You’ll often hear me giving tips on how to add character to a little one’s room using pops of color, quirky vintage playthings, and ultra modern finds, so for once I thought I’d tone things down and go for natural simplicity. And what better place to start than in a nursery?

I love all those natural, handmade details in LaTonya Yvette’s combined bedroom and nursery above. A neutral palette, handcrafted wall hangings, green plants, white romantic curtains and simple wicker and wood furniture and accessories give this nursery corner a beautiful, soft natural feel.

Less is more—it’s a well-worn cliché, but once you start to pare down and really think about essentials, you’ll be halfway to creating a serene, comforting space for your newborn child. You might want to begin by painting the whole room a shade of white (with non-toxic eco-paints of course), like a blank canvas, then gradually furnish and decorate with homemade, natural, eco-friendly pieces, all handpicked with love. I hope these few examples will inspire you to be creative and create your own natural nursery—or indeed any child’s space—at home!

I love the warmth of the wood in this beautiful, cozy nursery by French store, Les Petites Emplettes via their Facebook post.

Les Petites Emplettes specialize in natural products for the whole family. Wood is an obvious material of choice for furniture in a natural nursery, but also wicker, felt and cardboard. Les Petites Emplettes in France is “the” shop for natural interior décor for babies and big ones alike. Take the time to browse their online shop, chock-full of beautiful products in neutral, natural tones and materials.

Vintage visual poetry in this minimal nursery from Alberte.

A neutral, natural palette makes a perfect backdrop for the vintage finds in Alberte’s nursery. If you like poetical interiors, distressed vintage finds make a perfect addition to a newborn’s room. Scour local flea markets for original pieces to decorate your nursery, look for old botanical school charts, or check out specialists such as Les Petits Bohèmes. Remember to keep things simple and be aware of current safety requirements at all times!

House plants make beautiful natural features in nurseries as exemplified in these photos via Moon To Moon blog and Dobranoc pohly na noc.

I don’t know why but I’d never thought about adding plants to a nursery until I stumbled across these images on Pinterest. I really love the combination of natural finds (shells, coral, twigs, natural collections…) and greenery in a child’s space.

Love the mix of old and new in this fresh-looking nursery from Pinterest, with crib via Stokke.

Lots of white and natural accessories make this room peaceful and inviting. Natural nurseries don’t have to be overly rustic or bohemian. This modern room is fresh and welcoming thanks to a mix of old and new. I love the contrast between the bright white paintwork and the different tones of wood. Again, a few vintage heirloom playthings, some soft textiles, and carefully chosen natural decorative accessories are all you need to create a serene, natural atmosphere.

Neutral, natural and oh-so inspiring, Laly’s room by Pia Jane Bijkerk is simply striking!

Pia Jane Bijkerk’s styling talents come to the fore in her daughter Laly’s bedroom. I love this corner in Laly’s room. Pia Jane Bijkerk is one of my favorite stylists and this particular vignette in her own 100-year-old home demonstrates so well how a collection of very simple, natural finds and handmade items can look stunning in a nursery. For more inspiration, check out Pia’s latest book, Little Treasures Made By Hand bringing together over 50 whimsical handmade gifts for babies and little ones. Love!