Designing the Modern Nursery

by Alane Jewel

Gone are the days when pinks and blues were all you would see in nursery décor. In today’s modern nursery, anything goes! On one end of the spectrum, some parents create posh elegant nurseries with custom furniture, elaborate murals, and fancy lighting fixtures. On the opposite end, many parents select décor that grows with the child throughout the years, utilizing more gender-neutral colors or themes as a cost saver, especially when more than one child is planned for.

Whatever side you find yourself on, and whatever your budget, be sure to approach the room with creativity and beauty, and enjoy creating the room in which your child will dream and grow.

 

Picture via pregnant.thebump.com

 

Deciding on Colors and Theme

Have fun with this! Whether you decide to go gender-neutral and select shades of green, blue, yellow or brown or more traditional with pinks and blues, choose a fun theme that you enjoy or one that evokes that warm, cozy feeling that you desire for your baby thrive in.

 

Animal themes are both gender-neutral and a long-standing favorite in nurseries. They can be found in almost any color, which makes decorating around them a breeze. Nursery rhyme themes are also popular, as are utilizing classic characters from Disney, fairy tales or Beatrix Potter stories. Butterflies, birds, flowers and other elements inspired by nature are also often used. And sports themes are a timeless favorite that can grow with your child for many years.

Establish the theme with the bedding, and build from there. Area rugs, lamps and wall décor are all great ways to tie your theme together and can often be purchased in sets, which can also help reduce costs.

Furnishings

When it comes to furnishing your baby’s nursery, a few pieces remain standard and practical: the crib, the changing table/dresser and some sort of large comfortable chair for feeding and story time.

When shopping for these items, it’s important to consider purchasing pieces that can be used for several years. Many cribs can also be used for toddler beds. Consider utilizing a dresser that can be easily adapted to incorporate a changing table.

Depending upon space, selecting storage-friendly furniture can be equally important. Baskets under the crib or on the changing table are great ways to keep everything from diapers to books organized and handy.

Wall Décor

Large painted murals make a great statement and are fun for children. Large decals are also very popular since they are both easy to clean and remove. They are readily available online and can accommodate almost any theme imaginable.

Letters of the alphabet are often seen displayed on the walls or on shelving and can be painted in solids or prints to match your theme. Simply spell out your child’s name or use initials as an option.

Large prints or canvases are always great additions. Another idea is to have a custom-painted belly cast created to personalize the nursery and forever cherish that mommy-baby bond. This is a trend that is becoming more commonplace as kits are sold in baby stores.

Functionality

Don’t get completely lost in all the cute and cozy! It’s also important to keep function in mind when decorating a nursery.

Select flooring, such as hardwood, that is easy to clean. Utilize throw rugs, which are easier to keep clean, even when wall-to-wall carpeting is used.

Consider dimmer switches. These are great ways to establish a story or naptime setting. In addition, choose window coverings that can block out the sunlight, which can interfere with daytime naps.

Through the First Years

Keep these tips in mind when planning your baby’s nursery, but remember to balance the function with the fun to create magic and contentment for your most cherished love. You both will be spending a lot of time in the nursery, so design a room that you will love for these first years.