How to Design a Nursery in a Rental Apartment: : An Animal-Inspired Mural Makes It Personal
Designing a nursery in a New York City rental apartment comes with its fair share of challenges. In New York, tenants are no stranger to limited square footage, strict lease agreements, and the ever-present question: How do you make a temporary space feel like home?
The Cobble Hill project was just that. A myriad of the typical challenges New Yorkers face when trying to make a rental apartment feel like home while welcoming a new baby to the family.
My goal was to create a room that felt special and uniquely theirs. For this Cobble Hill family, the answer was a peel-and-stick wallpaper mural.
Each time I work with a client, my first priority is getting to know more about them. This is where the little details come through and help me understand what feels meaningful and familiar, so I can weave those elements into the design in subtle, intentional ways. The result is a space that feels deeply personal.
An Animal Mural Inspired by Life Abroad
For the wallpaper, I wanted to select a motif that felt sophisticated, but also gave a nod to something more personal for the parents. I love when animal motifs are used in nursery design and this wallpaper gave the perfect nod to one of the parent’s time spent living abroad in Africa.
Rather than covering all four walls, I focused on a single statement mural to anchor the room. A soft, hand-illustrated animal and vines wallpaper brought in gentle color and whimsical animals to the space. Framed with simple moulding, the mural feels intentional and more like a large-scale piece of art than wallpaper.
Why a Peel-and-Stick Mural Works So Well in a Rental
Many New York renters worry about damaging walls or losing their security deposit. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a game-changer for design in an apartment. I particularly love using it in a nursery where you really want the space to feel special.
Removable & Residue-Free: When it’s time to move, the mural peels right off without a trace. The trick is to look for peel and stick paper that says this when shopping.
Customizable: You can frame it with lightweight trim or moulding to give it a polished, built-in-look.
Budget-Friendly: It delivers big impact for a small investment, compared to full wall coverings.
In this nursery, we chose to frame the mural with white trim, creating a beautiful focal point above the crib. The rest of the room stayed soft and neutral—warm whites, natural wood, and a cozy glider that really let the mural tell the story.
How to Make a Rental Nursery Feel Like Home
Whether you’re inspired by your travels or a cherished family memory, there are plenty of ways to personalize a nursery in a rental apartment:
Use Art & Decor with Meaning: Framed photos, vintage finds, or pieces collected on your travels can make the room feel personal. In this room, an animal focused print of Central Park was selected.
Think Beyond the Walls: Removable wall decals, oversized framed prints, or mural panels add impact without a drop of paint.
Add Layers of Textiles: Rugs, curtains, and bedding bring warmth and softness without permanent changes.
Bringing a baby home in the city is a milestone worth celebrating—and your nursery should feel just as special as your story. With a little creativity, even the most temporary space can hold lasting memories.
If you’re ready to transform your rental nursery, I’d love to help you craft a space that feels warm, layered, and deeply personal—wherever life takes you next.
Looking to design a nursery in your NYC rental? Reach out here to learn more about how Corbin Interiors can help you bring your vision to life.
See the full project here
