture, and thoughtful details that make the space both beautiful and durable. Here are a few highlights:
- A print that grows with your child, this Kelly Ventura wallpaper is fun and youthful without screaming “nursery.”
- Behind the crib, a limited-edition Jules Feiffer print, purchased from The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, is an illustration from The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster that holds great romantic significance for the parents. It was framed by The Great Frame Up in Denver. “Custom framing can make a huge difference in how finished a space feels and is a great way to elevate an art print to feel more original and special,” Cary shares.
- The Kalon Studios crib is a beautifully crafted, heirloom-quality piece of furniture. It can serve a family for generations as it converts from a crib to a toddler bed, a daybed, and then back into a crib again.
- The West Elm dresser offers functional storage options, is easy to wipe down, and is the perfect height to change diapers without straining your back.
- Rocking horses have been done. Why not try the more exotic rocking elephant from Pottery Barn Kids?
- Try pairing a more traditional style rug with the whimsical room, like this durable, petand kid-friendly rug from Jaipur Living.
- The dinosaur stuffies on the dresser are all Steiff, a classic toy maker that has been around since the 1800s.
- The lounge chair by Babyletto for Crate & Kids is upholstered in a performance fabric, so there’s no crying over the inevitable (and literal) spilled milk.
