Before committing to a final direction for my daughter’s nursery, I created seven distinct mood boards. Each one explored a different feeling, color palette, and overall personality for the room. Some leaned soft and romantic, others playful or bold. Some felt familiar, others pushed me in new directions.

I loved something about every single one of them.

Laying them out side by side helped me understand not just what I was drawn to visually, but what felt right for this space and this moment. I’m sharing them here in case they spark ideas for someone else, whether you’re designing a nursery, a bedroom, or simply thinking through a creative direction of your own.

Jungle Motif
This board leaned into lush greens, palms, and a slightly vintage jungle feel. It felt calm but immersive, with nature doing most of the work. I loved how grounding it felt, especially paired with warm wood and woven textures. This direction felt timeless and soothing, the kind of room that could easily grow with a child.

This was the most playful of the bunch. Brighter colors, sculptural lighting, and whimsical animal details made this feel fun and expressive. It had personality immediately. While I didn’t land here, I loved how joyful and energetic this board felt, especially for a space meant to be lived in and enjoyed.

The Colony

This board ultimately became the foundation for the nursery. Soft pinks, classic botanical imagery, and a subtle cabana influence gave it structure without feeling formal. What drew me in was the balance. It felt detailed but breathable, polished but not precious. This was the direction where everything started to click.

Fawn & Floral

Gentle florals, delicate animals, and warm neutrals defined this board. It felt sweet and traditional in the best way. There’s a softness here that I still love. It’s the kind of palette that feels comforting and familiar, especially for a nursery meant to feel peaceful and nurturing.

Meadowlands

This board leaned earthy and slightly moodier, with layered florals and deeper greens. It felt grounded and cozy, almost storybook-like. I loved the richness of the patterns and how they brought warmth into the space without feeling heavy.

White Botanical

Clean, bright, and airy, this board focused on white backgrounds with delicate botanical details. It felt fresh and timeless. I loved how light it felt, especially paired with natural textures. This one felt especially versatile and calming.

Garden Party

This was the most romantic and expressive option. Floral patterns layered on floral patterns, soft colors mixed with detail, and an overall feeling of abundance. It felt joyful and decorative, like a celebration captured in a room. While it wasn’t the final choice, it was one of the most inspiring to put together.

Why I’m Sharing These

Each of these boards represents a direction I seriously considered. Even though only one became the final room, they all helped shape how I thought about the space. Sometimes the value is in exploring the options fully, letting yourself fall in love with more than one idea, and then seeing which one truly holds.

If you’re in the early stages of designing a space, I hope these give you permission to explore widely, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process of narrowing things down.

Seven Nursery Mood Boards I Considered Before Choosing a Final Direction