When planning a nursery, it's common to focus on temporary solutions. The crib has a limited lifespan, the rocking chair eventually finds a new home, and once-charming patterned wallpaper can quickly feel outmoded. Nate Berkus, a designer and parent, has approached this challenge from both personal and professional perspectives. With three decades of experience crafting inviting and individualized spaces for clients, he notes that parenthood fundamentally shifts one's design sensibilities. He's observed his own children, particularly his 11-year-old daughter Poppy, develop strong preferences for their living environments, as seen in her self-designed room at their Portuguese farmhouse, featured in a recent AD issue.
Berkus's experience as a designer and father has directly informed his new 12-piece collaboration with Babyletto. This collection aims to provide parents with a solid aesthetic foundation, allowing ample flexibility for the child—and the room itself—to develop a unique character over time. The line incorporates rich, dark woods, classic shapes, and vintage-inspired motifs, reflecting his vision for nurseries that stand the test of time. Berkus also offers advice on designing children's rooms, along with insights from other AD PRO Directory designers on various elements, including wood finishes, pattern selection, and illumination strategies.
To create a lasting nursery, consider furniture that will remain relevant beyond infancy, select a consistent wood palette, ensure the room's design complements the overall home aesthetic, allow one key pattern to dominate while keeping other elements subdued, and implement diverse lighting to adapt to different needs. Embracing these principles allows for the creation of a child's space that is not only beautiful and functional but also evolves gracefully alongside them, fostering a sense of continuity and personal connection throughout their growth.