Designing a nursery for your little one is an exciting and rewarding task that allows you to create a cosy and functional space for your baby to thrive. However, with so many design options and considerations to keep in mind, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help guide you through the process, here are some dos and don’ts for nursery design that will ensure you create a safe, stylish, and welcoming environment for your bundle of joy.
DOs:
Plan for Safety First: Safety should be your top priority when designing a nursery. Make sure all furniture is securely anchored to the wall to prevent tipping, cover electrical outlets, and use cordless window coverings to eliminate strangulation hazards.
Choose a Soothing Colour Scheme: Opt for soft, calming colours such as pastels or neutrals to create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to sleep and relaxation. Consider adding pops of colour with accents like bedding, wall art, or rugs. A new-born that is exposed to too much of a bright, striking hue may become overstimulated and unable to fall asleep.
Prioritise Comfort: Invest in a comfortable rocking chair or glider for late-night feedings and soothing your baby to sleep. Choose a supportive crib mattress and bedding made from soft, breathable fabrics to ensure your baby sleeps soundly. Remember, this is just as much your room as it is the babies so you have to feel comfortable in it too.
Create Ample Storage: Babies come with a lot of stuff, so it’s essential to have plenty of storage options to keep diapers, wipes, clothes, toys, and other essentials organised and within easy reach. Consider incorporating baskets, bins, shelves, and dressers into your nursery design. Additionally, labelling the storage will make it easier for a family member to locate items in the event that they are caring for your baby.
Personalise the Space: Add personal touches to the nursery to make it feel like a special and inviting place for your baby. Hang family photos, my favourite are polaroid pictures! Display meaningful artwork, or incorporate decorative elements that reflect your style and personality.
Layer Lighting: Include a combination of general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and functional space. Consider adding dimmer switches or nightlights to provide soft illumination during night time feedings and diaper changes.
Invest in Quality Furniture: Choose durable, high-quality furniture pieces that will grow with your child. A convertible crib that converts into a toddler bed or a changing table that doubles as a dresser are practical investment pieces that will serve you well for years to come. Don’t forget to look at second-hand furniture too, they are usually better quality, but make sure they are safe. Definitely do not buy baby specific furniture, even if it looks cute! You’ll be kicking yourself in the future.
Make it Versatile: Design the nursery with versatility in mind to accommodate your baby’s changing needs as they grow. Consider furniture that can easily transition from a nursery to a toddler’s room and incorporate adjustable shelving or modular storage solutions that can adapt to your evolving storage needs.
DON’Ts:
Overcrowd the Space: Resist the temptation to overcrowd the nursery with unnecessary furniture and clutter. Keep the layout simple and functional, leaving plenty of open floor space for playing and moving around.
Forget About Safety Standards: When selecting furniture, bedding, and decor for the nursery, make sure they meet current safety standards and regulations to minimise the risk of accidents or injuries.
Use Harsh Lighting: Avoid harsh, overhead grid recessed lighting that can be overwhelming for your baby. Instead, opt for softer, diffused lighting options that create a warm and inviting ambiance. Remember dimmers are a must!
Neglect Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the nursery to promote air circulation and prevent the build-up of allergens and pollutants. Consider installing a ceiling fan, ensuring your windows have vents or just simply opening windows (with proper childproofing) to maintain a comfortable temperature and air quality.
Choose High-Maintenance Fabrics: Select fabrics, carpets and materials that are easy to clean and maintain, as you’ll likely encounter spills, messes, and accidents in the nursery. A wool carpet is probably the best option as it is naturally stain resistant, absorbs harmful VOCs which are harmful to the babies breathing and hypoallergenic. Avoid delicate fabrics that require special care and opt for machine-washable items whenever possible.
Forget About Black Out Blinds: Ensure that your Nursery is equipped with either a blackout blind or curtain. Alternatively, another approach is to invest in the desired window treatments which may not be black out and then utilise velcro strips along with blackout fabric for easy attachment and removal from the windows. This strategy also eliminates the need for additional expenses if you decide to discontinue the use of blackout blinds in the future.
Limit Accessibility: Keep essential items like diapers, wipes, and baby supplies within easy reach of the changing table and crib to streamline diaper changes and night-time routines. Avoid placing heavy or fragile items on high shelves that could pose a safety hazard if knocked over.
Neglect Your Own Comfort: Remember to prioritise your own comfort and convenience when designing the nursery. Include amenities like a comfortable chair for nursing, a small fridge or snack station for late-night feedings, and a designated area for storing your own essentials like water bottles, books, or electronic devices. Make sure you are designing the room for you more than the baby.
Designing a nursery is a labour of love that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment for your little one. By following these dos and don’ts, you can create a beautiful and functional space that both you and your baby will love spending time in.
If you find yourself in need of assistance with your nursery design, explore our design packages or feel free to reach out to us. We’re available and happy to assist you on your design journey.