A Nursery That Grows With Them: Embracing the Work in Progress by Emily Padan

In the whirlwind of new parenthood, I’ve come to appreciate how much flexibility matters in a nursery. There’s no real finish line – only the joy of a room that reflects Olive’s journey day by day, with each piece, small or large, adding to the bigger picture of who she is becoming. While it’s tempting to rush through decorating, I’ve found that letting the room grow organically gives us the freedom to celebrate each new stage with intention.

When I set out to design our nursery, I never imagined how much it would become a space that grows along with our little one. Every parent tells you, “They change so fast!” but somehow, it doesn’t fully sink in until you’re rearranging the room to fit yet another adorable keepsake or new developmental toy. I've realized that a nursery isn’t about getting every detail perfect right away – it’s about creating a warm, flexible space that evolves as they do.

As our journey with Olive unfolds, the nursery continues to gain layers, from new textures and colors to cherished additions with personal meaning. For instance, one of our latest finds was the Follow the Rainbow Wall Rug by OYOY which tells Olive’s story as a (double) rainbow baby, and serves as a little reminder of resilience and beauty after the storm. It brings comfort to know that, as she grows up, her space will be filled with pieces that quietly tell our story too – something she can look back on and connect with, even when she’s too young to fully understand it.

One of my guiding principles has been to choose items that feel timeless and versatile. The Sand Arch Stacker and Fir Tree Stacking Tower by Raduga Grez are perfect for both play and decor and add that subtle forest vibe we’re so fond of. These stackers can sit neatly on the nursery shelves now, and continue to become part of Olive’s imaginative play as she gets older. Watching her little hands reach for them reminds me that this space and these pieces are as much about her present joys as they are about creating a haven she can grow into, and then, who knows – perhaps keepsakes that remind her of these early days. That flexibility has influenced how I see the nursery: not as a one-time project, but as an evolving space that serves her now and welcomes her milestones ahead.

As Olive’s needs change, so do our nursery essentials. While we began with a Moses basket and then a crib, we’ve now added a few cozy touches like the Satin Quilted Sleeping Bags by Garbo & Friends for her night sleep and naps in her crib. We chose Checks Rust and Blueberry, bringing a softness that feels like they were made just for us – natural, yet a bit unexpected.

One of the most freeing lessons I’ve learned is that a nursery doesn’t need to be ‘finished’ in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a space meant to shift and grow as Olive does, shaped by her needs, her favorite things, and the memories we create together. It’s the place where her story unfolds, where new items join and older ones transition to other parts of our home or are lovingly tucked away as keepsakes.

When you’re planning your nursery, think of it as an evolving canvas rather than a checklist to complete. The room is an expression of you and your child’s journey, a flexible, welcoming space that changes with the seasons of life. Every item you add, every choice you make, becomes part of the backdrop to these precious early moments – the laughter, the late-night cuddles, the first time she crawls.

Because the real magic happens not in the big design choices, but in the everyday. In the little routines you build, in the morning light that filters through the window, and in the personal touches that feel like home. So, worry less about getting it all ‘right’ and focus instead on creating a space that feels right. Because in the end, the room that grows with your baby is a room filled with love, joy, and meaning – and that’s what makes it truly special.