'Neutrals are powerful when used intentionally,' Olivia Culpo tells Homes & Gardens. For proof, look no further than her nursery.
Defying all convention, the lifestyle expert has bathed her baby's room in white, cream, and beige, rejecting even a splash of pastels. Culpo curated her nursery idea in collaboration with the Crate & Barrel Design Desk, transforming an existing office space into a cocooning room for baby Collette. Though the quiet luxury color palette sounds unusual, it truly works.
Olivia explains: 'The process of designing my baby girl's nursery was exciting because I approached it as both a new mom and someone who has worked on several interiors. I wanted the nursery to feel calm and timeless, and the Crate & Kids Design Desk team helped me achieve balance by layering textures and finishes so the neutrals never felt flat. The design foundation is flexible enough to evolve as Colette grows.'
Accordingly, the finished nursery color scheme feels both grown-up and appropriate for a child. Warm textures, such as a boucle chair and a marled rug, create a dynamic feel. Touches of natural wood on the ceiling and crib help to warm the room, while white walls brighten it.
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Interior designers have been predicting the 'soft glow' as one of the biggest lighting trends of 2026, and this stunning scallop pendant is one of the prettiest examples around. The textural linen fabric adds a touch of earthy interest.
This white and wicker basket provides extra stylish storage for keeping your child's toys organized beautifully. It is the perfect complement to built-ins.
This stunning lamp would look beautiful in any room. The mixed materials give it a historied feel, and the shape makes it instantly interesting and elevated.
Where did she look for inspiration for decorating in this unusual nursery color? It's closer than you might think.
Olivia tells Homes & Gardens: 'The inspiration came directly from the character of our home. It is a Tudor with historic detail, and I wanted the nursery to feel consistent with that architecture. The renderings mirrored the final product almost exactly, with natural tones, heirloom-style silhouettes, and anchor pieces like the Bacton Oak Wood Crib that feel as if they could live here for decades.'
In installing the decor, Olivia stuck to the cardinal rule of decorating with neutrals: add visual interest. She states: 'To prevent the space from feeling flat, I layered textures that add depth without overwhelming the room. The Ivory Boucle Glider introduces softness, and the Linen Pendant Light brings a quiet texture overhead. Together, they prove that neutrals can feel rich and multidimensional.'
She continues: 'The wallpaper idea was my way of giving the room personality without breaking the calm palette. A print in soft neutrals adds charm, but it never dominates. It makes the nursery feel whimsical for now while still having the longevity to grow with Colette.'
Furthermore, Olivia's design goes beyond aesthetics; it's a masterclass in nursery storage ideas.
She shares: 'Storage is crucial in a nursery, especially when the footprint is small. The Hampshire Extra Wide Dresser provides ample hidden storage while doubling as a changing station. Another solution was using the shelving around the crib. It keeps essentials organized while making the space feel layered and curated.'
Warm neutrals can be transformative anywhere, and Olivia Culpo's nursery shows there are no limits to their placement.
