painting from creativethursday on etsy.com
High Quality Photo

Like most rooms in your home, a nursery needs to be first and foremost, functional.  There are several must-have items you will need:

• For obvious reasons, a crib is a necessity.  Today’s designs range from soft and romantic canopy cribs to sleek and modern metal cribs.  Many models also feature beds that can “grow” with your baby into a toddler bed, a twin bed and, ultimately, a headboard for a double bed.
• A changing table and/or dresser for storage and to make those necessary diaper changes easier on the back and safer for the baby.
• A rocking chair or glider will provide a comfortable and cozy spot for late night feedings and story time when the child gets older.

Once the functional items are in place, the fun begins and it is time to add some personality:

• Artwork will add color to the room and provide creative stimulation for your baby.  Consider a mural, a grouping of colorful paintings, fabric covered letters (a perfect project for all those fabric remnants that accumulate) or three dimensional pieces like your framed christening gown, for example, or Dad’s childhood baseball glove in an acrylic shadowbox.
• Something soft under your feet makes those chilly three a.m. feedings so much more comfortable.  Place a plush shag or flokati rug on top of bare floors or carpeting or, for an unexpected touch, how about a colorful persian rug for an exotic look.
• Bedding for the crib can be purchased ready made or you can make your own.  There are wonderful toiles, circus prints, florals and stripes available in kid-friendly prints that allow you to truly customize your baby’s nursery.  Bedding items include a comforter or quilt, bumper pads, a bed skirt and/or pillows.  Before placing any items in the crib please follow the safety guidelines recommended by the consumer product safety commission to insure the health and safety of your baby.

A beautiful and functional nursery that reflects your personality is a wonderful way to welcome your new baby into your home.

Fabric

There are literally dozens and dozens of fabrics made specifically with children in mind.  For example, you can create a sophisticated french retreat using a toile fabric for bedding and window treatments.  Add a coordinating check and floral pattern for a true french country look.  Or maybe your little one prefers something a bit more whimsical such as Covington’s fun balloon print.  This bright and colorful fabric can be paired with multiple solids to create a happy environment for any child.  Try to think outside the pink and blue box and choose unusual color combinations like pink and lime green, turquoise and brown or even a soothing all neutral color palette.

Furniture

Function and safety are first and foremost when it comes to choosing furniture for your child’s room.  Before purchasing any items for your child’s room check with the Consumer Protection Agency (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/chld_frn.html) and their safety guidelines.  You will need a bed, dresser, chair, shelving and rugs.  All these pieces will add personality and color to the room.

Paint

Use a low VOC paint to reduce the amount of fumes and toxins that could be released into the room over time.  This is one time when the color scheme you use does not have to coordinate with the rest of your home.  If your little one wants an all purple room, go for it.  A room with painted dragons on the wall…no problem.  Polka dots and  stripes ….ok with me. 

You get the idea…..let your child have a say in what their room will look like and they just might learn to keep it neat and tidy.  (OK I can dream can’t I?)