November Project of the Month Nursery Design, Part 2

Colors and Patterns

Although it is true that a baby’s eyesight gradually develops over the first six months of life, it’s never too soon to include simple patterns and shapes near the crib and changing table. You can do this with linens, mobiles, and soft wall art that will attract a newborn who has a fairly well-developed sense of touch. Stick to simple geometric shapes that are easier for baby to recognize. While wallpaper, curtains, and other accessories can pull together a look or theme for a room, baby won’t really take much notice of these.

Color is always a personal choice. Although some child-development experts believe that sharp contrasts, such as the pairing of black and white, stimulate newborns, they also acknowledge that primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) are recognized by babies in the early months, as well. Yet another study suggests that babies stare longest at yellow, white, pink, and red. None of this information is conclusive. Follow your own instincts.

Decorating Styles

Throw out the rule book - it doesn’t have to all be about pink or blue. When deciding how to decorate your nursery, you are limited only by your imagination. The following ideas are reprinted courtesy of Creative Homeowner:

Theme Decorating

A common device used in nursery design is theme decorating. This involves repeating one motif throughout the room. It can be anything from a simple graphic to a fairy tale to a cartoon to a nursery rhyme character. It’s really an easy way out if you’re stumped for ideas or time. You can find wallpaper and borders, curtains, and linens that feature some popular themes, but be prepared to make changes once your little one develops a mind of his own.

Theme Alternatives

Approach the room as you would any other bedroom. This will make it easier to incorporate the interests of your toddler later. Floral, plaid, and geometric designs can all work as harmoniously in a baby’s room as in any other bedroom. You can give the room a formal air with lace window dressings or a cozy, casual feeling with rich, flannel checked accessories. Besides, if you keep things simple, you can add a wallpaper border or a bed set that picks up on a motif that your child chooses on her own when she’s old enough.

Gender Neutral Design

It’s all about preference. Yes, you can use flowers in a boy’s room or a jungle theme in a girl’s room. Look at it this way: you can be an iconoclast, a traditionalist, or you can avoid the conflict together by keeping to a gender neutral theme.

There are lots of colors and motifs that are not gender specific; stick to them if you’re in doubt. Gingham checks, stripes, plaids, and solids in bright, lively colors will work better than floral prints. Nursery rhymes and fairly tales are good choices, especially if both a boy and a girl are the main characters - as in Hansel and Gretel or Jack and Jill. That’s one way to avoid stereotyping.

Smart Tips

Your nursery should of course be baby safe, and ideally, it will easily grow with your child. Creative Homeowner and The New Smart Approach to Kids’ Rooms bring you these tips to accomplish your goals:

• Install outlet caps and covers on all electrical outlets.

• Use only blinds and shades without looped chords

• Install child proof locks on drawers and cabinets

• Tack down carpets

• Remove small objects and toys with small parts that the baby might swallow.

• Keep side rails up at all times when the baby is in the crib.

• Install a smoke alarm in the room

New Ideas for Your Kitchen Next Month

Next month, LTK Interior Design and Creative Homeowner will leave the nursery rooms behind and give you some great new ideas for design in your kitchen - just in time for whipping up all of those holiday feasts!

• Country French Style Basics
• Designing for Small Spaces
• Common Themes for Teenage Bedrooms
• Basics of Color Design
• Asian Style Interior Design

• Baby Room Wall Decals
• Nursery Wall Murals
• Sports Nursery Bedding
• December Project of the Month
• Basics of Kitchen Design

• Bathroom Galleries