I've enjoyed seeing some of the ideas flying around for the new 'Royal Nursery' decor. England's Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton, or Princess Kate as everyone seems to call her, is due to give birth any day now, and the infant prince or princess will no doubt be taken home to a splendid royal nursery. (The birth is a little behind the due date, which is highly unusual for the British monarchy as they are usually so prompt in their schedule!)

But when the baby does appear, he or she will spend the first few years of life in a royal nursery that might look like this, according to British interior design company Oliver Burns. (Click the photo if you want to see it larger on our Pinterest page.)


It's not too surprising that the designers opted for such an elegantly traditional look for the royal nursery. However, Oliver Burns added a lovely touch of whimsy in the umbrella addition to the chandelier, which evokes images of Mary Poppins! The room has a nostalgic feel, aided by the narrow stripe wallpaper, wall lamps, and the vintage style dressers lined along one wall. The dressers add a touch of retro character to the room, rather than modern built-in closets.

This is another very traditional idea for the royal nursery, designed by Guy Goodfellow.

Guy Goodfellow interior design company in London is famous for its restoration of period houses with classic interiors. Their rather posh clients include the Duchess of Marlborough and Lord and Lady Dashwood, so they probably have a good idea of the type of decor that will suit Kensington Palace! The wallpaper in this design is by Alexander Beauchamp, with 18th century scenes of Hyde Park. The park surrounds Kensington Palace where the baby will live in the same apartment where his father Prince William and uncle Prince Harry were raised.

Here are my design tips to create a traditional style nursery like these:

  • Keep the colors in the decor fairly pale and elegant. There will be plenty of time for bright primary colors when the child is a little older and running about. Pale tones convey a vintage mood and are more restful for mother and baby to create a sanctuary together for baby's first years.
  • The designers of both of these nurseries opted for flowing, floor-length drapes and a deep pelmet. That window treatment immediately conjures a traditional and relaxed air for a nursery. A few details like pretty vintage chandeliers, a rocking chair, or chests or dressers to hold baby's clothes also create a vintage mood.
  • A large framed antique or reproduction mirror on the wall reflects light into the room and adds to the traditional design, and a vintage dressing table with a looking glass for mom can achieve the same effect as well as being practical.
  • Old-fashioned toys immediately encourage a sense of nostalgia, making the nursery a place where everyone wants to play! A rocking horse is the classic nursery toy, as well as teddy bears or a doll's house or train set tucked on a shelf. Perhaps you have some heirloom toys from your own childhood to share with the new baby?
  • Of course, a four-poster or canopied crib with swathes of lace is the bed of fairy tales and is sure to add a traditional and regal touch.

Every baby is a prince or princess and I hope you've enjoyed some of these inspirations for your very own royal nursery!

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I’ve enjoyed seeing some of the ideas flying around for the new ‘Royal Nursery’ decor. England’s Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton, or Princess Kate as everyone seems to call her, is due to give birth any day now, and the infant prince or princess will no doubt be taken home to a splendid royal nursery. […]

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