Suzanne Falk for Interior Designs 2Go
The arrival of a baby brings plenty of anticipation, but one of the more exciting things is creating the nursery. Whether you’re starting from scratch or converting another room into a nursery, these expert tips will help you put together a beautiful and functional room.
Danielle Reidy for Sadie Road
Create a nursery that will grow with your child
“My number one tip for space saving in a nursery is using a gliding recliner instead of a traditional glider and ottoman combination,” says Rachel Glasson, owner of Twinkle Twinkle Little One. “Not only is it incredibly functional, but it can be repurposed in another room down the road.”
Interior designer Alexandra Kaehler loves buying vintage dressers that can be used as changing tables. “We source a ton of changing tables from MegMade.”
Design for you, too
The nursery should be just as relaxing a space for the parents as it is for the baby.
Sadie Road interior designer Danielle Reidy suggests setting up a nook that has all the essentials within arm’s reach. Create a spot that allows you to sit with the baby with minimal disruptions, particularly during the bedtime routine. You’ll want a comfy glider or rocker paired with a pouf or ottoman, a small side table, a small lamp on a dimmer, and a bookshelf or shelving to store books, and a sound machine.
Says interior designer Alexis Bednyak: “I had a client who loved flamingos, so we were sure to scatter her favorite animal in a few elements of the space to make her smile during those late-night feedings.”
Add a rug
Interior designer Jessica Turf always tries to layer a reversible flat weave rug over a wall-to-wall carpeted nursery. Not only does this allow for an added pop of color or bold statement, but it’s also a practical design element. It can be flipped over to look new even after a spill.
Think outside the box
Nurseries don’t have to be muted colors and simple designs. Interior designer Steffanie Danby says she likes to give the nursery a “wow” factor by using bold patterns and colors.
Bednyak advises parents not to shy away from color. “Girls’ rooms in shades of blue (gasp!), painted ceilings and accent walls in bright tones, funky decals or wall coverings with patterns are all fun ways to push the envelope.”
Make the room feel larger
Lighting is an often-overlooked component that can add height and an open feeling to a smaller space, Glasson says. Replacing the ceiling fixture can change the vibe of the room.
Don’t forget art
Don’t be afraid to get creative. “Wall décor is where you can really put your stamp on the space,” says Elizabeth Smolcich of White Tulip Interiors. “If you have older kids, you can even mat and frame their works of art for a fun art display on a budget.”
Make it gender neutral
Not finding out the gender ’til the birth? No problem! Suzanne Falk of Interior Designs 2Go suggests starting with a color palette and then choosing your furniture. Once your baby is born, you can make the room more personal by adding crib bedding, artwork, lighting and accessories.
