There are so many wonderful things that come with parenthood. Welcoming a new human into the world is so much fun, but the waiting time can leave you antsy. There are so many things to do before bringing your bundle into their new home. Creating their very own space is personal.
If you’re like me, you are obsessed with modern nurseries (is that too revealing?). I don’t spend a lot of time wondering why I love them so much, but I’m pretty sure it’s because it’s personal for mom.
How do you design a room for a person who won’t even know they’re there for several months? You don’t! The only alternative is to design it for Mom. But you do have a definite deadline and an idea of how much you’re planning to spend. The pressure is on, so how are you going to get it right for your new favorite person?
THINK: Long-term Investment
One of my favorite pieces of kid-decorating advice is to only invest in long-term pieces they can grow into. Let’s be honest, the prettiest nurseries look mature. We love our babies, but I do not love coming home to what looks like a Toys’R’Us liquidation sale in my living room (or any room). Those early days before the opinions start flying, this is your chance to enjoy them.
After all, “they grow up so fast!” Consider it a headstart on their big kid bedroom!
When I designed our nursery, I had so many ideas. Themes, wish lists, registries. It is so easy to go overboard, and the last thing I wanted to do was host a garage sale. In anticipation, I couldn’t help but promise myself I would never buy unnecessary baby furniture. And I’ve kept my word! The frugal side of me is very convincing.
Baby Minimalism
My unintentional minimal nursery approach worked out very well. It translated into the accessories aspect, and my original theme had evolved entirely. After meeting our daughter and getting to know her, the bare bedroom was just waiting for her imprint. The one we couldn’t catch on the ultrasound.
Little to no money wasted. And we all know kids are expensive. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go bold. By all means paint a hot pink accent wall! But Don’t bother with stickers and a single-service changing table. You can put diapers ANYWHERE and you’re going to need a changing pad anyway.
With a minimal bedroom mentality, sophisticated but playful items blend right in and add the charm a nursery needs. Because, if you’re like me, you don’t want the bedroom to look like it jumped out of a Dr. Seuss book. I love the idea of keeping all of the rooms in my house cohesive, with only accents of plastic toys.
Baby furniture & decor *might* be ridiculous
Not just for it’s price or Dr. Seuss-looking quality, but it’s sooooo temporary. And yeah, shopping is fun and all, but it isn’t that easy. Mostly because you have an overgrown baby going King Kong crazy all over their living spaces. Containing them gets tricky and is short-lived.
But the time for wall to wall toys will come, and you’re going to make sure you have space for it.
From Kitzel at Project Nursery. A very sophisticated take on baby crap. I absolutely love the contrasting rug. There is so much space for all things baby, but for now it’s a mostly unused sanctuary.
Let’s just keep this going…
this one is a twofer, because I would use any of those items again.
also, I think the walls might be revere pewter
this luxurious banana palm moment is poorly researched (but at least I’m honest) It’s gorgeous, all the same.
Sophie says
These are beautiful, but I wouldn’t want to leave a baby with a big pot plant on their own once they can pull to standing as they will either a)eat the plant, b) eat the compost or c) pull the whole thing over on themselves. I think the wreath was a better way to incorporate greenery.
And of course – pillows in cribs look pretty, but are obviously for styling only as they’re a literal death trap.
Ashley says
lol! you’re so right about the plant pot. I’ve always done my extreme baby proofing to remove those things at around 6 months for that exact reason. and with the pillows it’s opposite: keeping them far away until around 1 year!