How To Create A Nursery Design Both You And Your Child Will Love
Interior stylist Magdalene Liacopoulos shares her design tips on putting together a nursery that’s both practical and beautiful.
When putting together a nursery, the focus is naturally on your baby. The layout is often dictated by where your child will sleep, feed and be changed, and the room’s theme is often selected with your little one. As new parents, we tend to underestimate just how much time we will be spending in the room, from nights settling the baby to sleep, feeding in a rocking chair and long days spent at home.
A nursery can be everything — beautiful, functional, comfortable and a safe space for your baby, while still meeting the needs and wants of parents and family.
Here’s what I recommend considering your nursery design:
Set the tone
The nursery color scheme and interior style will play an important role in setting the tone for the room. Spend time in the space imagining the practical details, like how the room will be used while also thinking about how you would like the room to make you feel.
As much as you would like to create something lovely for your baby, now is the time to consider what is also going to make you calm and happy. If a predominantly neutral space with warm wood tones and sumptuous textures (like this Lorena Canals English Garden rug, or darling Olli Ella rattan bag) is going to provide all the zen and relaxed vibes you crave, then there’s your angle. Or if bold color is what makes you happy, go for it by painting that jeweled green feature wall or adding a splash of color with a print.
If you are feeling stuck, collect paint samples and go window-shopping for furniture and décor. This part of the design process can help kick-start your imagination and serve up some of that much-needed inspiration.
Lorena Canals English Garden Washable Rug
$269
Available in another color
Olli Ella Rattan Casa Bag
$55
L’Amour Fou Print Shop Peony Print
$18 – $35
Available in more sizes
Safety first
Ensuring the baby’s room is safe is of utmost importance, particularly when it comes to furniture choices. Make sure your crib meets the latest in safety standards and if the dresser comes with an anti-tip kit.
Here’s the good news: The Tot has a wide range of choices to suit most interior styles while also meeting or exceeding safety criteria. The Million Dollar Baby Classic Liberty 3-In-1 Convertible Crib, for example, looks like an heirloom piece, but this antique-style spindle crib doesn’t compromise on quality, design or safety.
The Babyletto Bento 6-Drawer Dresser also comes with all the trimmings, like sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine with pre-installed ball-bearing glides to protect little fingers, along with an anti-tip kit. This Spot On Square Alto Dresser is elegant yet practical and is made from 100% recycled, reclaimed wood.
Equally as important is the placement of your furniture for both safety and comfort. Is there adequate ventilation around the cot? Is it positioned away from any type of cords or window dressings? Can you walk from the rocker to the change table with ease? These are all important considerations when it comes to achieving a comfortable and safe room for mother and baby.
Million Dollar Baby Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
$499
Spot On Square Alto Dresser
$699
Babyletto Bento 6-Drawer Double Dresser
$699
Sensory stimulation
There’s no denying the benefits of sensory play for your infant. We know it can be helpful with language development, cognitive growth, fine- and gross–motor skills, and the list goes on. And with so many good-looking toys on the market, there is no reason why you cannot find something aesthetically pleasing for you and educational for your baby. First up, there’s the Hart and Land Wood Rattle, which is made from food-grade silicone and untreated solid wood that is great for making noise and soothing sore gums. Babynoise makes a range of wooden percussion toys for babies and children that are as beautiful as they are educational. French brand Djeco has an adorable range of colorful toys that enhance the room’s décor when not in use. While this Rock Blocks set is great for developing dexterity.
Of course, having the right storage in place will help keep to the room organized and clutter-free. For streamlined toy storage, check out studio duc Juno Stackable Toy Storage Box, or for something fun and colorful, consider the range of fashionable hand-woven baskets by Colores Collective or add a whimsical touch with this petal basket by Lorena Canals.
Rock Blocks Valencia Set of 16
$57.99
Hart+Land Silicone Dumbbell Rattle
$20
BabyNoise Egg Shakers
$18
Djeco Animamabo Musical Carnival
$49
Studio Duc Stackable Toy Storage
$345
Colores Collective Books Basket
$190
Lorena Canals Petals Basket
$55
Available in more colors
Something for Mom
From pregnancy onwards, the needs of your baby become a primary focus that continues after birth, until, well, forever. However, self-care and balancing your needs with those of your infant is imperative, too, which is why it’s so important to have items in the nursery that comfort you, too. Splurge on a rocker, like the Babyletto Kiwi Electronic and Swivel Glider, or buy yourself something small yet nourishing like the Knours Be Kind Double Duty Mist.
And definitely pick a few décor pieces in the room that you love, like your baby’s first swaddle or stuffed animal, this cozy blanket or a dolly and gorgeous rattan doll bed, because they’ll be a part of so many firsts and beautiful memories.
Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Recliner and Glider
$799
Available in another color
Knours Be Kind Double Duty Mist
$36
Gooselings Bird Song Cover + Insert
$195
Cuddle + Kind Noah The Dog
$55
Poppie Toys Rattan Day Bed
$109
Hart+Land Organic Cotton Swaddle
$28
Available in more colors
Alimrose Pearl Bunny
$28
Continue Exploring
- 10 expert tips to choosing a baby name – The Tot’s Baby Naming Guide
- Preparing to welcome a new bundle of joy? Check our our 10 practical ways to prepare for a newborn
