How to create the ultimate nursery
Designing the perfect space to welcome the newest member of your family is a true joy. Here’s a few tips and tricks to help get you started.
So, you’re expecting a bundle of joy. Congratulations! Before the big day, there’s some serious prep work to be done. Namely, setting up the nursery.
Creating a room that’s calming and whimsical yet practical is no easy task. As much as we’d like those precious few first months to last a lifetime, they go fast. The last thing you want is to purchase furniture and décor that just doesn’t last.
To help you design the ultimate nursery that strikes that perfect balance, we’ve put together our top three tips. From adorable quilts to storage basics, we have you covered.
Choose a neutral colour palette
Whether you know the gender of your little one or are keeping it a surprise, selecting a neutral colour palette is the way to go – especially for larger furniture pieces.
Neutral hues do a number of things. First, they are extremely versatile, classic, and timeless. In short, soft greys, whites, and natural materials never go out of style. Second, they go with everything. If you want to adorn your little ones bedroom in unicorns and rainbows, no worries. And finally, they are both calming and brightening. Pale neutrals are less harsh than stark white yet still reflect light, making the space feel bigger.
Keep cosy
Neutrals are everywhere, so don’t be afraid to shop outside of the nursery section at your favourite store. Take these cosy throws from Pillow Talk as an example. Made of oh-so-soft Canterbury lambswool, these blankets will look just as good draped over your nursing chair as they will on your couch.
Try for texture
If you’re looking to add a bit of interest to your nursery, incorporate texture. A lambskin rug on the floor is the ultimate in bedroom luxury, and the soft off-white hue will complement any furniture you choose.
Develop a theme
You’ve got a neutral base – now, the fun begins. This is where you can get creative and choose a theme. That might be fairies and toadstools, animals, underwater, clouds, circus, tropical; the list goes on.
Once you’ve decided, it’s time to incorporate that theme into the room’s accessories and decor. Think quilt covers and throw pillows, curtains and nightlights, plush toys, and even wall decals. The sky’s the limit.
One word of advice: remember to restrain yourself. It only takes three or four core pieces to communicate a theme effectively.
Invest in ample storage
Babies may be small, but they sure have a whole lot of stuff. And all that stuff needs a home – an organised home. When creating your ultimate nursery, be sure to prioritise storage. Think about changing tables, storage buckets, wardrobes, bedside tables, and other multi-purpose pieces that’ll help you keep your little one’s room clean, tidy, and functional.
Somewhere for everything
Everything needs a place, even those plush toys, rattles, and dirty socks. Baskets like this one from Adairs are must-haves, giving you a quick and easy solution. Don’t stop at just one. Line up two or three for added functionality. The best bit? They look adorable, too. No need to sacrifice your aesthetic for practical storage.
What to wear
Babies, toddlers, and little kids grow fast, and that means they go through a whole lot of clothes. And while their teeny, tiny onesies may not take up a lot of space, when you’ve got 30 of them to store, you need a serious solution. Wardrobes like this from Provincial Home Living are fantastic, as they can be used for years to come.
Late-night needs
A versatile nightstand is essential for all of mum’s and dad’s late-night needs, because, let’s face it, you are certainly in for your fair share of those. This one will fit in perfectly to any nursery and can also be used in your child’s bedroom as they grow and change.