Designing a nursery is an exciting venture for any expecting parent, and the boho gender neutral nursery style has gained immense popularity for its free-spirited, eclectic, and inclusive vibe. Filled with natural materials, earthy colours and greenery, boho spaces bring a sense of grounding and well being to all who step within them. For children, this is a particularly warm and inviting atmosphere to spend their first years of life within!

Gender neutrals have seen a big resurgence in popularity in recent years – gone are the days of strictly adhering to traditional gender norms; instead, parents are opting for nurseries that embrace a sense of whimsy and individuality regardless of gender. In this blog post, we’ll explore the magic of creating a boho gender neutral nursery that is not only visually stunning but also a safe and nurturing space for your little one.

Key components of a boho nursery

Boho, short for bohemian, is a design style that draws inspiration from the free-spirited and unconventional lifestyle of artists and travelers. The boho style is characterized by a laid-back, eclectic, and globally influenced aesthetic. One of its key components is a mix of patterns, textures, and colors that often reflect a nomadic and well-traveled spirit. Overall, the boho style embraces individuality, encourages a connection with nature, and invites a sense of comfort and ease into the home.

When aiming to design your very own boho gender neutral nursery, you will want to include a few key components that make any boho scheme come alive. Natural elements, such as wooden furniture, rattan accents, and plants, play a significant role in creating a bohemian atmosphere. Vintage and handmade items, along with a preference for sustainable and ethically sourced materials, contribute to the boho style’s unique and personal feel. Layering is another essential aspect, with a harmonious blend of textiles, such as woven rugs, macramé wall hangings, and embroidered fabrics, adding warmth and depth to the space.

Boho gender neutral nursery colour scheme

Your colour scheme will be another important aspect in your design. Both in terms of nailing the boho colour scheme, but also finding one that works well in a boho gender neutral nursery. Typically we see inspiration shots of boho gender neutral nurseries in very neutral palettes, which looks wonderful on Instagram, of course, but is it actually good for your baby?

Well, nursery colours do actually affect your baby, according to science. Dr Sears at the Wellness institute, states that brain growth and visual development is stimulated most by contrasting colours. In their first 3 months of life, your baby can actually only see shades of black, grey and white, so monochrome colours are fine provided they provide enough contrast to stimulate the brain. But by the time your baby reaches between three and six months, they are able to see colours. Unless you are planning on redecorating your nursery with a four month old keeping you busy, it’s best to think ahead to this time frame when designing a nursery for your little one.

Vibrant colours will be essential for their continued development – whether this is through the addition of wallpaper, textiles or wall art, it is important that you add further colours to your scheme. A boho scheme is actually perfect in this respect – it offers plenty of earthy, calming colours without being over stimulating and therefore affecting sleep.

Key points:

• Newborn babies need plenty of contrast in their space for visual development
• From roughly 4+ months your child will be able to see colours, and is important for them to have a varied colour scheme for continued brain development – this can be through toys, wall art and textiles.
• You do not want to go overboard with the colour scheme as this can negatively affect their sleep – becoming over stimulating when you’re trying to calm them down. In this respect, a boho colour scheme is highly effective in introducing a varied but calming colour palette into your nursery.

The boho gender-neutral nursery is characterized by its soft and earthy colour palette. Opt for muted tones like sage green, warm mustard, terracotta, and soft greys to create a calming atmosphere. These colours provide a neutral backdrop while still allowing room for playful accents and pops of colour, meaning that you don’t have to worry about additional toys and textiles clashing with your scheme.

Whilst all of these colours go together beautifully, it is best to opt for 1-2 ‘main’ colours for larger areas (for example, wall paint or wall paper and flooring), and then add in an additional 2-3 accent colours, in varying degrees for things like textiles and art. Try to keep to this colour scheme with repeating of the accent colours throughout the room in order to create a cohesive, calming space.

Designing a Boho gender neutral nursery

As discussed, you’ll want to include some key components in your boho gender neutral nursery to really nail the look that you want to achieve. We explore each of those elements further below.

Natural elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements into the nursery. Wooden furniture, rattan decor, and woven textures add warmth and a touch of bohemian charm. Consider a crib with a wooden frame, a rattan rocking chair, or even a woven wall hanging to infuse natural elements into the space. A bonus of this style of furniture is that the warmth of the wood pairs perfectly with a boho colour scheme too!

Macrame magic

A key player in ANY self-respecting boho gender neutral nursery has to be macrame. Whether its macrame ceiling hangings, wall decor, lampshades or even blankets – at least one piece is a must! Synonymous with the boho movement, macrame decor brings equal parts class and magic to your space, and there are so many beautiful handmade pieces that you can find on Etsy to bring your vision to life!

Pretty Patterns

My favourite trick to avoiding bland looking spaces, is adding in wallpaper. This quickly transforms the look of a space and adds a big area of interest to use as a base for the rest of your boho gender neutral nursery design. There are some gorgeous pieces from Bobbi Beck that give a major nod to boho without being overpowering, and can work well for bringing some much needed colour into your space without having to overthink your design.

If you don’t fancy a wallpaper, but still want to bring in some patterns, blinds and curtains are also a great way to bring in some patterns to your space, although it can be difficult to choose which option to go for. I would personally recommend getting blinds for a nursery room specifically, as they are easier to clean and maintain – reducing the amount of dust and allergens in your babies space, and if you use one with a shorter rod/pulley system they can be less dangerous for your child.

A note about blinds/curtains: Whatever you choose, ensure that it meets safety standards, especially considering the presence of cords that could pose a strangulation risk. Cordless or inaccessible cords are preferable. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences, the needs of the nursery, and the safety considerations for your little one.

Whimsical Wall Art

Boho nurseries are known for their unique and eclectic wall art. Consider adorning the walls with dreamcatchers, macramé wall hangings, or a gallery wall of nature-inspired prints. These artistic touches not only add visual interest but also contribute to the overall bohemian aesthetic.

I particularly love those with sky / skyline depictions in beautiful boho shades as they perfect for a boho gender neutral nursery and bring in a sense of the magic of the world your little one has now joined. There are plenty of customisable options that you can choose from when you purchase via Etsy or similar websites, adding that personal touch to the nursery.

Soft Textiles

Soft, cozy textiles are essential in creating a comfortable and inviting nursery. Incorporate plush rugs, throw blankets, and oversized floor cushions for a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere with bonus points with tassels for keeping with the boho theme. Consider opting for gender-neutral patterns like geometric shapes, tribal prints, or botanical motifs. This is also a wonderful way to introduce colour into an otherwise flat space, either through colourful rugs and sweet neutral baby blankets, as we see below.

A note about tassels: When using tassels in a nursery, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Make sure that any tassel decorations are securely fastened and out of reach of the baby to prevent any potential hazards. With a thoughtful approach, tassels can be a delightful and stylish addition to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the nursery.

And of course, no boho gender neutral nursery would be complete without the addition of a beautiful fringed canopy over the crib – a stunning focal point for the room. It’s also hugely functional- it creates a feeling of enclosure which helps to comfort some infants during the early months when they are adjusting to their surroundings. It also helps to regulate temperature by providing a bit of insulation if you have a nursery that tends towards being drafty.

Desert decor

Infuse your boho gender-neutral nursery with the enchanting allure of desert decor, creating a serene oasis for your little one. Embrace earthy tones reminiscent of sandy landscapes and dusty terracotta hues. Incorporate cactus motifs through wall art or plush, ensuring a playful nod to the desert’s unique flora. The desert decor theme offers a harmonious blend of warmth and tranquility, creating a gender-neutral nursery that resonates with the timeless and soothing essence of the arid wilderness.

Functional storage

Maintain the boho aesthetic while ensuring functionality by incorporating ample storage solutions. Woven baskets, open shelving, and vintage crates not only provide storage but also contribute to the overall bohemian vibe. Bonus points for hanging storage, which helps maintain floor space whilst keeping important items out of reach from those little hands!

Greenery goodness

Introducing plants into a baby’s nursery not only adds a touch of natural beauty but also contributes to creating a healthier indoor environment for your boho gender neutral nursery. When selecting plants for a nursery, it’s essential to choose ones that are non-toxic, low-maintenance, and have air-purifying qualities.

Snake plants (Sansevieria) are an excellent choice, as they are known for their ability to filter out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Additionally, consider the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), renowned for its air-purifying capabilities. This resilient plant is safe for curious little hands and can thrive in various lighting conditions.

A note about plants: When incorporating plants into the baby’s space, it’s crucial to place them out of reach to ensure the safety of the child. Regularly dusting the leaves and monitoring soil moisture will help maintain a healthy and vibrant nursery environment, promoting both the physical and psychological well-being of both baby and parents alike.

Conclusion

Creating a boho gender-neutral nursery is an opportunity to embrace a more inclusive and imaginative approach to design. By combining natural elements, whimsical decor, and personalized touches, you can craft a space that is not only visually stunning but also reflective of your family’s unique personality. Let your creativity flow, and watch as your nursery transforms into a haven of love, warmth, and bohemian charm for your little one.

Want to read more about the boho style? Check out my post on bohemian maximalism here.