Traditional to Contemporary–What’s Your Nursery Style?
One of the most fun and exciting parts about expecting a child is designing and decorating their nursery! No matter whether you’re having a boy or a girl, you have endless options when it comes to paint colours, furniture and decor. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the design ideas on social media, there is a simple way to focus your inspiration. Interior design experts recommend you start by deciding whether you want the room to be more traditional or contemporary.
Once you know whether you want to go classic or modern, you can pick out a theme and colour palette. Next, it’s time to explore some of the most on-trend nursery styles to find the one that fits you and your baby. After you review this helpful nursery decorating guide, you will quickly find that building your baby registry, decorating the rest of the room and organizing your baby’s clothes and supplies becomes much easier!
Traditional Nursery Styles
Families with a classical home style usually decorate their baby’s room more traditional. You may also prefer to go this route if you like a clean, neat and orderly look. A traditional nursery allows you to adapt decor when your baby gets older—or you get bored of accent items. It’s also an excellent option if you don’t yet know your baby’s sex or are having twins of both genders.
Traditional Idea 1: Crisp Neutrals
If you like clean and dapper decor, start with neutral paint colours. Hues such as blush, taupe and light grey will make baby’s nursery feel both serene and tidy. Pair your paint with a white or natural wood crib and matching furniture.
Accent the room with woven or wicker baskets with lids. These stylish storage containers conceal toys and baby swaddling blankets while adding a bit of personality and texture. Hang a single, medium-sized art print in a wooden or light-coloured frame and then affix a matching mobile into the ceiling. Finish the space with a rocking chair, neutral-toned stuffed animal and tan or off-white rug in a rich material.
Traditional Idea 2: Bold Blues
Evoke nautical sentiments with navy blue hues. Contrast whitewashed walls and light-coloured floors with a large, square or rectangular accent rug. The ceiling, furniture and drapes should all be sleek and white. Pillows, decorative wall art and mobiles should all be the same dark blue colour.
Keep the theme basic with monogrammed letters or abstract paintings. You can also incorporate elements of the sea by hanging an anchor on the wall—or adorning baby’s dresser with a ship in a bottle. If you need lighting, choose a ceiling fan with long, slender paddles or a cubed hanging lamp.
Traditional Idea 3: Prints That Pop
Stripes, polka dots, damask—there are hundreds of different decorative patterns you can use to add a little personality to a traditional baby’s room. Decide what type you like and then use it as a theme to play up a white or grey nursery. Cover the walls in removable yellow ikat wallpaper and then add a matching canary storage ottoman, throw pillow and diaper pail. Or, choose a dotted sheet set, glider and lampshade in feminine pink or masculine blue.
If you grow bored with the decor, simply swap out the accessories for new ones. The furniture for all those newborn baby clothes and toddler essentials will stay the same, so you’re never spending too much on a redesign. Besides, basic patterns never go out of style. You can keep a chevron or a fleur de lis pattern through early childhood.
Contemporary Baby Rooms
Modern nurseries can be whimsical, ethereal or rustic. If you’re creative or want to design a baby room unlike any other, a contemporary style will give you more artistic license than traditional options. There are endless possibilities, so start by exploring some of the most popular and unique ideas below. They’ll serve as the starting place for your nursery brainstorming session.
Contemporary Idea 1: Woodland Forest
A Woodland Forest theme will have you and your little one feeling like you stepped out of your home and into a children’s book. It’s an especially great option for families who have wood floors, since it complements the other decor. First, decide whether you want to go with paint or wallpaper. Forest green, toasted brown and khaki are all excellent nature-inspired paint colour options. You can even put a tree mural or nature tapestry on the wall to make the theme more captivating. A variety of wallpapers are also available to look like logs, birch trees and mighty oaks.
Continue with the theme by purchasing a crib and diaper changer set in brown or natural wood. Footstools and tables made of actual trees make the room feel that much more authentic. Hang a mobile of birds or acorns from the ceiling. Stuffed foxes, bears or wolves will delight your baby and add an instant innocence to the entire nursery.
Contemporary Idea 2: Victorian Chic
Transform your baby girl’s room into a royal fantasy with a Victorian theme. Start with a paint colour like violet, rose pink or cream. Pick an opulent crib with flowing curves and a large headboard and then add a large beaded or crystal chandelier. Drape a plush baby blanket over an oversized glider.
Hang long blackout curtains in one or two shades lighter than your wall colour. Complement the nursery with a gold or silver mirror and matching Victorian-style art pieces. Finish with a cushioned footstool, velvet chaise lounge chair or an armoire dresser.
Contemporary Idea 3: Bohemian Dream
Your baby will dream easy in a light and airy Bohemian-themed nursery. Wall colours like coral, tan and dusty pink serve as a romantic foundation to be played up with grey, yellow and gold accents. Select gauze or linen curtains in a light colour for the windows and then hang a large dream catcher over the centre of the crib.
You can also incorporate potted ferns, faux succulents or hanging plants. Lanterns make for gorgeous boho lighting. A mosaic mirror or a flame-stitch rug at the foot of the crib adds some extra pizzazz.
Designing the Perfect Classic or Modern Nursery for Baby
Now that you have both traditional and contemporary ideas for your nursery, you can make the room your own. Playoff one of the ideas above or use it as a springboard for an entirely new concept. No matter what you choose, know your baby is sure to love it. Their new nursery is in a happy and loving home, which is all they want and need from you!