My Favorite Rooms to Decorate (And Why They’re Almost Always Nurseries)
Ten years ago, I graduated college and, like so many people, jumped straight into the corporate world, building a career in Commercial Real Estate. A few years later, I met my now-husband, we got married, and soon after welcomed our first baby in our two-bedroom NYC apartment.
Like many expectant parents, I went into full nesting mode. Even though we already knew we’d be moving to the suburbs (we had purchased our first home just eight months after our son was born), I felt completely drawn to designing his nursery. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but that moment planted the seed for what would eventually become Gabrielle Licht Interiors (GLI).
Our first house was a spec home that had just begun construction, which meant endless opportunities to customize, but also a lot of decisions. I interviewed several decorators and, ultimately, didn’t find the right fit for that stage of our journey. So, I did it myself: every paint color, stone selection, hardware choice, layout decision. It was hands-on, immersive, and truly felt like my “graduate school” in design.
When it came time to order furniture, I did bring on a decorator and learned a great deal from that experience as well. Three years later, I officially launched GLI: a design firm rooted in creating homes that reflect both personal style and real life, with an unwavering focus on giving clients an exceptional experience. Interior design should be fun. It’s creative, collaborative, and genuinely enjoyable when you’re working with the right people.
While the kitchen will always be my favorite room in any home (it’s where everyone naturally gathers), my favorite rooms to decorate are almost always nurseries.
Why Nurseries?
Because nurseries are part of your child’s very first memories—and when designed thoughtfully, they can grow beautifully with your child through toddlerhood, childhood, and even their teenage years.
They’re meaningful. They’re emotional. And they’re one of the few spaces in a home that can truly evolve alongside your child.
You Just Found Out You’re Having a Baby (Congratulations!)
Let’s say you’ve just learned you’re having a baby boy. What’s the first thing you do?
Many parents head straight to Pottery Barn or RH and start selecting furniture—and while there’s absolutely no right or wrong way to approach a nursery, I always recommend starting with walls and flooring first.
Wallpaper & Walls
For apartments and rentals, I love Love vs Design and other high-quality peel-and-stick wallpapers.
For homes, some of my go-to brands are Phillip Jeffries and Thibaut, especially vinyl wallcoverings.
Why vinyl? Because it forgives real life.
The diaper mishaps you didn’t catch in time. The Aquaphor-covered hands touching the walls. Vinyl wallpapers are durable, cleanable, and ideal for kids’ spaces.
Disclaimer: When designing a short-term nursery in a rental, I love leaning into something baby-specific—animals, cars, clouds, and other playful motifs are perfect here.
Flooring: Rugs vs. Wall-to-Wall Carpet
In kids’ rooms, I almost always recommend wall-to-wall carpet. It’s cozier, safer, and you won’t be constantly fixing rug corners or finding toys hidden underneath them.
If carpet isn’t for you, I love alternatives like House of Noa, FLOR carpet tiles, or similar modular flooring options that are practical and forgiving.
Furniture: Cribs, Dressers & Changing Tables
I’ve had an excellent experience with RH furniture for my son. When his crib wasn’t ready in time, they provided a temporary solution and later handled a recall with care and integrity. I truly think their quality is fantastic.
That said, there are wonderful crib options from West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn as well.
One important note: You do not need a dedicated changing table. Any dresser can function as one. If space allows, opt for a larger dresser that will grow with your child long after diapers are gone.
Gliders vs. Recliners
Ah, the infamous nursery chair.
I chose gliders for both of my children with the intention of reupholstering them later and that worked well for us. But if you know you’ll be up all night with a newborn in their room, a recliner is simply more comfortable.
Color matters, too. White isn’t ideal for milk or formula stains, but very dark fabrics show wear as well. In my experience, colored bouclé fabrics wear beautifully, but always choose what works best for your space.
Accessories: Where Personality Shines
Lighting, side tables, bookcases, and art are where you can truly lean into age-specific design.
A baby girl’s bookcase might feel whimsical, almost like a dollhouse.
A baby boy’s room may incorporate animal-shaped or patterned bins for books and toys.
This is where personality shines.
Some of my favorite accessories are:
Transitioning from Nursery to “Big Kid” Room
When your baby is ready for a bed, here’s my biggest piece of advice:
Do not buy a bed just for their current age. Buy a forever bed.
If you chose a 4-in-1 crib, you’re in great shape. If not, it’s time to invest in a real bed.
We bought our two-year-old a queen-size bed because it’s what the room called for—and while it felt big at first, it’s now one of our favorite places to end the night reading together.
Beds and mattresses are investments. Even if a bed feels large now, plan for later.
I do always suggest low-profile beds—they’re safer, very much in style, and beautifully timeless. Upholstered beds are another favorite of mine, especially for added softness behind pillows.
Examples of beds I love:
Simple Ways to Mature a Nursery
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Swap window treatments
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Update lighting
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Change bookcases
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Add a table or desk
Small changes can completely shift the feel of a room.
Final Thoughts
If I could offer just one piece of advice when designing a nursery that will grow with your child:
Choose wallpaper that will last, carpet that can be professionally cleaned (and is not white), and don’t be afraid to have fun with accessories.
Accessories are easy to change and they’re what make a room feel complete.
If you’re expecting, moving, or looking to redesign a room or home, I’d love to help.
Please reach out to Gabrielle@gabriellelichtinteriors.com and follow along on Instagram@gabriellelichtinteriors to see our work.
