4 Tips For Designing a Practical Nursery
Has your pregnancy raced by and now you’re gearing up to welcome your little darling? Childbirth class {check}, baby shower {check}, doula, {wink-wink, check} and NOW it’s time to plan the nursery décor. We’ve broken it down into an easy, fun, and money-saving task that we hope you’ll find useful.
FUNCTION
How do you imagine yourself in the space? Will your baby only be sleeping in the room? Will it double as a guest room or playroom? All of the functions of the room matter when choosing suitable furniture. Transitional cribs that convert from a baby crib to a toddler bed are GENIUS! They usually cost a bit more but are less hassle than using a crib for 18 months and then having to re-buy furniture. Buy once and use it all for the years to come instead of just for the first.
If family members or friends plans to visit frequently, why not put a day bed in the room? It's small enough, yet useful for nights when the baby just won't sleep or a guest is in town and baby bunks with you. The nursery doesn't have to be all lambs and lavender.
BEDDING
Usually, the first choice most expectant parents make is which crib and bedding to buy. Sweet white linen bed sets are truly darling but they are NOT practical. Ever cleaned baby poo on something white? Think durability, clean-ability, and longevity. That pink raw silk crib bumper pad may look gorgeous on the fabulous baby bed in the pricey boutique, but imagine its first encounter with a diaper blowout or spit up.
LIGHTING
Lamps will enhance the way you feel in your home. They can be arranged in certain areas around the nursery creating cozy nooks for feeding, reading, or simply lighting art on your walls or shelves. Cabinets that have lighting inside of them work wonders too.
Create the mood for your baby's room just as you would your own bedroom. Harsh overhead lighting isn't the most soothing when you are awake for a 2:00 am feeding. Try ambient lighting.
COLOR
Have you thought about what colors make you happy? Imagine yourself in the space and how you would like both you and your baby to FEEL while spending time within the room.
Did you know there is a psychology to color choice? It's true. Marketing firms use colors such as red, orange, and yellow in fast food advertising to stimulate hunger and cause visual attraction. Maybe you adore daffodil yellow, however yellow can cause anxiety. Perhaps using yellow as a hint of trim or as an accent color would be better than 150 square feet of yellow walls.
Blues and greens are the colors of the sky, sea, and vegetation and all are triggers for emotional rest and calm. Soft neutrals, light blues, and greens can create a more tranquil feel such as you would experience in a spa atmosphere. Think about which color makes you feel the most peaceful and save the bright colors for the future playroom.
3 Things to Keep in Mind
A quick and easy cleanup is a must for the busy family! Famous architect, Louis Sullivan, said: “Form follows function.” Practical doesn’t necessarily equal plain. Consider materials that are easily cleaned so you don't cringe with every mess.
Design a nursery that is practical for both parents. Think of how you will be functioning in the space since you will be spending a lot of time there! Grandma’s heirloom cherry wood rocker may be gorgeous, but may not be the most comfortable. Test gliders or rockers and ottomans ahead of time. Sit down and get comfy, prop up your feet! Find the chair in which you can feed a baby AND take a nap for yourself.
Consider how you want the nursery to look. Do you want to create an environment that will grow with the baby into their childhood or be passed on to the next sibling? Choosing a long-term look can be cost-effective and a wise investment in quality home décor.
If swollen feet (or the pandemic) are keeping you from hitting the stores, shop online. Often with free shipping, it’s a win-win for the efficient and busy expectant parent. Check out Wayfair for their offerings of everything from nurseries to playrooms and bedding to lighting. Save your back and have your room renovation delivered right to your front door.