April 24, 2024

Designing a nursery is an exhilarating yet overwhelming task, especially with the onset of baby brain. But don’t worry! This comprehensive guide ensures you won’t miss a beat when crafting the perfect space for your little one.

Nursery design by Lauren Nelson. Blue nursery, boy nursery, banquette seating, nursery inspiration — Source: Lauren Nelson Design

Finding inspiration

Stuck for ideas? Utilize platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, scouring through our Nursery Board on Pinterest or search #projectnursery for inspiration. Don't overlook traditional sources like baby books or magazines. Remember, even a single item you adore can spark your entire design concept. After finding a few inspiration images or furniture pieces, It’s a great time to create a mood board to consolidate your ideas and visualize the overall aesthetic.

Need guidance on how to create a mood board? Go to one of our previous posts, here.

Crafting your colour palette

Let your favourite piece dictate your colour palette. Whether it's a cushion cover, rug, or wallpaper, draw colours from it to create a cohesive look. If your item is more neutral, and you want to add some colour, pick 1-2 accent colours. Experiment with different colour combinations until you find the perfect balance that reflects your style and creates a calming atmosphere.

Neutral nursery inspiration, nursery designer, Penticton designer — Source: Domino Magazine

Strategic Furniture Placement

With any furnishing project, you must define your room’s focal point and create zones. Think about where you want to sit in the room, where you’ll feed and where you’ll change them.

You also need to think practically to ensure you can navigate the room well in low lighting and that essential items are within arm's reach during late-night feeds. A small side table is a must, and if you have room, a footstool for added comfort.

Pink nursery design, little girl nursery inspiration, pink wallpaper, boucle chair nursery design — Source: Chango & Co.

Elevating Your Walls

Revamp your nursery's look and feel with fresh wall finishes. A new paint colour on the walls is a great way to transform a room; otherwise, you could consider adding wallpaper or wall moulding. If time is of the essence, opt for removable wall stickers—there are some adorable options out there, and they can be easily removed or replaced as your baby grows. Don’t forget to personalize the space by incorporating meaningful wall art or framed prints that add warmth and character.

If you’re looking for some wall stickers, here are a few of my favourites: Colourful terrazzo stickers from Station D, Flower branches from Kenna Sato Designs, and Botanical foliage from Livette’s Wallpaper.

Dressing Windows

Window dressings merge functionality with style. Start with blackout roman shades for practicality, then layer with curtains to soften the space. You can use this opportunity to introduce accent colours for visual interest.

Studio McGee Nursery Ideas, pink tongue and groove, pink ceiling inspiration, wallpaper in girl nursery — Source: Studio McGee

Maximizing Storage

While you will want some pieces on display to make the room feel cozy and lived-in, it’s also important to have pretty storage solutions to put baby items away and out of sight. Give everything a place with furniture with storage, bins and baskets. Embrace vertical storage to optimize floor space while keeping baby essentials organized and accessible. Invest in multifunctional furniture like cribs with built-in drawers or bookshelves that double as changing stations to maximize storage in smaller nurseries.

Hopefully, these tips empower you to design a space that’s both visually captivating and highly functional. If you need further guidance, you can get in touch here.

xo, Ariane

Designing for Baby: Creating a Space that's Both Stylish and Functional