Kids’ Rooms: How to Create a Nursery That Will Grow With Your Baby
Choosing convertible furniture, clever design and neutral colours now could save you the trouble of redecorating as your child grows up
Krista Salter
16 July 2015
When I get to design and decorate a nursery, I get excited. No other room in the house can take on such whimsy and youthfulness. But it can also make clients uneasy. After all, babies grow into toddlers in a flash, so why spend money on something you’ll just have to change in a couple of years? That’s why, when I brainstorm a design for a nursery, I think about the phases ahead and how I can ensure the room will grow with them.
I also often ask clients to consider the space not only for the baby, but for themselves. I believe the baby’s room is for adults to enjoy as well. It’s a space baby and parents use together in the first year or two of the child’s life – think late-night feeds or afternoon playtimes. Designing a nursery with equal parts baby and adult décor means you can have a room that lives beyond the infancy stage, through the toddler years and even into the tweens. Here are five tips for creating a flexible, long-lasting room for your child.
I also often ask clients to consider the space not only for the baby, but for themselves. I believe the baby’s room is for adults to enjoy as well. It’s a space baby and parents use together in the first year or two of the child’s life – think late-night feeds or afternoon playtimes. Designing a nursery with equal parts baby and adult décor means you can have a room that lives beyond the infancy stage, through the toddler years and even into the tweens. Here are five tips for creating a flexible, long-lasting room for your child.
Choose a neutral colour palette
Often when people consider which colours to use in a nursery, they think of pastels. But gone are the days when nurseries could only be soft blues, pinks, greens and yellows. Today, regardless of the sex of the child, consider using neutrals.
In this example, the main colours are variations of grey layered with the freshness of white and yellow. The room is gender-neutral and not too baby-like.
Often when people consider which colours to use in a nursery, they think of pastels. But gone are the days when nurseries could only be soft blues, pinks, greens and yellows. Today, regardless of the sex of the child, consider using neutrals.
In this example, the main colours are variations of grey layered with the freshness of white and yellow. The room is gender-neutral and not too baby-like.
This nursery is the perfect blend of baby and adult thanks to its colouring. The strong red and blue, mixed with a white neutral, establishes a space that can last into the tween years.
Check out these boys’ rooms that aren’t blue
Check out these boys’ rooms that aren’t blue
Purchase furniture they’ll grow into
Luckily, furniture manufacturers are creating convertible furniture that will grow with your child. Cots now turn into toddler beds and changing tables convert into dressers. If you’re buying new furniture, consider a line that will allow you to change its function. This will not only save you a bundle, but will match your décor and room longer.
Also note that many gliders and recliners can be turned into a standard armchair when the mechanisms are removed.
Luckily, furniture manufacturers are creating convertible furniture that will grow with your child. Cots now turn into toddler beds and changing tables convert into dressers. If you’re buying new furniture, consider a line that will allow you to change its function. This will not only save you a bundle, but will match your décor and room longer.
Also note that many gliders and recliners can be turned into a standard armchair when the mechanisms are removed.
Use classic and timeless patterns
When choosing the style for a nursery, consider patterns that will last. Stripes, chevrons, polka dots and natural flora and fauna are motifs with staying power.
When choosing the style for a nursery, consider patterns that will last. Stripes, chevrons, polka dots and natural flora and fauna are motifs with staying power.
The combination of polka dots and an organic, floral-like pattern gives this room a childlike feel that isn’t juvenile.
Choose interesting art
Stimulate the child and space with statement art. Large prints or photographs will help the nursery have a childlike feel without being cluttered. Centre a piece above the cot or over a chest of drawers.
Stimulate the child and space with statement art. Large prints or photographs will help the nursery have a childlike feel without being cluttered. Centre a piece above the cot or over a chest of drawers.
Try adding art that’s more sculptural, such as these fairground-style letter lights that spell out the baby’s name. Not only will a sign like this add a cool factor, it could also be a great night light.
Steal these ideas for using toys to style kids’ rooms
Steal these ideas for using toys to style kids’ rooms
Have fun with small baby-centric accessories
I don’t want to take away all the fun in decorating a child’s nursery, so don’t forget that the smaller items can be very whimsical and sweet. Add accessories such as stuffed animals, toy baskets and a rocking chair that can easily be swapped out as the child ages.
I don’t want to take away all the fun in decorating a child’s nursery, so don’t forget that the smaller items can be very whimsical and sweet. Add accessories such as stuffed animals, toy baskets and a rocking chair that can easily be swapped out as the child ages.
This nursery touches upon all the points mentioned in this article. The room colour is neutral with a sprinkling of brights. With the classic curtain pattern, zebra carpet and playful bookshelf, the room can grow into a space for a tween. Simply remove the mobile and the hanging flowers and convert the chair, and you have a room fit for any age.
TELL US…
Have you created a nursery that can transition as your child grows? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
TELL US…
Have you created a nursery that can transition as your child grows? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
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Great tips. Love these room designs.
Love these room designs. Great tips.