There’s no time like spring, and for the past couple months, we’ve been relishing its sunshine; its pure, crisp colors; and its new arrivals (birds, bees, budding trees!) as we’ve prepared to announce two of our very own: Baby Deer Little Darling, and a brand-new nursery designed to celebrate what we love most about the season.

The latest addition to our Nursery Project series features bird-patterned wallpaper in shades of pink and gray; painted trim in robins egg blue echoes a sunny afternoon sky. A trio of familiar faces (with new Baby Deer Little Darling taking center stage) watch over a DwellStudio crib, while a ceramic pendant light by Jonathan Adler allows it all to shine. 

(Photos by Joe Schmelzer for The Animal Print Shop)

It’s a problem we’ve encountered on repeat: every time we set out to design a nursery, we look high and low to find accent pillows that are sophisticated, yet mixed with a bit of sweetness and whimsy. We figured we weren’t the only ones, so today we’re sharing a few standouts from our search, which include pinwheels and polka dots, mushrooms and mountains, spunky stripes and forest friends. Here’s to sweet dreaming.

“I don’t think a donkey is everyone’s first choice when it comes to creating a nursery,” says Priscila Barros, creator of Babiekins Magazine and mother to 7-month-old Cruz, whose white and gold bedroom features a custom-made clothing rack, polka dot sheets, and our very own Donkey print. “Most people might go for a softer, ‘cuter’ animal like a baby chick or a lamb – but there was just something that I loved about this donkey.”

So what was it, exactly, that drew Priscila to our pal? “When I was a little girl, I used to pass the cutest donkey while helping clean stalls on my dad’s ranch. It had bright yellow teeth, a strange patch of hair on his forehead, and a loud, screechy voice. So maybe, in a way, the donkey print reminds me of a special time in my childhood. It also reminds me to be patient and kind (like the donkey I knew) – things I hope Cruz grows up to be.”  

The nursery’s array of textiles – a sheepskin throw here, personality-packed pillows by Colette Bream there – add warmth and a wink; the patterned ceiling brings depth. “The triangles are gold decals put up by our interior designer Amy Fjeldsted. She mapped out the whole ceiling so it wouldn’t be crooked, and put each up by hand. Cruz loves to stare up at the shapes,” Priscila says. “Actually, when we started the design process, I only had a few concrete elements in mind – knew I wanted some sort of design on the ceiling, and I knew that I wanted that donkey. That was about it!” 

We’re thrilled he’s found such a loving home – thank you to Priscila and Cruz for sharing this room with us! Photos by Angelina Lopez.

“My baby Freddie is an old soul,” says Amanda Moore. “He’s super chill and a really happy baby. His room is very calm, which totally reflects his nature.” With a soothing palette of grays, whites, and yellow, the four-month-old’s nursery is a space perfect for play during the day, and peaceful respite at night. A collection of animal friends add to its happy atmosphere: an owl and a hippo stand guard on a charming white credenza; a group of plush creatures congregates atop wicker baskets. To round out the menagerie, eight Little Darlings flank the nursery window.

“The Little Darlings prints are stand-outs,” says Amanda. “They’re so classic – beautiful, sweet, and timeless. I arranged the prints in two groups of four because I love the symmetry and was able to have four on either side of the window. I used simple white frames to the let the animals be the main feature.”

Other highlights? “I love the Scrabble nursery rhyme piece, which I made myself, and the classic yellow ride-on car, which is perfect for a little boy.”

Amanda should know: as co-owner of Hunter Baby – a clothing line for baby boys based out of Australia – she’s something of an expert. Having noticed a lack of stylish, well-made items for her son, she and business partner Holly Kent (whose daughter’s nursery tour will appear on the blog next month) decided to take action. Soon, the two busy mothers found themselves with another baby: their business. Through it all, though, they’ve kept their sanity – as the pair write on their website, “We love the chaos.”

Thank goodness for calming hideaways to come home to. Everyone – even old souls – needs their naps.

Stay tuned for the second Hunter Baby nursery tour, coming soon!