When Brieanne shared the before-and-after photos of her sister’s nursery, we were excited to show the transformation. Below is her note about the project and the thoughtful design choices that turned a spare room into a gentle, timeless space for baby Claire.
Last year my sister asked me—the younger sister with an architecture degree—to help design a nursery for my future (and now completely adorable) niece, Claire. They live in a space where a second child is possible, so my sister wanted a nursery that would remain useful regardless of gender. We began with bedding she loved from Skip Hop and built a simple mood board. The criteria were clear: gender neutral, uncluttered, calming, and budget-friendly. Jen wanted the room to feel fresh and relaxing, a space she’d enjoy as much as the baby would. I decided on a modern take inspired by The Little Prince, a story my sister cherished growing up. Even though Claire is a girl, the book’s gentle imagery seemed like a perfect fit. I painted a mural, made a few handmade elements, and sourced low-cost furniture to keep it practical and cozy. I hope you enjoy the nursery as much as I enjoyed creating it. —Brieanne
Below is the room as it existed before the makeover, used half-heartedly as a guest bedroom:
And here is the space now, after the transformation into a serene nursery for baby Claire:
The redesign keeps the layout simple and functional while emphasizing comfort, soft textures, and visual calm. Colors are muted and neutral with deliberate pops of pattern from the bedding and the mural, allowing focal points to stand out without overwhelming the small space. The result is a room that feels both thoughtfully designed and lived-in—perfect for late-night feedings, quiet story time, and gentle naps.
Here is Brieanne’s resource list for the nursery, which highlights a mix of inherited pieces, affordable finds, and handmade touches:
- Crib and changer: Cub Kids by NettoCollection
- Toy box: family heirloom from my sister’s childhood
- Rocking chair: my grandmother’s vintage rocker
- Bedding: Mod Dot by Skip Hop, a gift from my sister’s in-laws
- Side table: LACK table from Ikea
- Shelf: LACK shelf from Ikea
- Lamp: repurposed from another room; lampshade from Ikea
- Mobile: needle-felted birds made from red wool hung on sticks collected at our family cabin in Lake Tahoe, assembled on site
- Mural: hand-painted by me after enlarging an image from The Little Prince with a projector
- Decal: Bloom by Elephannie (credit for design)
- Quote: vinyl stick-on letters that read: “It is just as it is with the flower. If you love a flower that lives on a star, it is sweet to look at the sky at night. All the stars are a-bloom with flowers.”
The design balances sentimental pieces with practical solutions. Using items passed down through the family—like the rocking chair and toy box—gives the room a meaningful, layered look, while affordable Ikea basics keep the budget in check. The mobile and mural introduce handcrafted details that make the room uniquely personal without requiring a large investment.
One of the strengths of this nursery is its adaptability. Because the palette is neutral and the decor is intentionally simple, the room can evolve as the child grows. Swapping a few textiles or adding personalized art will keep the space fresh without a full redesign. The most successful nursery elements combine comfort, durability, and a sense of calm—and this room does that well.
Brieanne and her sister created a cozy, stylish, and functional nursery that feels both special and practical. The thoughtful mix of family treasures, DIY elements, and budget-friendly purchases shows how a restrained concept and careful editing can produce a charming, enduring space for a new child.
Update: Brieanne mentioned she shares more projects on her personal blog for those who enjoy behind-the-scenes details and photos.