7 Building Blocks for Creating Your Dream Nursery
Planning the perfect nursery for your perfect little bundle of joy can be a daunting task. How do you want to welcome your baby into the world? As a world traveler, a princess, a space explorer, a lover of your favorite animated character — or would you prefer a black-and-white palette, bold colors or soothing monotones? The possibilities are endless. It can help to start with some basic guidelines to hone your vision or to create one if you are struggling to come up with an idea. Here are thoughts on seven components to give you a strong framework for creating your ideal space.
1. Color. Whether choosing a neutral color palette, like this charming nursery in grays and beige, or something more bold, color choice provides the foundation for your vision. Peaceful tranquility, enchanted princess, world traveler — it all evolves from wall color.
This bold choice in glossy ceiling color provides an entirely different feel but is balanced by the white walls and furniture, making the contrast a powerful focal point of the room. When thinking of your baby, what colors speak to you?
If bold wall colors feel too committal, don’t be afraid to make bold choices in other areas, like this crib in deep orange and white, so long as they’re balanced in the overall scheme of the room. Strong statements are striking when they don’t overpower. Remember, ultimately, this is your child’s place of rest. Don’t let your design ideas overstimulate your little one.
Crib: ducduc
Crib: ducduc
2. Function. When shopping for cribs, dressers, armoires and more, it is easy to find yourself overwhelmed with options. Consider the functions that work best for your space and life. For instance, if you can accommodate a round or oval crib as the room’s centerpiece, go for it, but consider the increased difficulty in shopping for that infant bedding in a nonstandard shape.
Convertible cribs are a wonderful way to provide function through the stages of growth. You may want to search for a convertible crib with a headboard strong in structure and detail so it will translate well from baby crib and toddler bed to full- or queen-size bed later.
If you’re limited for space, consider a more sleek crib or piece of storage furniture that has less of a footprint. Baby changers take up a lot of space with a singular function. The Keekaroo Peanut Changer and other products like it are skid resistant and can be placed on a chest of drawers or shorter book shelf to create a multipurpose piece.
3. Your comfort. If you’re on a budget while nesting, there is one place not to cut cost: the rocker or easy chair. Whatever your seating choice, you will log many hours of the day and night keeping your little one soothed, fed and rested. Your comfort is essential. A rocker or glider is also another way to bring in a pop of color while prioritizing your coziness.
Take it a step beyond your typical rocking chair and opt for a fully upholstered wingback or a tufted back to create texture and provide a little extra padded comfort, as in this tufted Empire Rocker from Nurseryworks. If possible, choose a fabric not treated with flame retardants, which have been linked to numerous health issues in children. Wool is naturally flame retardant.
4. Materials. That brings us to choice of materials that are safe for baby and family. Steer clear of wall-to-wall carpet. Babies make thousands of messes that become harder and harder to clean, plus the glues and fibers can be hazardous to infants’ systems — think of how often their mouths and hands spend in close proximity to the floor. Area rugs offer the opportunity to spot-clean, replace, easily change themes and add color or creativity.
Opt for low-VOC or no-VOC paints, which don’t emit harmful fumes and are safe to use around babies and expecting parents. Organic bedding has become more popular and affordable. Choose an organic mattress, or make sure it has GreenGuard nontoxic certification. When investing in safer, slightly more expensive mattresses, select an organic, nontoxic waterproof mattress protector like those from Naturepedic to save your mattress from overnight messes. Just say no to vinyl.
5. Decals. Wall decals, wall decals, wall decals. Decals come in myriad of different themes and are a brilliant and inexpensive way to change decor as your child grows. Fear of commitment is removed in as easy a step as peeling it from the wall.
6. Play. Children learn and develop best through play. Be sure to make room for childish fun and play in your design plan, whether that be a dress-up costume rack or your standard toy bin. Lack of clutter works great for photos, but the clutter of toys that incite playful learning is essential.
Not everyone has a full wall they can devote to hanging princess dresses or superhero outfits, but what a creative way to have imaginative play always at your fingertips.
7. Touch of whimsy. Whether your design is sophisticated chic or conservative, don’t forget to add a touch of fun and whimsy. Your idea of whimsy could be a teepee or a rocking poodle. Either would make a playful addition to any design theme.
Or you could splurge on this exquisite Heidi Moon Cradle by Creme Anglaise for a more sophisticated approach to whimsy. It’s not as adaptable as a convertible crib, but your child is born only once!
Perhaps these ideas have inspired you to come up with your own must-have features. (Please share them in the Comments!) Get creative, express your vision and have fun creating a lovely space for you and your child to bond and create beautiful memories.