Few home projects are as life-changing as decorating a nursery. Setting up the baby’s room and choosing nursery decor can feel like a daunting task, but try to relax and have fun with it. After all, the most important thing is that you create a space where you and your baby will be comfortable. With that in mind, make sure to incorporate your personal style into the nursery design. You’ll be spending nearly as much time in the nursery as your baby will, so it should reflect your taste. Decorating this space is an opportunity to play with sweet and whimsical elements, so enjoy the process and design a nursery that brings you joy.
Nursery Basics
Begin by asking yourself what kind of feel you want the nursery to have. Do you want to be vibrant and playful? Calm and soothing? Once you determine the vibe, it will inform your other design choices. Also, how will you be using the room? If it’s just for sleeping and changing, or will your child also use it as a play space? These factors also affect the design.
Nursery themes are fun, but don’t feel pressured to choose one. And if you do opt for a theme, keep in mind that every single design element in the room doesn’t have to fit or reference it. Think of the nursery theme more as an influence than a strict directive. It’s also a good idea to go with gender-neutral nursery theme ideas–like travel or baby animals–instead of opting for looks that are stereotypically associated with girls or boys.
When it comes to furniture, obviously you’ll need a crib and a changing table or something that functions as one, like a low dresser. A chair is also key for late night feedings. Don’t feel pressured to go with a specific type of chair, like a glider or a rocking chair. Just go with what’s most comfortable for you, even if it’s a simple arm chair.
If you have hardwood floors, an area rug is a must. Choose a plush yet firm pile, and make sure that it’s properly anchored. Even if you have carpeting, an area rug is a great way to define the space and create a more layered look.
Window treatments are essential if you want your baby (and yourself) to get any sleep. Curtains help block out light, noise, and drafts, and they also tie the nursery design together. If you want an extra layer of light filtration, add roller shades.
Lighting is another key design feature. Put lights on a dimmer or get three-way lamps so that you can control the level of light in the room. String lights are a charming way to add ambient light to the nursery, and chandeliers add an unexpected, elegant touch.
Gender-Neutral Nursery Ideas
Whether your baby’s sex is going to be a surprise or you just don’t want a traditional feminine or masculine design, a gender-neutral nursery is an increasingly popular option. For years green and yellow were the go-to paint color choices, but now many gender neutral nurseries are just that: neutral. Soft grays or white walls provide a soothing environment and allow you to personalize the room with wall decor and other pops of color. Neutral colors also make for an easier transition if you’re planning to use the nursery for future children, or for when you transition the space into a more grownup bedroom.
Baby Girl Nursery Ideas
Decorating a baby girl’s nursery is an opportunity to experiment with a variety of styles. For example, try going for a more glam look with upscale elements like chandeliers, metallic accents, and a sheepskin rug. Or, try a modern eclectic look with a geometric light fixture, mid-century-inspired furniture, and a vibrant gallery wall.
When it comes to choosing a color palette for a baby girl’s nursery, think beyond pink. Traditionally pink has been the go-to color for baby girl room decor, but choosing a cool neutral feels more modern and offers more flexibility with decorating. If you love pink, then you should of course use it, but maybe try it as an accent–not the dominant color. And instead of a bright shade, opt for a soft blush tone.
Baby Boy Nursery Ideas
Nurseries for boys don’t have to be all about sports or trucks or other stereotypically masculine themes. Instead, go for more specific decorating styles, like a rustic look with reclaimed wood accents, lantern pendant lights, and nature-inspired wall decals. Or, go for a more preppy feel with gingham curtains and a striped area rug.
If you want to incorporate some blue into the nursery, but you can update the classic choice by going for a more modern approach, like a deep navy or a grey-blue. You could also go for a neutral wall color and blue accents paired with other colors, like mint green.
Decor Aid Makes Designing a Nursery Easy
Awaiting the birth of your child can be a busy and stressful time, especially when you add redecorating or renovating to the mix. Let Décor Aid’s interior designers take the pressure off and create a beautiful nursery for you and your baby. Our full-time, in-house team of designers decorators has years of training and experience and can assist with any size project, whether you’re creating a nursery for your first child, updating an existing nursery for your newest addition, or converting a home office or guest room into a nursery. Let us handle everything so that you can focus on what matters most: having a happy and healthy baby.
