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by Cora Diekman

Forget yesterday’s tired design clichés in pink and blue. The modern nursery trades sleepy pastels for designs that are bold, black and chic all over. Take a cue from these adorable rooms that cleverly harness black as an accent color to fashion ultra-glam kids’ quarters that are still oh-so-charming, fun, and full of age-appropriate whimsy.

Why It Works:

Painting half walls leaves plenty of room for another lighter accent color on top. This design is also takes full advantage of neutrals by keeping accent colors to a gender-neutral minimum with white floors, grey textiles, and a bright yellow print.

Why It Works:

Much like painting half walls, a single

black accent wall

begs for whimsy in other areas of the room. A fun graphic on an adjacent white wall does the trick in this space.

Why It Works:

Modern wallpaper plays with contrast, layering a dramatic black background with delicate pink florals. The result is a room that is bold, feminine, and still baby-beautiful.

Why It Works:

Furnishings and textiles are kept light and bright, while other decorative touches set a playful mood. Funky hodgepodge wall art and toys keep the look mischievous and fun.

Why It Works:

Rather than a standard black accent wall, a chalkboard wall is just as easy to achieve, packs the same bold design punch, and raises the fun quotient for little ones.

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Why It Works:

Walls aren’t the only way to paint it black. Try decorating with modern black furniture pieces instead, like this adorably sleek retro-modern crib.

Why It Works:

Prefer to keep walls and furnishings light and bright?  Incorporate black another way by using textiles such as curtains, bedding, throw pillows, and rugs. This fun graphic pattern keeps the overall feel modern and fresh.

Why It Works:

Bold punches of neon keep a dark wall from taking itself too seriously. In this space, neon bedding and wall art paint a design picture that is fun and fearless.

Why It Works:

This traditional nursery in pretty pastels is kicked into modern overdrive with a single black accent wall. The combination of pastels with black makes for a beautiful and bold update on a classic nursery palette.

Why It Works:

A black and white palette is warmed and softened with the addition of classic wood tones. In this space, a mid-century modern dresser, mobile, and earth-toned drum pendant balance the look beautifully.