A Modern Nursery for Less
Clean Lines, Mod Patterns, and Bright Colors for Your Nursery Budget
Feb 9, 2008
Going modern is the trend du jour in nursery design these days. Thanks to the high demand—lots of mommies and daddies appreciate the streamlined look—the availability of mod baby goods from furniture and bedding to art and accessories is growing fast. You’ll also find them at prices that are more reasonable. If you are looking for a no frills, no fuss style for your baby boy or girl, use these tips for a dose of modern inspiration.
Step 1: Choose Mod Colors
Establish a modern look in the nursery by first picking a color scheme. Modern design is synonymous with bright color so don’t be afraid to be bold in your selection. Unless you want them, there doesn’t have to be a trace of bubble gum pink or sky blue. Consider one of these great contemporary color combinations:
- Bright orange and olive green
- Lemon yellow and steel gray
- Lime green and turquoise
- Lavender and deep plum
- Black and white
Go all out by covering all the walls in a single shade, or take a less-is-more approach with intense color used in smaller doses. You can do this by painting one wall bright, dividing the walls horizontally with the top half neutral and the bottom saturated in a fun hue, or vice versa. You can always go with white walls and accent them with a band of colorful stripes or a few painted-on dots. Remember, paint is one of the cheapest ways to transform a room. Have fun; you can always change it if the results are less than pleasing.
Step 2: Contemporary Furniture Basics
Every nursery regardless of the design style requires certain pieces for keeping baby safe and happy. Because of this, you may want to devote a substantial portion of your budget to furnishing the space. The crib will be a focal point, and it will say a lot about the room’s style. Other basic furniture includes a dresser, a changing table, and a rocker. They don’t have to match, but stick with simple lines and smooth textures. White is always a good choice that won’t compete with bold color or other modern touches. However, don’t overlook wood tones for their simplicity and organic quality. Check out flea markets or online auctions for vintage pieces like dressers and rockers at reasonable prices. Because of safety concerns, buy a new crib. Retailers like Ikea and Target, now featuring baby products by DwellStudio, offer affordable options.
Step 3: Accessorizing a Modern Nursery
Pull the look together with crib bedding, artwork, window treatments, and more. Emphasize your color scheme with accessories in your chosen palette, but throw in some items (a blanket, mobile, storage bins, or cool toys) in fun accent colors for variety. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Pattern: Stripes, circles, and blocks are go-to styles for a modern nursery. Other options include alphabets, numbers, animal prints, and nature motifs, which add whimsy and interest to the room.
- Windows: By providing clean lines and simple shapes, a roman shade or valance functions well in a modern space. You’ll also save money since you can find these basic window treatments almost anywhere or make your own.
- Artwork: Use wall stickers for a frameless option that makes a big impact. Look online for lots of choices in a range of prices. If you want frames on the walls, browse the online shops at eBay and Etsy, where you’ll find unique, original art to fit any budget.
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