The most exciting part was finding out you’re pregnant and eventually breaking the good news to all your loved ones!
As new parents, you probably have a mixture of feelings and emotions. You could be feeling excited, nervous, or even overwhelmed…
This one keyword will help alleviate how overwhelmed you may feel…..
“FOCUS”
Focus on the most important thing first, then work on the next thing (It’s helped me so much when I feel like I have a bucket list of things to do and no time left). I know it’s an exciting time, but keep reminding yourself to breathe and focus. Take baby steps.
In my opinion, the next exciting part is researching how to design your baby’s nursery space. This is both fun and an important task because this is where your newborn baby will grow with you, bond with you, and spend countless hours sleeping and playing with you.
Therefore, it’s a good time to start planning out the design of your baby’s nursery room during your third trimester or second trimester (depending on how drastic and big your project is). Seeking advice or inspiration from an interior designer is a great way to start tethering ideas, however it’s never mandatory. A successful nursery design should have both purpose and an overall theme exclusively customized to your aesthetics.
A well-designed baby room assesses many factors and optimizes the design space to ensure that everything your baby needs is ready in that space.
My blog outlines the fundamental considerations to achieve your ideal “newborn sanctuary,” so you and your little family can truly enjoy your floor space.
Table of Contents
Soft and Soothing Color Palette for your Baby’s Nursery
Paint color profoundly impacts your mood and energy. Choosing a soft and soothing color palette is one of the first tips for a peaceful cohesive newborn nursery room.
If you’d like to create a stress-free and calm setting, select gentle and neutral hues such as soft greens, dusty blues, or blush pink colors. These subtle shades have a peaceful and relaxing effect that promotes an environment where you can isolate yourself away from the daily stressors in life to focus on the most important thing, which is to bond with your newborn. It sets the mood for an optimal sleep environment, sometimes I just want to sneak into a baby’s nursery and take my quick power naps because it’s so relaxing!
It’s a good idea to start your original color palette with neutral tones so you can be flexible with it in the future.
Incorporating whites or cream colors as a base leaves room to add future changes, such as a cheerful pop of color or new furniture. Additionally, muted colors are easy on the eyes at night (trust me, it makes a difference), making them practical choices for spaces. With some creative decor, even the simplest color scheme can blossom into a cheerful, personalized design that can change over time (home renovation and change is good now and then). Decorating your baby’s nursery can start off so easy, just pick the color palette first.
Functional & Versatile Nursery Furniture
When setting up a nursery with furniture, the functionality of the furniture pieces takes priority over aesthetics for many reasons. Position your furniture to cater to your natural caregiving routine or daily workflow. For first-time parents, it might be challenging to visualize what it’d be like to have a baby and what kind of furniture is needed to design a nursery. I recommend looking on Pinterest or walking into Pottery Barn Kids for inspiration. You might walk out with an idea and that will help kickstart your creativity. Don’t forget that you also have the power to rearrange furniture to your liking after your baby has been born.
The most important piece of furniture is a baby’s crib. I recommend placing the crib in a central space that allows clear and easy access to any baby supplies you will need within quick reach. It’s always a great idea to place a diaper changing station nearby along with all the necessities, such as baby wipes, extra diapers, extra bibs, or any other supplies.
I especially love baby cribs that “grow” with your child and can transform and last for 5 years. I love the idea of maximizing my investment. Here are some links to my favorite baby cribs:
- Nestig Crib – This is exactly the type of transitional crib I was talking about. I also love the addition of the wheels, so you can easily move the crib around your home.
- Oeuf Classic Crib – If the looks is priority, then you should check out this modern crib that prides itself in design and stability.
- Pottery Barn Kid’s Kendall Convertible Crib
If you have a small room or an intimate space, then it would be a good idea to keep your furniture items to a minimum (less is more) and only purchase the furniture piece if you really need it. If it’s multifunctional and pretty, then you found yourself a bonus!! How do you determine if you need the furniture? Look at it once & look back at it again in a few days or a week later to see if you still have that same reaction. If you don’t feel as excited about or you’re having second thoughts about it, then chances are…you don’t need it.
If you have a more spacious nursery, you really don’t have to worry about limiting yourself. However, I would also recommend that you keep things minimal. I’m all about that minimal look that creates a profound effect.
Whether you have a small space or big space, it would be smart to to create enough space or pathways between each area to ensure that navigation is smooth, especially when juggling a wiggly newborn. While sightlines and symmetry do matter, these aspects come second to practicality. Additionally, select adaptable furnishings that “grow” with your child, like convertible cribs and changing tables with removable tops. This maximizes usefulness as your baby grow into little toddlers.
Just to list out a few items you may want to check out: a comfortable chair, baby monitor, rocking chair, baby’s crib, white noise, floor lamps, wicker baskets, side table, table lamp, storage baskets, etc.
Customized Wall Art & Decals
Incorporate personality into your little one’s space with meaningful embellishment and decor. For example, display custom decals or wall lettering featuring your baby’s name and birth details. Arrange family photos in coordinating frames on a gallery wall above the crib or any blank wall space in your nursery.
Choose colorful prints or sculptures that capture something personal about your family heirloom or interests. Even a display of children’s books makes a thoughtful statement about what matters most. I always love searching on Pinterest and Etsy for more inspiration, you will always find something pretty and within budget.
Soft and Cozy Textiles
This might be a less common topic, but consider textures when designing your nursery’s look and feel. Select natural fiber blends laundered in non-toxic detergents for all bedding, blankets, and toys that make direct contact with your baby’s skin. Prioritize breathability alongside softness to prevent overheating.
Choose a plush area rug to cushion play spots and define spaces in the room. Install room-darkening curtains in soothing solids or patterns for daytime naps. And don’t forget the finishing comfort touch – a cushy & comfy nursing chair or glider so you can cradle your little one in complete tranquility.
Ample Storage Space & Solutions
To keep your newborn sanctuary both organized and aesthetically pleasing, incorporate storage that maximizes every inch of the room. I always love having extra storage space!
Use lidded bins or storage drawers to neatly tuck away and organize toys, books, diapering supplies, and other nursery necessities.
Mount shelves securely to get essentials off the floor and display them beautifully.
Opt for open-faced shelving to enable grab-and-go access to items used multiple times daily, like diaper creams, changing pads, burp cloths, and swaddles.
For larger baby gear like strollers, car seats, and activity stations, carve out dedicated closet space or unused corners to tuck things neatly out of sight. You are more than welcome to store them elsewhere or in a separate room, away from the nursery.
By taking a thoughtful approach that balances beauty, comfort, and function, you can craft a timeless, nurturing retreat for your growing child. May your little one spend countless peaceful moments in the thoughtfully designed sanctuary by you.
These 5 tips are intended to inspire your baby’s nursery so you have one less thing to worry about before your baby’s arrival. If you’re a new parent and came upon this blog, please don’t hesitate to comment below with questions. This is a great place to discuss your nursery layout and inquire about future in-home newborn sessions in San Diego, California. As a newborn photographer in San Diego, I enjoy documenting your baby’s first year (ask about my Baby Plan Membership) because time flies way too fast. Lots of parents miss out on documenting their baby’s early years because not many photographers offer a Baby Plan Membership.
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