Olioboard Inspiration: Planning & Designing the Perfect Baby Nursery

Entry #2856, September 23, 2013

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed – ‘Festive Fall Outdoor Entertaining Ideas‘ from Adele Baumann Healey. This week I feature Alison Hayes who gives us ideas for planning the perfect nursery. She is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room and she helps you get ideas for your new arrival or helps you get inspired to help someone plan theirs!

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #36

‘Planning & Designing the Perfect Baby Nursery’ –  Alison Hayes

Planning a nursery for your bundle of joy is an exciting wonderful experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin.  Here are some helpful tips to assist you in designing that perfect baby room.

Choose a specific theme or style. Selecting a concept or specific idea will help you narrow your focus and create a more cohesive design. This will also save you time and energy making your shopping selections easier.

Choosing a focal point

Decide what your focal point will be. Most nurseries focus on the crib as the center of attention, but there are other options to choose from like a large bay window or a family heirloom, such as an antique rocking horse or painted dresser that draws your focus.

Choose furniture that will grow with your baby. When selecting nursery furniture, think about the long term. Choose cribs that can convert to a toddler’s bed. Instead of a baby dresser, purchase a regular functional dresser that will look stylish in a nursery as well as a kid’s room. For versatile storage buy a bookcase, in the infant years it serves as a convenient place to organize baby items and will transition nicely throughout your child’s growing years. Thinking ahead will ensure you get the most out your money and your space.

Choosing the right decor elements

Choose a textile before paint color. It can be disappointing to finally find the perfect curtains and baby bedding that you are excited about, but later find out that it clashes with your painted walls. Keep in mind that there are numerous paint colors to choose from, plus you have the option of color matching any object; it is definitely easier to choose your textiles first then buy paint to match it.

Use different levels of lighting.  Install a dimmer for intense overhead lighting. Implement stylish ceiling lights such as chandelier with lampshade coverings. It is also a good idea to have a small accent lamp for a cozy restful ambience, and don’t forget the nightlight for safety and comfort especially during those late night feedings.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Get your nursery underway early, so there will be plenty of time to air our out freshly painted spaces and new furniture smells. Getting a head start with a good design plan will reduce stress and ensure that you will have enough energy to finish the job.

Alison Hayes is an Interior Designer based in Baltimore, Maryland. She has over 10 years’ experience designing commercial spaces. She graduated with honors from Parkville University in Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. She often uses Olioboard in her professional practice and fun and relaxation in her personal time.