13 Unique Theme Ideas for your Baby's Nursery

Often, our nappy bags are tagged in our beautiful customers’ nursery reveals on Instagram. I have been blown away by all of the clever DIY ideas and absolutely love how many parents are choosing to shop small Australian brands for their baby nursery.

We're excited to share ten of the best baby nurseries we have been tagged in so far this in 2024. We have included the store names for each of the products featured so that you can shop the look for your own little one's room.

Plus, in this blog you'll find tips from our community on how to save money when sourcing your baby furniture and decor. Our customers have told us which products they chose to spend or save on, so you don't have to worry about wasting money on the non-essentials.

1. Natural Boho

We’re excited to share this amazing nursery by the ever talented Margaux from @thefrenchfolk. Soft neutrals, gorgeous textures and delicate baby pieces will have you swooning.

Gone are the days when a change table needs to be an extra in your nursery. Using a changing basket like this stunning rattan piece from @rajahomewares gives you the practical space to change your babe without compromising on style or space.

We love a good statement piece to bring a room together and the stunning Hendrix cot from @sacredbundle does just that. Offering a sturdy, sophisticated edge to any home aesthetic that will grow with your baby.

Shop the look:

@oioi_global Leather Nappy Backpack, Nursery furniture @sacredbundle, Artworks by @_studioarco, Rugs and furnishings @hunterandnomad,
chair @lovebabycot.com.au, decor @paolaandjoy, dresser @melb.design.co, personalised timber milestone set & teething baby keepsake gift box from @one.chew.three, Mama-to-be pregnancy skincare bundle from @vaydaorganics_, Postpartum Essentials Kit form @gotyou.au

2. Modern Minimalist

In collaboration with @thecollabsociety and @rosegracephotography, we are excited to share with you this stunning nursery styled with modern minimalists in mind.

Babies have lots of beautiful keepsakes, and a wonderful way to display them is through a wall shelf. Another benefit of using a wall shelf is that it keeps fragile items out of reach!

Instead of opting for a baby change table, save money by placing a gorgeous rattan basket on top of a chest of drawers instead. This way, you can repurpose both the basket and chest of drawers for down the track.

Shop the look:

Baby Bag - @oioi_global Wallpaper – @pickawall Nappies – @huggies.au Brown Play Mat + Wooden Train Set – @mywarrenhill Cot + Nursery Rocker + Ottoman - @lovebabycot.com.au High Chair - @bloombabyaustralia Stroller - @babyzenaustralia Baby Rocker - @antipoda_co Large Play Mat - @rugabub Mobile - @timbertinkers Canopy - @hopeandjadeinteriors Teether , Dummy Chain and Blush Knit - @bellaevalinebabyboutique Floral Blanket, Swaddles , Floral Onesie - @adenandanais_au Khaki Pants , Khaki Onesie , Purple Onesie - @mooseymooseofficial Knitted Onesie + Knitted Gown - @jujobaby Baby Carrier - @marsupiaustralia Timber Elephant , Turtle + Giraffe - @my.deer.ivy Arch stool - @_zenndesign Cloud Cushions + You Are My Sunshine Banner - @littlebambinobear Cookies , Tumbler , Tea , Hot Choc - @milkandcookiesbyjewels Journal – @our.adventure.journals Wall Banners - @addisonwonderlandau Teddy Candle - @seededcandleco Timber Side table - @mark_tuckey Cot Sheet - @augustandpoppy Caddy - @bunniecaddie Darling Cushion - @finchandfolk

3. Australiana

Photo @fimimsphotography

Megan @fawnandfinch had her nursery styled by the amazing duo from @_bylagom. Megan was keeping the gender of her baby a surprise, so the aim for decorating this baby room was to create a serene, tranquil space that could be easily tweaked & transitioned once she knew bub's gender.

What I think makes this room special is the little Australiana details from the native flowers in a vase to the Eucalyptus wall decals. This is such a great theme to follow for gender-neutral spaces as most Australiana themed baby decor is available in fresh, natural colours.

Check out Megan's instagram @fawnandfinch to see what products she has added in since her little one's arrival to make the space more gender specific. 

Budget saving tip: Discount codes! Keep an eye out for brands tagged in nursery stylings on Instagram, is they often offer exclusive codes for the collaborator's followers.

Shop the look: Tan Nappy Backpack @oioi_global, Cot @designkids.com.au, Artwork @aurora.art.co, Floor Rug @rj.living, Canopy @verdebaby, Wall Decals @blond.noir, Rainbow Wall Hanging @islaintheskye, Dresser Handles @mademeasure, Play Gym @mylittlegiggles, House Wall Shelf @darlingsofaugust, Wooden Wall Shelf @h_and_g_designs, Throw @adairs

4. Tropical Forest

It is a fine art decorating a baby nursery filled with all of your favourite Insta finds, and the talented Jo @magic_of_mikaere has done it! Her little boy Mikaere's nursery is features over 25 local small businesses led and run by mumpreneurs.

I absolutely adore everything about this room. From the tree wall decals, to the statement green cot, to the adorable Curious Leopard bamboo baby romper!

Something extra special about this space is that everything has been shopped mindfully - Jo opted for products that were gender neutral, durable/sustainable and timeless. 

If you haven't already, be sure to head to the giveaway post on our Instagram @oioi_global to win vouchers from many of the featured brands this week.

Budget saving tip: Jo's advice is to "wait until your baby shower and then decide from there what you need. Always accept pre-loved items/hand me downs to get you started."

Shop the look: Jungle Baby Bodysuit @oioi_global, Cot @incyinteriors, Palm Tree Wall Decals @littleraeprints, Cot sheet & blanket @banabae_au, Eucalyptus Wall Decals @blond.noir, Cushions @yakandyetitrader, Cushions @littlepeachandpip, Birds @poppyslittletreasures, Rattan light @theminiaturetreasury, Play Gym @ellecollective, Musical Instruments @babynoise_ & Wooden Toys @qtoysaustralia

5. Baby Nursery with Plants

Kristen @houseoferamiha is a mama to 5 beautiful babies so she is no stranger to setting up a nursery! I absolutely love the textures she has used in her little girl Jordan's room - they add so much warmth to the space. Also note the clever use of wicker baskets for insta-worthy (and more importantly easy) toy storage. 

What makes this room for me is the gorgeous fiddle leaf fig in the corner. Plants are such a wonderful way to make a room feel lighter, brighter and purify the air while they are at it too!

Wondering what type of plants are best for a baby nursery? Opt for a fiddle leaf fig like Kristen or other child-safe plants such as a Pilea plant. Just be sure to check with a reputable gardener or your local GP what is best for your children's age.

Budget saving tip: If you have time up your sleeve, consider taking a plant cutting from one of your friend's plants and propagate one yourself! For a quicker option, there is a plant species (and store) for every budget so check out your local garden nursery.

Shop the look: Floral Toddler Bamboo Pyjamas @oioi_global, Cot @danish_by_design, Soft Toys @cuddleandkind, Floor Rug @hunterandnomad, Planter @mowglistudio, Basket @adairs

6. Neutral

If you love the idea of using house plants in your baby's nursery, our gorgeous customer Kayla @lifewithfranklyn has incorporated greenery beautiful into her little boy's bedroom.

Kayla's styling tip:

Start with Pinterest to visually create your dream nursery board by selecting colour pallets, furniture must-haves and decor inspiration, this will really help you make it come to life and you can continue to revisit it as you begin to decorate.

Then, start with purchasing your big ticket items like rugs, drawers, cot, nursing chair etc., from there you can start to collect smaller decor items that will bring the heart of the room together.

Another tip is, if you're having a baby shower create a 'baby wish list' to give your family and friends ideas of things they can buy, buying baby shower presents can sometimes be very difficult for people, so this will help give them an idea and also ensure the baby gifts you receive won't go unused and can contribute towards making the nursery of your dreams come to life.

Shop the look: Tan Nappy Backpack - @oioi_global, rainbow mobile @rajahomewares, booties @toshidesign, name plaque @the.nest.aus, playmat @stinasstyle, change mat @olliella, cot @booriaustralia, cushion

7. Dreamy Wonderland

If you are looking for a girl nursery theme idea that isn't all about the colour pink, we are in love with this whimsical styling by adoring mama Illiana @illianamcdonnell.

The combination of the soft, pillowy rug and beautiful tassel light shade makes this nursery so calm & dreamy. The addition of the magical Sleepy Moon & Cloud wall decals brings the space together beautifully, creating the ultimate wonderland of dreams. 

Like Illiana, using wall decals is such a great alternative to painting baby's nursery because they won't damage your walls and can be easily interchanged with other designs - giving your nursery a whole new look.

Budget saving tip: Put a changing basket on top of a chest of drawers rather than buying a full change table - saving money & space! See below how Illiana achieved this in her nursery:

Shop the look: Nappy Backpack @oioi_global, Cot @stokke_au, Wall Decal @schmooksart, Chair @hobbeaustralia, Floor Rug @templeandwebster, Changing Basket @theyoungfolkcollective, Mirror @schmooksart, Bunny @jellycat_official, Giraffe @sophiethegiraffeaustralia

8. Macrame

Created with love for her baby boy, our gorgeous customer Vic @vickopeikin has certainly made the most of this light-filled room.

We love how she has kept to a very neutral colour palette of grey, white & tan for her big purchases, making them investment items that she can style again when her little one grows out of the baby-phase.

What makes this room special is all in the little details - from the koala ornament to the textured macrame wall hanging.

Budget saving tip: Buy a cheap dresser but change the handles to cute ones.

Shop the look: Tan Tote Nappy Bag @oioi_global, Changing Basket @olliella, Swaddle @popyatot, Baby Book @writetome, Framed Art @etsy, Macrame Wall Hanging @templeandwebster, Chest of Drawers @ikea_australia, Floor Rug @fantasticfurniture

9. Boho Floral

With the sweet florals, textured rug and cute little Cacti, this gorgeous baby girl nursery from our customer @taylawaterworth is giving me all of the Californian Summer vibes!

I also love the layout, with the cot on one side of the room and the change table on the other. It makes the dresser a centrepiece of the room - perfect for displaying Hallie's little treasures - and also allows for plenty of play space in between the two "zones".

Budget saving tip: Accept or find second-hand baby furniture & upcycle it! (Be sure to check paint is baby safe & products such as cots meet current safety standards)

Shop the look: Tan Nappy Backpack @oioi_global, Shoes @little.dottie, Bedding @snugglehunnykids, Name Plaque @hexi_australia

10. Sustainable

I absolutely adore this sun-filled baby room lovingly created by talented mama Jacinta @bloomlette_. As a maker herself of beautiful wooden keepsakes (check out her shop on Insta!), it is no surprise that many of the products in her baby boy's nursery are Australian made, thrifted or upcycled.

Shopping mindfully isn't only better for the planet, but also for your wallet! You can score oodles of amazing finds by browsing Gumtree or Facebook marketplace if you don't have a great op shop near you.

For those special keepsakes, invest in Australian made products such as Bloomlette's wooden announcement plaques - that make a gorgeous decor piece after you have snapped that Insta shot!

Budget saving tip: Purchase pre-loved items from online marketplaces (see if you have a local "buy nothing" community Facebook group) or second hand baby stores such as Mum2Mum in Morley, Perth (who you can sell to also!)

Shop the look: Vegan Baby Bag @oioi_global, Changing Basket @sacredbundle, Upcycled Dresser @whitecovestudio, Handmade wooden shelf @woodyoubuy, Floor Rug @pillowtalkaustralia

11. Spring Bloom

A delightfully feminine nursery filled with shades of pink, white and gold - this room from The Collab Society is a fresh take on the classic floral theme.

Obviously, one of the things that makes the biggest difference to this room is how light and bright it is! This has been achieved by the beautiful white sheer curtains being hung over the window, instead of shutters or the like.

Another way the look of this nursery has been elevated is through the use of floral wallpaper. The flower print is subtle, so keeps the space calm and easy to style. I love how colours of the wallpaper have been used in other parts of the room - such as the stunning peach cot linen.

I am also a big fan of the use of both clean white materials and natural wooden finishes in this nursery. It creates a gorgeous balance between modern and classic style, keeping the nursery look soft yet contemporary.

Budget saving tip: Try your luck with entering a baby nursery giveaway, such as one of the incredible competitions run by Aussie favourite @thecollabsociety

Shop the look: Shoulder Baby Bag @oioi_global, baby lounger @cushiiaustralia, baby rocker @antipoda_co, wallpaper @minnieandmeinteriors, cot @babyhood_australia, rocking chair @lovebabycot.com.au

12. Pops of Colour

This nursery is was styled by the incredible Mel Tonkin behind @melissajanestylist - or as many like to call her: the Queen of Colour! We are in love with the 2.4m high ceilings, sage green arch and the stunning tassel wall hanging. 

The layout of the room consists of three well-thought-out areas: a cosy nook for late-night feeds, a change station/sleeping zone for all that non-existent sleep he'll be doing over the next 6 months, and there's also a roomy spot for Fletcher to chill, play and roll around on the wool rug or one of his many playmats. Mel has included a beautiful bone-inlay console table to hold the sweetest treasures and baby necessities.

Budget saving tip: Keep an eye out for Instagram giveaways to score some amazing products for your baby nursery. @thecollabsociety hosts them regularly, including one recently for the room pictured! 

Shop the look: Tan Nappy Bag @oioi_global, Cot and Dressing Table: Sacred Bundle,   Rocking Chair and Floor Lamp : @lovebabycot, Rug: Miss Amara,  Mobile:Bombora House,  Table Lamp:Wilder Home, Baby Monitor: Oricom,  Pram + Highchair: babybee,  Round Floor Mat: @Rugabub, Beanbag and Gather Sack: Softly Summer, Woven Wall Hanging: KK Homewares

13. Little Book Worm

You've likely seen the work of talented photographer & mum-of-three Margaux Follis @thefrenchfolk before. This stunning new nursery she has recently styled for @thecollabsociety continues to delight, combining her signature stunning golden style with playful additions us as a teddy-filled rattan toy-box and Seuss-esque book shelf.

We hope that you enjoyed reading this blog article. Special thanks to the wonderful mums who allowed us to feature their nurseries and our followers who shared their nursery budget ideas. OiOi is a family run Melbourne business who have built a strong reputation over 23 years for designing Australia's best nappy bags, stroller organisers & pram liners. We also now have a beautiful range of bamboo baby clothing in unique textiles, perfect for your next baby shower gift. Follow us on Instagram @oioi_global for daily inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for beautiful fortnightly emails.