Meg Caswell's Classic Cool Nursery

Meg Caswell was looking well beyond her son’s diaper years when she created this preppy, nautical nursery in her Wilmington, NC, home. Chock-full of graphic prints and adaptable furniture, it can keep pace with 13-month-old Ransom all the way from crib to college. “It’s timeless but still playful,” says Meg.

To set the sophisticated tone, she chose a navy blue and kelly green palette, then zinged it up with pops of high-energy orange. Maritime-inspired accessories, like a replica brass porthole, nod to the home’s water views. Even though bed rest in Meg’s third trimester forced her to finish the nursery faster than originally planned, it was a total labor of love. “Ransom is the ultimate client, and this was my gift to him.”

Chair

The matching glider and ottoman, handed down from Meg’s sister, were once covered in white cotton. Meg reupholstered the set in a raindrop-print Schumacher fabric and a swishy navy fringe trim from Samuel & Sons.

Dresser and Crib

For a one-of-a-kind look, Meg had the Ducduc crib and dresser painted with a combo of Blueberry Hill and Grassy Fields, both by Benjamin Moore.

Rug

The bold geometrics and the toddler-friendly flat-weave style of the Safavieh wool rug appealed to Meg. “A no-pile rug makes it easy for Ransom to scoot around and play.”

Fish

Rustic fish crafted from barn wood by local artist C. Nicholas Dale hang above Ransom’s crib. Meg wasn’t surprised that her son’s very first word was “fish.”

Bookshelf

One of a pair that flank the daybed, this bookshelf is an estate sale steal Meg lacquered glossy white. Breakables are safely tucked on higher shelves, beyond Ransom’s reach.

Bed

The Meg- designed headboard, upholstered in Lee Jofa fabric, transforms a twin mattress into a chic daybed—the perfect spot to catch a catnap. The duvet cover is from Serena & Lily, and the stuffed whale is from JCPenney.

Basket

Toys are stowed neatly in a pumpkin-hue lidded Serena & Lily bin. Like the other orange accents, the basket is easy to swap out if Meg wants to bring in a new color.