Style Highlight: Design a Traditional Heirloom Nursery

Style Highlight: Design a Traditional Heirloom Nursery

A traditional heirloom style nursery isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that tells a story, filled with elements that have timeless character and personal sentiment. With the right color palette, bespoke touches, vintage-inspired furniture pieces, and meaningful accents, you can design a nursery space that embodies this popular design trend and feels like a love letter to generations past, present, and future.

Here are just a few ways to bring your vision to life: 

1. Choose a color palette that stands the test of time. The foundation of a traditional nursery often begins with a soft, timeless color scheme. Neutrals like ivory, cream, or gentle pastels such as soft blush pink, powder blue, or sage green create a peaceful and classic ambiance. You can even consider a vintage-inspired wallpaper with a subtle floral or toile pattern. Carry your soft, neutral color scheme into your furniture pieces by opting for classic styles in creamy fabrics, like our Reese Slipcover Swivel Recliner in Ivory Eco-Linen.


2. Find an heirloom-quality crib. One of the key elements of an heirloom nursery is the inclusion of antique or passed-down furniture pieces – but that isn’t always practical when it comes to the functionality and safety standards you’ll need in a crib. Instead, search for a piece with a vintage-inspired look that also surpasses today’s safety regulations. Our Marin with Cane Crib’s breathtakingly timeless design, 3-in-1 convertibility and GREENGUARD Gold Certification, make an ideal selection for an heirloom traditional nursery. With flush solid and cane panels, hidden hardware and quality craftsmanship, this is a piece that will surely be treasured for years to come. Or for a more antique look, opt for our Abigail 3-in-1 Convertible Crib, made of premium steel and GREENGUARD Gold Certified for safety. 

3. Decorate with meaningful accents. Accessories and decor in an heirloom nursery should reflect family history, special memories, and meaningful traditions. Add personal touches like a gallery wall with black-and-white photos of past generations. Mix frames of different sizes and finishes for a charming, eclectic look. Place a toy or two from your childhood on a shelf or add vintage children’s books for a sentimental touch. 

4. Blend the old with the new. While the focus is on traditional and heirloom pieces, it’s important to blend them seamlessly with modern elements for practicality. For instance, a dresser like our Marin with Cane 6-Drawer Dresser is essential for storage and can also function as a changing table, but adding antique baskets for diapers or a vintage box for storing extra wipes can help bring balance between the old and the new.

Remember, the heart of an heirloom nursery lies in its thoughtful details. It’s about incorporating pieces that have meaning, ensuring the room reflects family history, and creating a space that feels timeless, yet functional for generations to come.



We love seeing the looks you create with our pieces! Share your before-and-after nursery shots with us on Instagram @namesake_home