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2026 Nursery Trends Inspiring the Next Wave of Inspo Boards
2026 Nursery Trends Inspiring the Next Wave of Inspo Boards

2026 Nursery Trends Inspiring the Next Wave of Inspo Boards

From sprinkles of scallop charm to adorable hunting dogs—these are the 2026 nursery trends you can expect.

author-Latifah Miles
By Latifah Miles
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On
Updated On
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In This Article

Color as the Theme
Get the Color as the Theme Look:
Preppy, Traditional Aesthetic
Get the Preppy, Traditional Look:
Sprinkle of Scallops
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Curated Vintage
Get the Curated Vintage Look:
Hunting Dog Microtrend
Get the Hunting Dog Look:
Modern Woodland
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Nursery style trends are ever-changing, and in the next year, interior design experts Stephanie DeBrincat of Rockabye Mommy and Naomi Coe of Little Crowns Interiors said they expect baby spaces to see more color-based themes, nods to restrained maximalism and touches of traditional aesthetic. 

When we talked to Coe and DeBrincat last year about 2025 nursery trends, they predicted wallpaper and mini art galleries being the focal point of nursery design, and lilac being the color of choice. And while some of the more popular trends from 2025—like wallpaper—are expected to continue, some newer trends, like pops of hunting dogs (yes, like Labradors and Pointers), will be leading the trend wave in 2026.

Along with chatting with Coe and DeBrincat about their trend predictions, I drew on my own insights as a mom of two and a Babylist editor enmeshed in everything baby to curate this list. I also talked to our Babylist Shop buyers to pick their brains about what they’re seeing grow in popularity (hint: warm neutral finishes on furniture). And if you’re looking at these trends and wondering what to do next, you can add the items you love the most to your Babylist registry and bring the trendy nursery of your dreams to life.

Color as the Theme

Monochrome nursery.

Instead of a defined theme like nautical or safari, DeBrincat said she’s predicting that nurseries will rely more on colors to create a mood or vibe for the space that feels like “a sense of joy, magic and emotional connection,” vs. the standard motifs you’d expect in a nursery.

According to DeBrincat, parents are recreating this trend by way of color drenching or “painting walls, trim, and even ceilings in a single, saturated shade.” While color being the theme can sound a little one-dimensional, there are ways to add layers with patterns like stripes, floral or ginghams, which are traditional but trending according to Coe.

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Preppy, Traditional Aesthetic

Preppy, Traditional Aesthetic Nursery.

A blend of sophistication, tradition and playfulness, this trend is all about mixing preppy staples with whimsical nursery accents. DeBrincat says that adding plaid and houndstooth textiles, wool drapery and leather accents can help bring this trend to life. This aesthetic is taking off because it adds “more color, pattern and fun, but with a sophisticated look that doesn’t disrupt the overall style of the home,” Coe says.

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Sprinkle of Scallops

Sprinkle of Scallops Nursery.

“Scalloped forms have officially hit the trend treadmill,” DeBrincat has told us, and we’re inclined to agree. The delicate pattern adds a healthy dose of childhood charm to any nursery design. From scalloped-edged curtains and shelves to a scallop-trimmed bed skirt or wicker basket, there are dozens of ways to add this trend to your nursery. 

One thing worth noting is that (similar to the chevron trend of the 2010s) scallop trimmings are super trendy. Coe says if you love it but don’t want to go full force, she suggests using it in “small doses and for pieces that can be easily changed, like a crib skirt, wall shelves or a pillow.”

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Curated Vintage

Curated Vintage Nursery.

Vintage charm was on our list of trends to watch out for last year, and while we see it continuing into 2026, it’ll be more curated and intentional. “It's less about layering ten different found pieces and more about choosing one or two that feel storied and a little unexpected,” DeBrincat says. That can mean a thrifted lamp that completes a corner of the space, or a unique, handcrafted mirror that fits the wall perfectly.

“Treat vintage like a spice: a little goes a long way, and it's all about knowing where to sprinkle it,” DeBrincat says. While this theme comes to life with truly vintage items, you can recreate the same vibe with items found from general retailers that fit the aesthetic.

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Hunting Dog Microtrend

Hunting Dog Microtrend.

I asked DeBrincat and Coe about a microtrend I’ve noticed of dogs—specifically hunting dogs— being a focal point in nursery decor, and Coe noted that it works “really well with the traditional/preppy style.” DeBrincat added, “Hunting dogs like hounds, labradors and pointers work beautifully in Ralph Lauren-inspired rooms, adding warmth and a touch of humor.” For the most part, I’ve seen this trend play out with paintings, delicate wallpaper and mobiles.

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Modern Woodland

Modern Woodland Nursery.

When we polled Babylist parents about the theme of their nursery this year, a notable portion of them pointed to the woodland theme. And while we know this isn’t necessarily new, it’s a classic trend that’s being manifested in new ways, according to DeBrincat and Coe. 

“The woodland theme has staying power, but it's evolving. I'm seeing it interpreted through a more modern lens–think abstract tree forms and muted forest palettes,” DeBrincat says. Even just five years ago, a woodland theme would be more cartoony and obviously babyish, Coe says, but nowadays, “we’re seeing more traditional toiles with animal and tree patterns, more neutrals with deeper greens and wood tones.”

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