Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, there’s nothing like the special anticipation that comes along with the preparation for a new bundle of joy. If the nesting urge has struck, we’ve got some creative tips for designing a nursery the whole family will love.

There’s nothing wrong with classic Winnie-the-Pooh or pastel-loving princesses, but why not let your imagination run wild to create a striking space that suits both your sense of style and the needs of your newborn?

Bold & Beautiful

“Paint is one way to make a big impact,” says interior designer Carol Fisher, owner of Orlando’s Décor by Carol Fisher. “Really soft gray with purple is pretty for a girl’s room. Orange and blue look good together in a little boy’s room. And yellow and gray are also popular right now.”

Introduce pops of bold or statement colors, like black, white, or red, in a neutral gray room with pillows, a throw rug, or artwork. “I also like to paint simple murals,” says Fisher, who might pull an animal pattern from a baby’s bedding to create a mural.

Wide stripes on an accent wall or geometric shapes in a carpet can give a nursery a modern look, while old world charm may be accomplished through plush velvet drapes and pillows, an elegant chandelier, and framed heirloom photos.

Go Green 

You want to do everything you can to provide a healthy environment for your little one. “I love bamboo flooring with fluffy rugs for the baby to play on,” says Fisher; this sustainable wood wears well. She recommends non-VOC paint to reduce the volatile organic compounds emitted when decorating.

Choose bedding made from organic cotton, wool, or linen. Create your own wall art by framing photos or decorative fabric. Check Etsy.com for organic baby bedding and unique handcrafted toys, mobiles, and accessories.

Family Friendly 

Sure, you may notice a touch of jealousy from big brother or sister; but try to make the whole family feel welcome in the nursery by including a basket of toys for younger siblings, or a few special books and a bean bag chair to encourage older children to hang out while mom or dad tends to the baby. A day bed or futon comes in handy if the nursery doubles as a guest room or if sleep deprived parents need to catch a few winks between late night feedings.

If baby will be sharing space with a sibling or bunking with mom and dad, add a whimsical mobile, chandelier, or accent wall to define the baby’s space.

Nurture with Nature 

Getting out of the house in those first few weeks is tough with a newborn, so why not bring the outdoors into the nursery? Nothing is more soothing than being surrounded by nature. Choose rustic materials like a wooden rocking horse, faux sheepskin rug, wicker storage bins, or a rattan ottoman. Start with earthy tones and add a forest green accent wall or curtains. Stencil a mural or use wall decals to create a tree as the focal point of the room.

A small fountain or sleep machine with the sound of a babbling brook will lull baby to sleep and soothe weary parents.

Gender Neutral

Waiting to be surprised by the sex of your baby? Don’t solely limit yourself to yellow and green design choices. Think navy, light gray, emerald, or coffee with bold pops of red, aqua, or tangerine. Add a lilac accent wall, a rich walnut armoire, or chocolate colored crib.

Sprinkle some stars into the design, or use circles and stripes in the décor to create a gender neutral space that both you and baby will love.

Budget Friendly

It’s never too early to start saving for junior’s college fund, so don’t break the bank in setting up the soon-to-be outgrown nursery. “I strongly suggest shopping on Craigslist or at used baby furniture stores,” says Fisher. Don’t be afraid to consider gently used cribs, furniture, and bedding.

Functional Furniture

“You can design around quality furniture,” says Fisher, who suggests buying pieces that will last through childhood and then update the room theme over time. Look for a crib that converts into a toddler bed, and select a dresser that can transition into a child’s room. With a waterproof pad on top, a dresser can double as a diaper station eliminating the need for an expensive changing table that becomes quickly obsolete.

Dealing with tight quarters? Hang a closet organizer from the ceiling to store toys or make the most of unused space with a corner book nook.  A peg board wall with attached bins is another space-saving way to keep diaper supplies handy without taking up valuable floor space. Consider a crib with storage drawers, shelves, or even a seat for mom or dad.

Savvy Seating

One of most important aspects of the nursery is having a cozy place to sit and snuggle your little one. A modern rocker, an overstuffed armchair glider & ottoman, and a hammock or swing-style rocker are just a few options. Fabric-covered benches with built-in storage bins also create practical nursery seating.

Crying for More Creativity?

• PoshTots.com carries everything from cribs to chandeliers. Browse the website for nursery ideas, and earth-friendly or made-in-America baby products.
• ProjectNursery.com has lots of concepts for nursery décor and themed rooms.
• Browse LandofNod.com for whimsical rugs, lighting, art, and nursery furniture. They also offer a free design service.