10+ Must-Know Design Tips for Your New Nursery

After designing countless nurseries, it wasn’t until I became a mom that I realized the best layout was driven by routine. There is a changing routine, a sleeping routine and a playtime routine. All have specific needs and requirements, which can be solved by a thoughtful layout that will make your life easier. Whether you are starting with a clean slate and can dictate the layout or are working with an existing floor plan, using strategies initiated by routine is the key to a well-functioning nursery.

The Changing Routine

Here, safety is your priority. It’s ideal to have all your necessities in arm’s reach so you never have to step away and take a hand or eye off of the baby. Have the changing table pad over your dresser where you keep changes of clothes, diapers, wipes, and hand sanitizer in the drawers or baskets below. Next to the changing table, keep the diaper trash and make it hands free, sans any lids to open. Being in close proximity to the closet is ideal so you can pick up extra clothes from the closet before setting the baby down to change and also so you can drop the dirty clothes in the hamper after changing. An efficient layout makes for fast changes to prevent a fussy, squirming baby. It also ensures that you’ll never sacrifice safety. You’ll never have to leave your baby on the changing table while you have to walk across the room to grab something. It’s great to have the changing table near a window so the baby can look out, making for a great opportunity to get some natural light after naps or in the morning.

The Sleep Routine

Until becoming a mom, you might not fully appreciate the importance of a good sleep routine and the rituals that signal to the baby that it’s time for sleep. Getting your baby in the mood for sleep is critical. Sending the right cues will make this process much easier; not unlike the changing table proximities, having your sleep tools at your fingertips is essential. Invest in a glider, rocker or comfortable chair to read stories, rock your baby, and sing songs. It’s just as important to make this a comfortable place for you; you may be spending a lot of time in there. It’s ideal to put a pouf or ottoman under your feet for extra comfort. Within reach should be books, a music player for baby lullabies, sound machine, and a dimmer table lamp. If these items are not in arm’s distance, you may find yourself needing to get up and down and disrupting the mood.

When laying out a nursery, have the crib against a wall versus under or next to a window. For one, it’s safer, but also prevents draft. Steer clear of tall bookshelves that the baby could climb on when they get mobile, even if you have it secured to the wall. And, keeping even the shortest bookshelf away from the crib will prevent the temptation of your little one from climbing out of the crib and using the bookshelf as a jungle gym.

Blackout shades are highly recommended. Even with the shades, there is some light that filters out the sides. A dim room sets the mood, which is critical to getting your baby to sleep faster. If you have any shades, make sure all chords have a safety release or secured at a height which would make it impossible for a baby to reach.

The Playtime Routine

Even if you have a designated play space outside of the nursery, it’s nice to dedicate space in the baby’s room for playtime and not have it all be about sleep. Make just enough space to have a toy bin and comfortable rug or playmat. Make sure the toy bin isn’t too close to the crib so your baby isn’t helping themselves to toys when they should be sleeping. Being near a window for natural lighting is great as well.

While I’ve worked with a range of nursery sizes and layouts, it’s most important to provide a safe environment for the baby, while also giving yourself a comfortable layout that makes the changing, sleeping and playtime routines as easy as possible with frantic moments hopefully being avoided.

Are you putting together a nursery of your own? Let us know which tip is most useful to you by sharing with us on Facebook.

(Photo via Getty Images)

Jeremiah Brent x Crate & Kids launched a kid's room and nursery collection this week with a color palette to swoon over. Inspired by Viennese design from the 1930s and various motifs, colors, and patterns collected from his travels, Brent chose to use rich and sophisticated colors like Bordeaux, mauve, camel and cobalt to create rooms that parents love and babies can grow into. Here are 2025 color trends from the collection, plus more nursery colors designers are coveting this year.

Color Trend: Mauve

Jeremiah Brent x Crate & Kids

The dad to 9YO Poppy and 6YO Oskar (with husband Nate Berkus) focused on materials that aren’t traditionally seen in baby and kids spaces so parents can use them throughout the home as they get older. Featured above are Jeremiah Brent x Crate & Kids Rachel Canopy Full Bed, Chestnut Red Treasured Side Table, Vine Table Lamp, and the Heirloom Organic Cotton Velvet Quilt and Sham. Materials are sustainably sourced from FSC-certified wood and organic cottons.

Color Trend: Bordeaux

Jeremiah Brent x Crate & Kids

The Embrace Brown Swivel Glider, Memoire Armoire Cabinet, and 12th Street Rug can be used beyond the nursery, such as in an office or guest room. The rug and crib feature that same curvy corners hinting to the vintage inspiration.

Color Trend: Camel

Jeremiah Brent x Crate & Kids

Camel accents are also on trend to complement the richer tones of Bordeaux and cobalt as shown in the collection's Treasured Stroller Blanket.

Color Trend: Browns and Greens

Babyletto

So long traditional pastels: A camel-colored curtain panel complements that greens and browns in this nursery designed by Babyletto. I just love how this Babyletto Bondi Crib compliments the colors!

Color Trend: Moss + Sage

Etsy

"I’m still big fan of moss that is a cooling unisex color and acts as a gentle and inviting background for natural blonde tones of wood accents and furniture," says Natália Severdia, founder and principal designer of Bay Area and Lake Tahoe-based Interior Studio Natália. This Etsy Watercolor Forest Wallpaper is such a cute take on the color for a nursery!

Pottery Barn

"However a shade darker palette, including muted dark sage with walnut toned wood, accented with woven natural textures of jute and rattan, is appealing as well," adds Severdia. This wall mural is a more traditional take on mossy greens and woods from Chris Loves Julia x Pottery Barn Kids collection.

Cribs are getting the color treatment too with a hint of nature-inspired greens to pair with natural woods. The Nestig Palm Crib is a great example of that!

Color Trend: Muted Terra Cotta

Etsy

"We're seeing a shift from the traditional pastels to more gender-neutral, earthy tones," says Amanda Leigh, cofounder of LA-basedHouse of Rolison. "Soft sage greens, warm taupes, and muted terracottas are becoming popular, creating a calming yet sophisticated environment." Accents like a crib canopy are a perfect way to incorporate these colors!

Nestig

Muted colors paired with a deep Bordeaux paint on the ceiling makes a stunning impact in this nursery design from Nestig. The earthy Willow Crib is such a nice way to ground the more colorful room.

Color Trend: Deep Blues

Sandberg Wallpaper

"There’s also a resurgence of deep blues paired with natural wood accents, offering a serene yet stylistic vibe," says Taylor Hahn, cofounder of House of Rolison. This Sandberg Starry Sky Wallpaper is ADORABLE, unexpected, and a sign of richer tones to come.

Color Trend: Taupe

Etsy

“For 2025 nursery color trends, expect a shift toward calm, sophisticated, and nature-inspired tones," says Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors. "Soft colors are likely to dominate, creating a soothing environment that reflects the growing desire for organic and eco-friendly spaces." This soft, vintage-inspired nursery gallery wall is perfect for creating that calming environment.

Oilo Studio Nola

Colors like taupe and nature-inspired colors like moss and sage create a serene and peaceful nursery. "Earthy tones like warm beige, soft taupe, and muted terracotta are also gaining popularity for those looking to create a more grounded, gender-neutral space," she echoes. A nursery chair, like this one from Oilo Studio Nola, is a fantastic way to incorporate these tones.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Jeremiah Brent x Crate & Kids

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

After scouring the traditional stand-alone mass baby retailers, most design-conscious parents-to-be are typically left fretting over the lack of beautiful design in nursery furniture and decor. But fear not; there are so many gorgeous and well-curated online nursery design sites, and today we're sharing 10 of the best to shop for your nursery from the comfort of your own living room.

Minted

For fresh prints and nursery decor from independent designers look no further than Minted. This Once Upon a Blue Moon Print by Texas-based Maja Cunningham is a sweet addition to your bear's room.

2Modern

For the truly modern parent, 2Modern carries all of your favorite furniture brands — like Oeuf — adorable bedding sets and the most charming of lighting.

H&M Kids

For finds that are adorable and easy on your wallet, look to H&M, which has a whole kids line of bedding, blankets, rugs, accessories and more. These wooden storage boxes are a perfect way to keep books, toys, and all of your baby stuff organized in a stylish way.

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily has everything you need to make a house a home and a nursery simply sweet. The founders, Serena and Lily, get that although life is messy, it still deserves a beautiful backdrop. Take this cozy Kalahari Mini Quilt ($128). It's as stylish as it is practical.

Anthropologie Kids

If your style is boho-chic, look no further than Anthropologie Kids, which has color furniture, lighting, rugs, and wall art like this Brownstone Bookshelf ($498). You'll be tempted to move it from the nursery to your own bedroom.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn makes the most classically designed and well-made furniture we've seen, and with showrooms around the country, if you need to see the pieces in person, this is a great place to start. Shopping tip: Keep an eye out for their big furniture sales, when you can get everything from cribs to knitted baby blankets at major discounts!

Maisonette

With their mid-century furniture design and gorgeous signature fabrics, DwellStudio is the modern nursery brand you see popping up all over your nursery Pinterest boards. Prepare to fall in love with pieces like this musical llama from Manhattan Toy ($50).

Fawn + Forest

Fawn + Forest does an amazing job of collecting some of the most stunning modern nursery and decor designs by the latest up-and-coming brands, so this site is not to be missed. Might we suggest the Oeuf Rhea Crib in Walnut ($670)?

Crate&kids

The rest of your house is furnished with Crate & Barrel decor, so might as well make the nursery math. Crate&kids has all of the classic furniture and room accents you love, but in adorable versions that are fit for a kid’s room, such as this shaggy pouf ($69).

AllModern

Carrying a huge range of modern furniture, decor, bedding, baby gear, and toys, AllModern really is a design-forward one-stop shop, where you can pick up all-modern lookers like the babyletto Hudson 3-in-2 convertible crib ($750) or Swivel Glider ($703).

Project Nursery

Project Nursery has a nicely curated collection of design-forward furniture and decor; there are enough options to find what you want but not too many for you to be overwhelmed. This adorable pom pom rug by Pehr Designs ($280) will make a bright statement in your baby's room.

RH Baby + Child

Restoration Hardware has the vintage-meets-modern thing down pat, and their baby and child lines are no exception. Their rustic pieces, like the Landry Panel Crib are almost regal, and the furniture is perfectly mix-and-matchable.

Modern Nursery

Modern Nursery offers a huge selection of sleek nursery furniture, wall decals and wallpaper, mobiles, rugs, like this Lorena Canals Ocean Shore Washable Rug ($229), and so much more. Be sure to sign up for Modern Rewards to earn as you buy.

What are your favorite nursery shops? Share with us @BritandCo!

This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find more nursery decor ideas.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.