When designing a nursery, selecting good-looking furniture takes a backseat to comfort. From the moment you come home with your baby, you will spend a lot of time here. It’s important to make sure that you and your child feel comfortable in the nursery. After a stressful couple of years spent largely at home, most people want to create a warm, cozy, and relaxed environment. 

It’s not surprising then, that the nursery design trends for 2022 include curved shapes, soft colors, and furniture inspired by nature. When you combine these elements with natural materials and organic shapes, you can create a nursery that feels welcoming and comfortable. 

Balancing straight lines and organic shapes

Why do curved lines and round shapes feel better than straight edges? The answer lies in the way humans perceive shapes. Sharp edges and points induce a sense of stress and anxiety, even if it’s just on a subconscious level. Round corners and organic shapes found in nature feel safe. 

Since most rooms are boxy by nature with straight walls and corners, adding some balance with rounded furniture or irregular shapes can help induce a sense of calm. It’s hard to find a crib or a dresser in curved shapes but you can always add an oval rug or some plants to soften the straight lines.

Another reason to add soft curves is that they create a sense of movement and freedom. A round table or an irregularly shaped pillow will encourage babies to explore the room. It can also foster creativity in kids and adults alike.

Curved lines 

How can you include curved lines within the nursery? Some easy things to work with are mirrors, artwork, and lighting. Opt for large round or oval mirrors if possible. Not only does it add curved lines but it can also make a small nursery feel big and airy. Choose photo frames in irregular shapes or pendant light with curves instead of harsh edges.

It’s much harder to change big furniture pieces like a crib but you can add smaller pieces with rounded edges such as a comfy chair in the corner. When selecting a dresser, try to find one with round knobs or curved handles instead of straight ones.

Take inspiration from nature

Curved shapes, rounded edges, and irregular forms are abundant in nature. So why not be inspired by the natural environment? From the shape of flower petals to waves splashing on the shore, irregularity abounds outside. Bring the same sense of movement and activity indoors by including things like plants, pictures of animals, or by painting birds on the ceiling. 

For those less artistically inclined, murals and removable decals with nature scenes are a great option. The advantage of using decals is that you can replace them with something else as your child grows and the nursery becomes a kid’s bedroom. 

Soft and neutral tones

Another trending design choice is the color palette for the nursery. Bright and bold colors were all the rage at some point but soft tones are the trend for 2022. Consider colors that you normally find in nature such as sky blue and sea green. Pastel tones and neutrals like cream feel soothing to the eye.

Not everyone likes only using soft tones throughout the nursery, so you can always add a pop of color with bright pictures or a rug. Also remember that baby clothes and toys often come in bright, basic colors. So the nursery is never going to look too dull or boring if you use soft tones!

Use natural materials

Another way to experiment with different shapes is to use natural materials for objects such as the crib or lights. Furniture made with solid wood has a distinctive look with the natural grain and multiple color tones. You can also add pillows with texture to an armchair or use fabrics like cotton. 

You can pick a round pendant light in rattan instead of one with all metal and glass. Use a rug made with cotton or linen, this can add texture and visual appeal. If you intend to add a small table or other storage, make sure they have rounded edges. Not only will they complement the other organic shapes but they also prevent injury when crawling babies bump into them. 

Irregular shapes

You are not restricted to either straight lines or round shapes when experimenting with design. You can also use irregular objects such as vases or sculptures. While the latter may not fit very well in a nursery, flower vases or plant pots in irregular shapes make a good addition. You can display a small collection of them above a shelf or set them in an alcove on the wall. Leave them empty or add some indoor plants for a touch of life. 

The nursery will be your child’s playground, so don’t hesitate to experiment with fun shapes, different textures, and natural materials.