Designing Baby's Nursery
First, let’s talk budget. Whether your nursery budget is $500 or $5000, know your budget and be prepared. It can be a very hard thing to stick to. Know your limit. Is the budget strict or do you have a little room to go over? Be aware that things will add up fast, and know where to cut corners. The crib and the bedding are two places that it is best to get what you love when you can. Children’s wall art can get expensive if you are on a tight budget; paint is a great way to fill a large wall and is usually under $30. You could paint stripes or even polka dots. If you are lucky enough to have a large budget, remember your child will need to grow in to the room. Even children’s art is an investment, so get things that will last several years in their room. Know your budget, but be flexible when you can.
Incorporate your own personal style. This can best be summed up by a quote from designer Jennifer Delong, “…a happy home is one that reflects your personal style everyday”. This is your nursery too, so incorporate your own personal style into it. If you love modern design, go for a simple and sleek look. Don’t force it to look like a nursery that you saw in a magazine if it isn’t your personal style.
Plan for the future
Let’s face it, they won’t be babies forever and you certainly don’t want to redecorate every 2-3 years. When possible, pick a theme that will grow with them. For example, a four year old may not necessarily want a pastel farm themed room. Think more about color schemes and less about themes. Use artwork and accessories, not bedding to express your theme when possible. Artwork is easy to change when you have a new design idea. Convertible cribs and dressers with optional changing trays are a great way to convert a nursery to a child’s room. Instead of your nursery furniture lasting two years, it can last five years, or much longer, if the crib converts to a full size bed.
My daughter’s nursery is a great example of this. We had a dresser with a changing tray, crib, nightstand, and upholstered glider in her nursery. We later removed the changing tray from the dresser, and her crib converted to a toddler bed until around age four. Then we traded the toddler bed for a twin, ordered the same bedding as her crib but in twin. Everything else in the room is still the same. We cuddle and read stories together in her glider every night. Guess what, she is now five and adores her room. We won’t be redecorating until she is a tween. Creating a room they can grow into will save a lot of money in the long run.
Don’t forget grandparents
For many new moms, grandma and grandpa are an important support system. If you plan on your baby spending a lot of time at the grandparents house then they might want to consider a small and simple nursery. Grandparents have a more difficult time “fiddling” with pack and plays and portable cribs, and it can become a real headache for everyone. A simple crib and rocker is all you need to help make their time caring for the baby a little easier, and also to help your baby feel more comfortable when not at home.
Don’t wait too long
Many new parents think they have plenty of time to order their nursery and in many cases, that is true. However, if you’re looking for unique or custom nursery furniture, it is not uncommon for it to take 6-12 weeks to arrive. The same is true of baby bedding. Most baby bedding that is made in the USA can take an average of 4-8 weeks before shipping to you. It’s usually not sitting in a warehouse; it’s handmade when you order it. That being said, there are many very stylish sets that ship within a week or two. So make sure to read or ask about the lead times when placing orders.
Have fun and go for it, this is a room you and your child will enjoy together for years to come.