Welcome to my twin nursery tour. A space where my babies grew, a place where they felt safe and happy in those first formative years.
A versatile room where simplicity meets vibrancy. And a space that radiates happiness.
When I was pregnant with twins, we chose not to find out the gender of the babies.
Many people do these days, but it was our choice not to. At the end of the day, I was so thrilled to be pregnant; I couldn’t have cared less what sex they were. I didn’t need to know until the day I met them. Ultimately, it was two babies. And that’s all that mattered.
The knock-on effect of this was that we had to be a little more creative with how we decorated our twin nursery. We carefully chose a scheme that suited both genders, even if it was one of each! Had I known we were expecting boys, perhaps there would have been a little more blue in the mix?
Or if I had been creating a little girl’s bedroom, maybe I would potentially have gone a little crazy with pink. I don’t think so… but who knows?
I’m so glad we didn’t know. Because as well as a lovely surprise at the end of my pregnancy, we also ended up with a lovely, fresh, unisex room. One that was perfect for the two little people that resided in it.
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Creating a Gender Neutral Twin Nursery
Creating a gender-neutral decor scheme for a twin nursery — or a singleton baby’s nursery — is ideal if you don’t know the gender of your baby. Plus, it provides a versatile and inclusive space that can be enjoyed by any child.
Here are some things to think about when planning a gender-neutral nursery:
Choose a Neutral Colour Palette
Opt for soothing and neutral colours such as whites, greys, beige, or pastel tones as the foundation of your nursery. These tones create a sense of calm. And provide a versatile backdrop for other elements such as soft furnishings, artwork or toys.
Play with Patterns and Textures
Incorporate patterns and textures that move away from gender stereotypes. Consider geometric prints, stripes, polka dots, or nature-inspired motifs. Mix and match different textures. Such as soft fabrics, knits, or natural materials, to add depth and visual interest to the space.
Focus on Furniture
Choose furniture that is simple, clean-lined, and timeless. A neutral cot, dresser, and changing table in natural wood or white can serve as functional and gender-neutral anchors for the room.
Add Elements of Nature or Animals
Incorporate nature-inspired elements into the decor, such as botanical prints, nature-themed artwork, or animal motifs.
These can promote a sense of curiosity, for babies, in the nursery while maintaining a gender-neutral aesthetic.
Personalise the Nursery with Artwork and Accessories
Add personal touches through artwork, wall decals, or framed prints that celebrate childhood, adventure, or family.
Look for artwork or accessories that feature diverse representations of children or animals.
Use Versatile Textiles
Choose bedding, curtains, and rugs in colours or patterns that will complement the overall theme. Whilst providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Soft textiles like blankets and throw pillows can add comfort and warmth to the space.
Incorporate Storage Solutions
Organisational elements in a nursery are essential. You’re going to need a place for all your nappies and wipes etc!
Select storage solutions like baskets, bins, or shelving units that are practical yet visually appealing. Opt for neutral tones or natural materials to maintain the gender-neutral aesthetic.
Add Pops of Colour
While keeping the overall decor neutral, introduce pops of colour through accessories like cushions, artwork, or accent pieces.
Bright and vibrant hues can bring energy and personality into a space, without leaning towards a specific gender.
I think the key to creating a gender-neutral nursery is to focus on a balanced and inclusive design. One that allows the child’s personality to shine through.
By embracing neutral tones, versatile patterns, and inclusive themes, you can create a welcoming and harmonious space for your babies.
Our Twin Nursery Tour
We kept the bones of the room very neutral. We painted the walls white, then added blackout blinds and white curtains.
But to give the room a lift, we used wallpaper on the wall behind their cots. (this faces the door ). And on the large wall at the end of the room, which houses the changing station.
The wallpaper is by Harlequin and is called ‘What a Hoot’. There are three colour options, but we chose the Marine, Strawberry and Apple colourway.
I LOVE bright colours in a nursery. Plus it’s perfect for boys and girls, which was pretty important when we were choosing how to decorate our nursery.
Twin Nursery Furniture
The cribs are the Dover Cotbed from Mamas and Papas.
And as they were white-painted wood, they matched a sideboard we already had.
We used the sideboard as a changing station, instead of buying a purpose-made one. It’s got lots of storage for nappies. Plus all the other paraphernalia that two tiny humans need. Pop a changing mat on the top of it and it’s the perfect changing table.
The mirror on top of the unit was being thrown out by a friend. It had a dark wood frame originally, so I painted it in white eggshell to match.
Also, placing a mirror opposite a window is a great way to bounce light around. It’s a great way of adding light to dark rooms.
Gender Neutral Nursery Accessories
To give the floor a bit of colour, we added a rug from The Great Little Trading Company. Then hung various bits of colourful artwork on the walls, in white frames from IKEA.
I’ve had the MOOKS letters for years! They were from Anthropologie in New York and used to hang in my office.
I designed the Penguin book cover prints. These are available to buy from my shop. And the Queen’s head artwork was a wedding present from a friend.
Although it’s not a kid’s print, the bright colours work well with the rest of the room. And, as the boys get older, it’s something they won’t grow out of.
Very often, nurseries are so geared up for tiny babies. Then when the child reaches the toddler years, the decor is already too young — and uninspiring — for them.
If you’re nervous about injecting colour into a room, a great way of doing it is just by adding a pop of colour with accessories.
Brightly coloured artwork or rugs. Or even a shelf full of lovely bright books. Sometimes that’s all that’s needed to give a room a splash of colour.
Plus, when it’s outstayed it’s welcome — or you fancy a change — it’s an easy way of changing things without having to redecorate totally.
Storage in The Nursery
The boys are lucky enough to have a huge double wardrobe in their room for their clothes. Which we store in boxes. Then on the handles are hung two little stars that they were given for their naming day.
They’ve also got a shelf for their dinosaur collection, which seems to be constantly growing! And underneath are some hooks, which we found in our first home and have taken with us wherever we live.
It’s an original 1950s design, a metal frame with coloured knobs. It ties in with the room so well. Plus, it’s great for hanging up their coats and other bits and pieces.
Finally, they have a colourful — do it yourself — clock on the wall by Karlsson and mobiles hanging above each bed.
When they were born, I went on a mission, looking for baby mobiles. But didn’t manage to find any I liked.
They were all so dull and uninspiring!
In a desperate attempt to create the kind of thing I had in my head, I made the boy’s mobiles from two wire photo hangers.
They have little clips at the end of each arm. They’re generally used for displaying little photographs but I bought some felt shapes and hung those from the clips instead.
They’ve worked so well! When they were very tiny, they would lie for hours and stare at the shapes.
Now they’re older, they just add some decoration to the room.
It’s good to know you’re getting your money’s worth out of something!
Often, things that are sold purposely for the nursery are such a waste of money as, once they’ve outgrown their purpose, you find you just don’t need them anymore.
Once the boys are out of nappies, their ‘changing table’ will return to being a sideboard and probably move to another room.
When they’ve outgrown the mobiles, I’ve decided to get some mini polaroid style prints created — of our friends and family — and hang those up in their room instead.
Twin Nursery Floorplan
So there it is. The room for the smallest members of our family!
Our twin nursery changed and evolved as the boys got older, but while they were babies, this layout was the perfect space for them.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
oh my word, I adore this room! I may need to steal some of your ideas! (Sorry – but not so sorry that I won’t ;-)) x
Aaah that’s lovely of you Jemma!! And please — steal away — I’m delighted you like it :)
What a gorgeous nursery Caro! It’s funny as I’m just writing a post about my little girl’s room and I love white walls and bright accessories, will link up next week! Gorgeous walls and colour scheme xx #twinklytuesday
Thanks so much pet :) I’m such a fan of white and brights — makes everything look so fresh and clean xx