Unisex nursery ideas: stylish toddler bedroom design and decor tips

Every toddler’s bedroom is full of toys, books, and odds and ends. For Cyrus’s space, I wanted a neutral backdrop so that all these treasures could shine, rather than clash. Forget pale pinks or blues, bright art and accessories are what I wanted. Here’s how I approached our nursery decor.

A fresh lick of paint

To keep the room light, airy, and spacious, I chose Dulux Ocean Ripple for the walls. At £34.63 for a 5L tin from B&Q, it’s a reliable investment. We’d used Light & Space Morning Light in our previous home and loved the results. The matt emulsion reflects twice as much light as regular paints thanks to its LumiTec formulation, which makes rooms feel brighter and larger.

Saying goodbye to Cheshire Cat pink

Our nursery began life in a bold shade of hot pink, inspired by the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. Eye-catching, yes; timeless, no. Painting over vinyl silk walls is notoriously tricky, without sanding and priming, matt emulsion results in a cracked, eggshell finish. Lesson learned: never underestimate prep work.

Sanding and priming: the unsung heroes

We sanded the walls and primed with Dulux White Primer & Undercoat 2.5L (£33 from B&Q). Ventilation is essential, and definitely remove the toddler for the day, DIY fumes and small humans do not mix.

Disappearing pink

After two coats of primer, seven of Ocean Ripple, and endless strips of masking tape (£2.46 from B&Q), the pink vanished. What remained was a bright, fresh room, and a very satisfied mummy.

Elephants on parade

We added wall stickers featuring elephants, said to bring good luck. John Lewis had colourful options at £15 that are easy to remove when C grows. Elephants symbolise strength, stability, and wisdom, perfect for a toddler’s first kingdom.

Nursery flooring

Our carpet hunt led us to SCS in Gateshead, where friendly staff guided us through samples. We chose an Avalon Elite Carpet in Morning Light (£21.99 per sq m), perfect for stain resistance and complementing the Ocean Ripple walls.

Extra comfy seating

Late-night storytime demanded a cosy spot. Nursing chairs tend to start at £500, so I was thrilled to find IKEA’s Knopparp yellow sofa at £39. Wide enough for both of us, with a washable cover, it’s a bargain and a lifesaver during those sleepless months.

A picture speaks a thousand words

As a multi-lingual household, passing on Persian traditions is important. I created a small piece of artwork featuring Farsi numbers 1–10. It’s a gentle nudge for C to learn both Farsi and English, and a visual connection to family overseas.

Thinking outside the nursery department

I avoided typical nursery decor and explored housewares sections at Clas Ohlson, Flying Tiger, and IKEA. Practical buys included a hanging basket (£4, Flying Tiger) for hooded towels and essentials, and a rabbit nightlight (£2) that changes colour and keeps C entertained at bedtime.

Customising storage

Our growing collection of toys and books needed organisation. We turned to IKEA’s Kallax shelving unit (£39) with doors (£9 each) and a fun clock (£10) that C enjoys. It’s practical, playful, and teaches day versus night. Next on my to-do: cornices to elevate the look.

Finding the perfect nest

We’ve held off on a cot while co-sleeping, but the time has come. The Teepee tent bed from Bed Kingdom fits beautifully, offering a cosy space that will last well into toddlerhood.

For more of our adventures on the home front, read this blog post.