While raising kids can be full of challenges, creating a loving environment at home for them to thrive is the foundation for their development and making them happy. There are various ways you can make sure that your home is the best possible space for your kids, but one area that you might want to focus on is the nursery. This will likely also serve as your child’s bedroom, but whether they sleep and play here or just play and learn, it’s important to make sure it is a welcoming space that nurtures them.
Whether you are about to welcome your first child into your family or you’re expecting another addition, here are some tips on how you can design the ultimate nursery that your kids can love for years to come.
Make the Most of the Space
As you would with any room when you are giving it an upgrade, it’s important to consider the space you are working with. As children tend to have a lot of toys and other items for their learning development, you will need to make sure there are plenty of storage solutions to help keep the room tidy. If you are working with a smaller space, then wall shelves might be better than freestanding units, as this will allow for more free floor space. You could also invest in desks or bedframes (for older children) that have storage built in.
Always remember to take the measurements of the room before buying furniture, too. Minimalist designs that are sleeker can be both stylish and space-conserving for smaller nurseries. You might also only want to purchase the necessities to avoid this room feeling cramped and cluttered. If you do have a bigger room to turn into a nursery space, then you may also want to include items like a comfortable nursing chair, for example.
The Color Scheme
The color you choose to decorate the nursery is also important, as this can help to create a calming atmosphere for your child. Soothing colors include lavender tones, creams, light greens, blues, and yellows, as a few examples. Lighter shades will also help to make the room feel bigger, and this will likely be a better choice for smaller nursery spaces. Using stencils to paint shapes or imagery, such as animals, can also be a lovely touch for a child’s nursery. If you have the artistic talent or the budget to hire a professional painter, you may even want to consider a mural for a unique touch.
When it comes to choosing paint or wallpaper for your nursery, paint can be a budget-friendlier option. There are wallpapers available to purchase that have been designed for children to draw on, and this can be a good way to encourage creativity in your children when they get older. However, you must remember to teach them that not every wall in the house can be used as a canvas for their art.
The Flooring
Carpeted floors will help to make the nursery feel cozy, and they will also provide a softer surface for your child when they are sitting or crawling around on the floor. However, carpets can also be harder to keep clean, and this is something to consider as children might spill drinks on the floor, or even get creative with pens or paints at an older age which could spoil the carpets. Hardwood or laminate floors might be easier to keep clean, and they will look great with a soft rug placed on top. You can also purchase play mats for your nursery, which is highly recommended. These will be useful for carpeted or wooden floors alike.
Lighting
The more natural light that can be let into your nursery, the better. This will also help to make your nursery feel more spacious, but natural light can also help to enhance your mood. It will also be better when your children are reading and playing, allowing them to see more clearly. However, even if you do have big windows and skylights, you still need to think about lighting the nursery at night, as well as on drearier days when the skies aren’t so bright. LED spotlights can be wonderful options that will brightly illuminate your nursery, as well as being a more energy-efficient choice. Lamps for bedside tables or floor lamps in the corner can help to create softer lighting, and this might be preferable when you are trying to calm your child before their bedtime. There are also special night lights you can purchase if your child is also going to use the nursery as their bedroom, and these can help your child feel safer and soothed as they fall asleep.
Consider Creating Zones
Creating zones in the nursery can also help you when it comes to your overall design choices. For example, a corner that is dedicated to reading and learning could have bookshelves, a desk, and a comfortable seat for them to enjoy storytime. If your child is going to sleep in the nursery as well, having space for their bed that has their night light, teddies, and other bedtime comforts close would be needed, too. There can also be a section for changing diapers and a play space in the center of the room, if this is practical.
This might be easier for those who do have bigger nurseries, but smaller rooms could also benefit from this. However, you might need to focus on key areas like a changing space, sleeping area, and play space.
Welcoming a new child into your family is always an incredible experience, but this does require a lot of preparation. If you are at the stage when you are starting to think about a new nursery design, use the tips above to help you make the most out of the room you are transforming into your child’s little haven. For their first formative years, this room will be a wonderful area where they can rest, play and learn, and where you can watch with pride as you see your child thrive.
