How to Decorate a Neutral Nursery
Three Steps to a Crisp, Sophisticated and Modern Room for Baby
Aug 11, 2008
When making plans for a baby’s room, color ranks high on the list of decisions to make. Of course, pink and blue are top picks; green and yellow work for parents waiting on the surprise and, thanks to modern nursery design trends, vibrant hues (orange, turquoise, lime green) have gained popularity.
If you just can’t decide on a color, then don’t. Stay neutral instead. If a room without color for your little one sounds boring and uninviting, follow these steps for inspiration. You may be surprised at how cozy, sweet and perfectly “baby” a room like this can be.
Colors for a Nursery
As with any design plan, making a few key decorating decisions creates a backdrop for the rest of the room.
- Paint the walls in a light shade of brown to warm up the space. Go a shade lighter on the ceiling to draw the eye up, or consider painting the same color as the walls.
- For floors, choose an espresso-colored wood floor if possible to contrast with the lighter walls. If there is carpet, stick with basic beige and add an area rug in a darker pattern for interest.
- To dress windows, keep it simple. White sheers over natural wood or bamboo shades look clean and chic.
Essential Nursery Items
With the basic color scheme established, it’s time to pick the furniture pieces every nursery benefits from. Follow these tips to stay on style.
- Choose a dark wood finish for the crib, changing table and dresser. They are classic pieces to use, and they pop against a paler wall color.
- A comfortable rocking chair is a baby nursery must-have. Buy a chair or have one reupholstered in a fun pattern. A chocolate and white houndstooth print is interesting but tailored, while coffee-colored polka dots on a cream background are playful without being extreme.
- Other important nursery furniture includes side tables and bookshelves. Paint them creamy white accented with darker brown trim.
Decorative Accents for the Nursery
This is the area to have fun with the neutral decorating theme for a nursery. Think bold prints, co-ordinated storage and exotic animals galore—just keep them all in the color family.
- Animal prints are a natural fit with this scheme. Try tiger stripes on a rug or giraffe spots on an accent pillow. Look for bedding in an animal motif or put together solids with co-ordinating stripes, dots and paisleys.
- Storage for all of baby’s necessities fit right in with the décor. Get texture with wicker baskets in varying shades of brown. Canvas or painted wood bins also work. Personalize them with tags cut in animal shapes tied on with brown patterned ribbon.
- Stuffed animals are a mainstay for new babies. Be selective with choosing them to stay in the color scheme. For a modern nursery style, choose plush animals and figurines in solid white.
A nursery decorated in neutral colors may be an untraditional choice, but it’s also classic and perfect for a boy or girl.
