When Kristen Doute, from Vanderpump Rules and The Valley, asked me to design her nursery, I knew this was going to be a meaningful project. Preparing for motherhood is a big transition, and Kristen wanted a space that felt calm, elevated, and safe for her baby. As a designer and a friend, I was honored to help bring her vision to life.
Through my work at John McClain Design and my coaching program, The McClain Method, I’ve always believed that great design should combine beauty, functionality, and wellness. This nursery was the perfect opportunity to put that philosophy into practice.
A Nursery with Purpose
Kristen had a clear goal: a room that could grow with her child, without feeling overly themed or temporary. She wanted a neutral foundation with space for creativity and personal touches over time. Safety was equally important, every finish and furnishing needed to meet a higher standard.
One of the first decisions we made was to use BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Paint. Its low-odor formula aligned perfectly with Kristen’s wellness priorities while offering durability for everyday life. For me, paint is one of the most impactful choices in any space, and this was no exception.
The Power of Paint: Cameo White + Ultra Pure White®
To create a serene, layered look, I chose two complementary whites:
- Walls (Eggshell) – BEHR Cameo White PPU7-13. A soft, pearly blush that adds warmth and a gentle glow to the room.
- Ceiling & Trim (Flat/Stain) – BEHR Ultra Pure White®. A crisp, classic white that highlights architectural details and creates subtle contrast against the walls.
- Accents (High Gloss) – BEHR Ultra Pure White®. The same clean white, used in a glossy finish, adds a touch of brightness and polish to doors, moldings, and other accents.
This tone-on-tone approach adds depth and sophistication, a technique I often share in my design courses and in my book, The Designer Within. It’s a simple way to elevate nursery design while keeping the palette timeless.
Style with Peace of Mind
In today’s design world, health-conscious interiors are just as important as aesthetics. Using BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior paint, which is GREENGUARD Gold certified, allowed Kristen to enjoy the space even before the baby arrived, without worrying about strong paint fumes.
Your walls touch every part of your space. Choosing a high-quality paint like BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Paint is one of the simplest ways to create a healthy foundation.
Natural Elements for Balance
One of my favorite details in the nursery is the rubber tree plant. It adds height, texture, and life to the room while helping to purify the air. It’s safe for children and brings a sense of freshness that makes the space feel complete.
Designing for Growth
Flexibility is a hallmark of my work. The larger elements in this nursery, furniture, artwork, and the color palette were chosen to adapt over time. Design should evolve with your lifestyle, and a neutral base allows for easy updates as your child grows.
Collaboration at Its Best
Working with Kristen was a joy. She has a great eye and trusted me to bring her vision to life. The result was so successful that People Magazine featured the nursery in an exclusive reveal, a proud moment for both of us.
Key Takeaways for Nursery Design
- Prioritize low odor paint: Products like BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Paint combine beauty with health benefits.
- Layer whites for depth: Warm and cool tones create dimension without clutter.
- Add natural elements: Plants like rubber trees bring life and improve air quality.
- Design for flexibility: Neutral foundations allow spaces to grow and adapt.
- Educate clients: Knowledge empowers better design decisions.
Final Thoughts
This nursery is a reminder that style, safety, and longevity can coexist. With intentional choices and trusted brands like BEHR, creating spaces that feel good and look beautiful is always possible.
For more design inspiration, visit johnmcclaindesign.com, explore The McClain Method, and follow me on Instagram.
Colorfully yours,
John
Project Credits:
Interior Designer: John McClain Design
Strategy & Mentorship: The McClain Method
Client: Kristen Doute
Photographer: Angel Castro
