Many parents say it’s challenging to find inspiring ideas for boys’ rooms, which makes it especially rewarding when a standout nursery arrives in our inbox. Dacia and Jordan’s nursery is a perfect example—creative, personal, and gently themed around space. Here’s Dacia’s story about designing the room for their son.
Hi John & Sherry! I wanted to share my nursery with you. When we learned our first child would be a little boy, I immediately started planning the nursery. I had a clear vision, but one night my husband—who usually isn’t interested in decorating—asked if he could help design the space. I was so touched that he wanted to be involved that I set my original plans aside. We started designing together, and I’m glad we did: the room took on a direction we both love.
My husband has a passion for astronomy, so we built the nursery around that interest. Rather than painting a traditional mural, we created a three-dimensional planet “mural” using embroidery hoops. It’s a simple, tactile take on a space theme that adds depth and character to the room.
The color palette centers on soft grays and blues for a calm, modern feel, but we wanted a cheerful accent. I gave an old changing table a fresh look after finding it on Craigslist for $30. I also updated plain navy curtains by sewing small star accents onto them, which helps tie the whole room together.
Opposite the crib, we placed a futon so both my husband and I can sit comfortably in the nursery at the same time. Above the futon hangs a piece of art I designed that explains the meaning of our son’s name. We plan to frame and add family photos on either side of that artwork once we have them ready.
Sherry, I totally understand why you loved Clara’s nursery so much—this room has already become my favorite place in the house. We enjoy spending time there with our son! – Dacia
The result is a thoughtful boys’ nursery that balances creativity and comfort. The embroidery hoop mural stands out as an inventive alternative to painted murals: lightweight, customizable, and easy to rearrange as the child grows. The small details—the star-studded curtains, the accented rug, the repainted changing table—bring cohesion to the space without overwhelming it.
Designing a baby room together can make the space feel more meaningful. In this case, combining Dacia’s instincts for color and finish with Jordan’s love of astronomy produced a nursery that reflects both parents. The futon opposite the crib is practical and welcoming, offering a place to sit, read, or rest during late-night feedings. The personalized artwork adds sentimental value and will become more meaningful as family photos are added.
Key takeaways for creating an inspiring boys’ nursery from this project:
- Choose a calm base palette—like grays and blues—and add a single pop of color to keep the room peaceful yet lively.
- Consider three-dimensional or DIY wall treatments (embroidery hoops, decals, shelves) as an alternative to painted murals.
- Repurpose affordable finds, such as secondhand furniture, by refinishing or painting them to fit your theme and budget.
- Add personal touches—art that explains a name, framed family photos, or items connected to a parent’s hobby—to make the room uniquely yours.
We love the subtle outer-space references throughout the nursery, from the embroidery hoop planets to the star details on the curtains and rug. It’s a clever, gentle theme that grows well with a child while remaining modern and stylish.
UPDATE: Dacia has shared additional photos and details about the nursery on her blog for anyone who wants to see more of the project.