Designing the perfect spot for raising your little one may seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no experience in interior design. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and aren’t exactly sure where to start, these five nursery design tips will help you get a grasp of what a chic, stylish and practical nursery should look like. Take a look.
Decide on the color scheme of the nursery
First things first, designing a nursery takes thorough planning, and the best place to start would be to decide on the basic color scheme you want to use for the nursery. Although you could go down the traditional route and choose the color palette based on your baby’s gender, nowadays, more and more parents are painting their nurseries in unexpected colors and decorating with hues they are personally drawn to. The days when pink was reserved only for girls and blue was considered a boyish color are long gone, and the color scheme you use for your nursery doesn’t have to be gender-specific. You can mix two colors such as mint and yellow or purple and blue, or you can combine an accent hue with a neutral color like orange and white. Or you can choose to go with neutral tones and design a gender-neutral nursery. The neutral color scheme is probably the most practical of all due to its versatility, but ultimately, it’s your decision.
Buy the basics first
Once you’ve decided on the color scheme, it is time to move onto the furnishings. Now, baby cots are the first thing parents need to get for their baby’s nursery as they will serve as the basis for every other piece of furniture they add. Other than the style of the cot, another thing you should consider is whether the cot is in line with modern-day safety standards and whether it’s finished with non-toxic, water-based paint. An older cot made twenty years ago may not be suitable for your baby, so investing in a new one is the best option. When purchasing furniture for the nursery, it’s best to think in terms of versatility. A cot that can easily be converted into a toddler bed is a great investment because it can be used as a transitional piece, while the matching changing table with a detachable topper can be used long after the baby grows up.
Embrace patterns in your nursery design
If there is one room that allows for experimenting with bold patterns and contrasts, it is definitely your nursery. Because it is less permanent than any other room in your home, it provides the perfect blank slate for bold choices and gives you a chance to really showcase your creativity and personality. What’s interesting about babies is they react to stark contrast, so wallpapers with bold patterns may be a great element to incorporate into your nursery design. Keep your basic color scheme in mind and choose wallpapers that correspond to your vision for the nursery. You can go with a feature wall with floral motifs to create a soft, feminine vibe, or you can go with wallpaper with geometric patterns for a more neutral design. You can also choose to cover the walls with pictures, banners, and garlands, and incorporate patterns through bedding and accessories. The options are endless!
Pick a style/theme for your little one’s room
Some parents like to center their nursery design around one particular style or theme, and it’s easy to see why. Themes and styles give that certain flair to the room, and nurseries are one place where you can’t go over the top with themed decor and style-oriented accessories. Whether you choose to go with a jungle theme and include various animal prints throughout the nursery or design a Bohemian nursery using a neutral palette and flirty florals – themed nurseries always look cohesive, and there is a wide range of options to choose from. Again, you can choose the theme according to the gender of the baby, but you can also design a gender-neutral nursery that will work for both girls and boys. As for the style, you can go with traditional and classic or transitional and modern – just make sure you have the whole concept in mind when shopping for nursery decor.
Make it cozy!
Now that you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to make your nursery a bit cozier. When designing the space for your little one, comfort is the key priority – after all, it will be a place where you’ll be spending a lot of time bonding with your child through stories, nursing, and imaginative play, so it makes sense to invest in pieces that will make the whole space feel warm and cozy. Get a comfortable rocking chair or a glider with an ottoman to create the perfect lounging spot, and include a couple of throw pillows and blankets for extra comfort. Last but not least, cover the floors with shag rug and throw in a sheepskin rug for a soft landing spot.
Decorating your nursery is a rewarding experience, and it’s something you’ll remember long after your baby’s all grown up. With these five nursery design tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to designing the perfect dreamy nursery for your precious little bundle of joy.
