You are ready to update your kids bedroom or design that perfect nursery. The project can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect space for you and your child.
“The important thing to remember when designing a nursery is to have fun with it, says Angie Seabert, Design Consultant at Klingman’s Furniture. “With accents and color choices, the sky is the limit.”
Indoor swings, little tents, and reading nooks with comfy chairs are just a few fun ideas that can really make a space their own. Take inspiration from a favorite children’s book or theme if you want, or go for a more soothing, tranquil vibe.
Consider how you plan to use the space
Keep in mind how your child will be using the space. Seabert says to ask yourself, do you have a separate playroom somewhere else in the house? Or will you need a play space somewhere in their bedroom? Either way, don’t forget to add some kid-friendly, functional storage items that make it easy for them to put their own toys and clothes away when they get old enough to pitch in.
Build around a theme
Let’s be honest: Kids rooms are one of the most fun design projects out there. Not only is it exciting to anticipate the new addition to your family, but from a design perspective, it offers a sense of freedom you tend not to have in adult spaces. Bright colors and big, bold décor pieces are encouraged rather than sparingly regulated.
That said, you want to create a pleasing not overwhelming space. The best way to strike that balance is by building the room around a theme. Whether it ends up being zoo animals or princesses, the theme will give you parameters to create the design within an order to keep the room feeling cohesive.
Autumn Fuchs, of Fuchsia Design tells us themes are an excellent way to personalize a room to your child’s interests. Fuchs continues “if they love dinosaurs now, chances are they won’t when they’re 16. Find a great piece of artwork and some bedding they love, but consider keeping the large furniture pieces neutral and versatile as they age.”
If you’re trying to settle on the perfect theme, Fuchs says to draw inspiration from a few key pieces you and your child love. “Whether it’s a rug, fabric, or a piece of artwork, building off these elements is the perfect launching pad for the rest of the space. “ You’ll be able to build the room piece by piece simply by selecting coordinating items.
Focus on multi-functional furniture
As your child grows, his or her needs will continue to change, Seabert continues. The last thing you want to do is spend lots of money on furniture that will only be useful for the first year or two. It makes much more sense to invest in pieces that grow and change with them.
“You’ll want your furniture choices to be versatile enough to grow with your child as much as possible. Klingman’s has a children’s line called Smartstuff by Universal that is made to do just that,” says Seabert. “The cribs turn into toddler beds, then into full sized headboards and footboards. They have removable changing stations for their dressers too, so they go from diaper duty to dresser duty. And they come in styles from modern and urban, to more traditional and vintage-inspired.”
Don’t feel compelled to limit your focus to baby-specific furniture. If you’d like to buy a nursing chair and footstool, consider looking for an ottoman that allows for hidden storage. You could also forgo the chair in favor of a couch that will fit well in a playroom later.
Include plenty of storage
It goes without saying that kids come with a ton of stuff. Every nursery needs to include plenty of storage to contain that sudden explosion of baby products — especially if you have multiple children. Ideally, these organizational options will also help you keep it all together in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Again, consider your future needs, as well as the most pressing newborn needs. Consider options that can contain everything from teeny, tiny rattles to much larger toys down the road.
Where storage is concerned, be honest with yourself about how practical visibility will be on a day-to-day basis. While open shelving options are on-trend, unless you are certain you’ll straighten them regularly, it may make more sense to opt for closed options that can hide disorganization from view.
Put comfort first
Above everything else, a nursery should feel warm, comforting and safe. That’s the environment you intend to provide for your baby and, ideally, that feeling will be infused throughout the whole of your design. Not to mention that you’ll be spending a lot of time — and more than a few sleepless nights — in that room. Do yourself a favor and make it as cozy as possible.
Layering is your secret weapon. A variety of soft fabrics and plush textiles are key. You can do this through layering a variety of colors, patterns and textures on top of each other. Though each item is clearly comfortable, there’s enough variety among them to add a sense of depth and visual interest to the design.
Don’t be afraid to add some toys to your design as well. Though your baby won’t be able to enjoy plush objects right away, they can add a sense of comfort and plenty of aesthetic value to the room until your child is old enough to play with them safely.
Some parents find the idea of putting together the perfect nursery or kids room to be incredibly stressful. While this is completely understandable Seabert tells us it’s easier than you think. Keep in mind what will make you comfortable and have fun with the design and you will create the perfect space.
