A Nursery Rooted in the Northwest
A retreat for baby, inspired by the historic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Interiors throughout this story are original work by Founder, Rachel Anderson, photographed by Evernew.
Nurseries are one of my favorite rooms to design. Where else do structure and whimsy collide with such grace?
Nurseries—and children’s spaces in general—are a delightful break when my other interior design projects become fussy and complicated. They come with a pretty straightforward formula: style a spot for sleeping, changing, feeding, and connection.
Simple.
The real fun in designing a room for children, though, is in its creative freedom. Suddenly we get to break the design no-no of a themed space. Want to decorate with astronauts and space? Go for it. Want to immerse baby in a jungle with cartoon monkeys dancing on the wall? Sure. You make the rules.
For this baby boy, we looked to the landscape of the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. To where I am proud to call home and where two soon-to-be parents would welcome their first child with great anticipation.
ROOTED IN PLACE
More Than a Woodland Theme
The Pacific Northwest has been inspiration for many a design project. With its sweeping evergreen forests, misty gray skies, and plethora of wildlife, it’s easy to see why.
Translating that inspiration into a room for baby meant bringing the outdoors in. A deep green dresser recalls the forest canopies while brass knobs, golden oak floors, and a wood lamp add warmth. A seagrass basket and faux cowhide rug bring an organic softness.
A spot of open wall was the perfect chance for baby’s first mini wall gallery. Prints in black and white add character: an archival logging photograph is reminiscent of the region’s timber history, while a tiny rain-cloud print is a playful nod to the weather we know so well in the PNW.
Together, these pieces create a sense of place without making the nursery feel overly themed.
A FOREST, LIGHTLY DRAWN
Whimsy Without Overdoing It
A nursery should leave room for imagination, but it doesn’t have to rely on decorations that baby may soon outgrow.
Since this couple planned on moving in the near future, we focused on minimal decor and surface-level upgrades, while investing in a dresser that could follow them anywhere.
Stick-on wall decals in an antler motif added interest, giving the feeling of wallpaper without the commitment. A plush moose head is a safe, fun sight for baby and creates a focal point to anchor the bassinet against the patterned backdrop.
These details introduce the woodland story in a way that feels appropriate for a baby while remaining easy to evolve down the road. The bassinet can eventually move out. Artwork can shift. The antler pattern can remain, change or disappear entirely.
The room has a clear personality, but it isn’t trapped inside one stage of childhood.
FOR THE QUIET HOURS
A Place to Rock and Settle
Some of the most important moments in a nursery happen in the middle of the night, when beauty matters less and comfort and function matter more.
A supportive rocking chair creates a dedicated place for feeding, soothing and reading. The nearby side table keeps essentials within reach, while the adjustable floor lamp offers focused light without requiring the whole room to be brightly illuminated.
An upholstered ottoman provides a place to put up tired feet, and the soft hide-shaped rug adds warmth over the original hardwood floor. Around the window, lightly patterned curtains filter daylight.
Differing styles of pattern appear throughout the room—adding interest to the white space—while their muted colors keep them from competing.
A CLOSING THOUGHT
A Soft Place to Land
A nursery can never fully prepare us for a new arrival. But having a cohesive, finished space can do wonders for our mind and our hearts.
Designing for babies and kids is a cherished part of my work and I know not everyone wants to invest in a designer for a room that will likely change soon in the future, so I’m always grateful when someone comes to me for help.
Did you know I offer affordable design options that takes varying budgets into account? If you’re curious about designing with kids in mind, check out my Mini Room Makeover or E-Design Services.
I’m here if want some direction to create a place that proudly welcomes your little one into the world.