Tips for Creating a Nursery Design

Although the idea of designing a nursery has a charming and whimsical appeal, the actual task of crafting a secure, cozy, aesthetically pleasing, and tranquil space for a baby can be quite daunting. This step-by-step guide, packed with professional insights, is here to assist you in the process.

Introducing the Specialist

• Naomi Alon Coe, the founder of Little Crown Interiors, focuses on creating beautiful and functional spaces for nurseries and children’s rooms.
• Cathie Hong works as an interior designer at her firm, Cathie Hong Interiors.
• Justin Segal holds the position of Director of Product and Brand Management at Storkcraft.
• Mel Bean works as an interior designer at Mel Bean Interiors.
• Stefania Skrabak works as an interior designer with AHG Interiors.

Sow a Seed

Naomi Alon Coe, an interior designer at Little Crown Interiors who focuses on nurseries and children’s spaces, notes that many of her clients begin their design journey with a single inspiring piece. “It could be a wallpaper design they adore, a crib, or another piece of furniture,” Coe explains in her detailed guide, Your Perfect Nursery: A Step-by-Step Approach to Creating the Nursery of Your Dreams. “I’ve even had a client present a photo from her tropical getaway that she wanted to use as the foundation for the entire nursery. I refer to this as the ‘seed’ item, as it serves as the starting point for the entire design.”

Avoid Excessive Theming

Interior designer Cathie Hong from Cathie Hong Interiors advises against excessively adhering to a specific theme in nursery design. She suggests beginning with a neutral foundation for the furniture and then enhancing the space with accent lighting, wallpaper, artwork, rugs, textiles, toys, and books. “This way, if preferences shift, the accent items can be easily swapped out, while the larger, more costly pieces remain unchanged. Even in a themed nursery, I aim for a soft and minimal color palette to foster a serene and soothing atmosphere for both mother and child.”

Design Your Layout

An effective nursery layout, regardless of its size, features clearly defined areas for sleeping, changing, feeding, and playtime. Start by measuring your available space, and thoughtfully determine the most suitable and secure locations for the key pieces of furniture, such as the crib, changing table, and a cozy rocking chair or glider for feeding. Prioritize your spending on major items to stay within your budget and ensure you have enough time for online purchases and assembly.

There’s no need to invest in brand new or baby-centric furniture that will need to be swapped out in a few years. A classic dresser can serve as a changing table, and your beloved rocking chair can be relocated to the nursery instead of buying a new glider. However, if you’re limited on space or starting fresh, Justin Segal, the Director of Product & Brand Management at Storkcraft, recommends looking into multifunctional nursery furniture that includes extra storage. Options like cribs with integrated drawers, chests that come with changing toppers, or cribs that feature an attached changing table and storage can be very practical.

Color Scheme and Interior Design

Although traditional pink or blue remains a popular choice, a growing number of parents are embracing gender-neutral nursery designs. Interior designer Mel Bean from Mel Bean Interiors recommends selecting soothing hues like white or pastel shades for the walls, while adding a playful touch to the ceiling.

“Using wallpaper on the ceiling adds a fun element without being excessive,” Bean explains. “Since babies spend a lot of time on their backs, it provides a more engaging view for them.” If you’re drawn to the concept of a daring and playful design but are hesitant about a permanent choice, consider using removable wallpaper or wall decals that can be updated as your child matures. Additionally, regardless of the color you select, make sure to choose paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or VOC-free.

First and foremost, remember that the nursery should blend seamlessly with the overall style of your home, whether that’s contemporary, vintage, bohemian, minimalist, modern, rustic, or an eclectic mix. Be sure to incorporate soft textures, natural materials that are easy to care for, and plants that are safe for babies. Avoid the temptation to overcrowd the space with decorations or accessories, as this will help maintain a serene environment for your little one and simplify upkeep for you.

Management of Light, Air, and Sound

The primary objective of the nursery is to establish a consistent sleep routine for your child. Therefore, it is essential to have various methods for minimizing light, reducing noise from adjacent areas, and managing temperature and airflow. Incorporate plush rugs and heavy curtains to help dampen sound. Utilize a combination of solar shades, blackout shades, and interior or exterior shutters, along with curtains, to effectively regulate and soften light.

Never overlook the significance of lighting in a nursery,” advises Bean. “Opt for window treatments and lamps that can create a nighttime ambiance even in daylight, and whenever feasible, select dimmable lighting solutions.

Create a Nursery That Adapts as Your Child Grows

As you prepare a lovely space for your baby’s arrival, it’s important to ensure that the design remains versatile enough to evolve as your child grows. According to Bean, this involves selecting timeless features for curtains, wall treatments, and lighting. With just a few updates to the furniture, artwork, and decor, the room can seamlessly transition to suit the needs of tweens and teenagers.

Stefania Skrabak, an interior designer at AHG Interiors, emphasizes two key themes in her nursery designs: playful and adaptable. She explains, “Playful, as it’s important to create a visually stimulating space for children, while also being mindful to avoid overwhelming them. Adaptable, because we aim to create a room that evolves as the child grows, even when we’re still getting to know them.”

Every Member of the Household

A nursery represents a new beginning, yet it also reflects a sense of continuity. Segal expresses, “I’ve always appreciated the idea of including a family heirloom in a child’s room, as it instills a deep sense of family heritage. This can be achieved by displaying an item on the wall that once belonged to a grandparent or parent, or by framing a cherished piece that has been handed down through the family. Incorporating a family heirloom adds a personal touch that holds significance and remains timeless.”