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You’re designing your little one's nursery, and you’re at somewhat of a crossroads. You want it to be simple and clean, but not too modern. And you want it to be classic and warm, but not too traditional. The solution? A modern traditional design. A stunning, in-between style that can help you strike the perfect balance. 

Modern traditional design brings together the essential elements of both styles, and creates something entirely new — a fresh take on a classic look. Here are three tips for creating your dream nursery space where old meets new. 

Lean into elegance. One of the key components of traditional design is elegance. Timeless pieces that reference elevated styles and silhouettes from the past, and transport them to the present. Think about touches like panel moulding, chandelier lighting, and even floor-to-ceiling window treatments. These accents can all help evoke those feelings of old-world luxury. Furniture-wise, look to pieces like the Brimsley Tambour 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in Warm White and the Brimsley Tambour 6-Drawer Assembled Dresser in Warm White, two items with tambour detailing and elegant gold feet that help allude to that sense of timelessness.

Add comforting classics. It’s not all about creating an elevated look. Modern traditional style also relies on the warmth of traditional design — the inviting, nostalgic feeling of incorporating long-used styles you remember from old friends and family members’ homes. Tie in cozy touches with pieces like the Devon Recliner and Swivel Glider in Olive Boucle, and add some vintage charm with pieces like the Winston 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Vintage Iron. Then, layer in time-tested prints like plaid and comforting hues like brown. Balancing the elegant with the inviting is what will help your little one’s space truly feel like home.

Sprinkle in something new. Now for the modern. While you won’t want to go too sleek, you can always look for classic-inspired pieces with updated twists. For example, how the Liberty 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in Black offers a bold take on a classic spindle crib. Or how the Crewe Recliner and Swivel Glider in Fog Chatham Stripe creates a crisp, contemporary version of a traditional chair. Keeping the space somewhat minimalist and clutter-free can also help promote that clean, modern feel without requiring any additional decor pieces. At the end of the day, finding the right balance between this style’s two influences is all about discovering what feels right for you — so happy exploring.