Twilite Moon’s Tips on How to Create a Dream Nursery
by Elinor Klein & Susan Ochoa
t Twilite Moon, we think there are many ways to make a nursery stunning. There are no specific rules on how to achieve a great look in your baby’s room, but we do have some tips on how to make your decorating process special and your room unique. After all, your baby is one-of-a-kind, so shouldn’t the nursery be, too?
Here are ideas on how to achieve your dream nursery:
Be True to Yourself and Your Sense of Style
Whatever your personal style may be - vintage, modern, traditional, rock and roll, or somewhere in between - make sure you keep this in mind when decorating baby’s room. Gone are the days where nurseries are either pink or blue and clad with teddy bears. Don’t settle for items or colors that don’t seem “you” just because you feel obligated to maintain a juvenile feel. There are no rules. Feel free to blend styles. Are you a little bit modern but also have a love for antiques? It’s okay to mix and match in your baby’s room - after all, your baby deserves to know all the different sides of you. Just because you are drooling over a modern crib doesn’t mean you can’t use your grandmother’s heirloom rocker. The more eclectic the room, the more individualized and special it will be.
Personal Touches
Incorporate something personal into the nursery. Chances are, you’re going to have a lot of new furnishings (a crib, changing table, rocker, etc.), so we think it’s key to incorporate something from your past into this revamped space. One idea is to frame a special outfit from when you, or your partner, were little. A Christening gown, an old holiday outfit, or just an old romper hiding in an attic could all be precious if simply cleaned and framed in a shadow box. Or tear an illustration from your favorite childhood story to create some immediate nostalgia. Incorporating something from your past is a great conversation piece and can add the perfect amount of vintage flair to your nursery. Not your first baby? An older bro’ or sis’ can also add their personal touch to the room. They can create a special drawing for the baby that you can frame nicely to welcome the newest addition. This way, older siblings feel involved in the process.
Color You You!
When it comes to picking the color palette for the room, choose a palette that makes you feel great. You don’t have to choose pale pink, baby blue, or mellow yellow just because they’re considered more traditional. You’re going to spend a lot of time in the nursery, so you want it to be a place that makes you feel comfortable. We adore everything from rich shades of mocha and brown, to bright, vibrant blues and turquoises. Whatever palette you choose, make sure it makes you happy and feels true to who you are.
Mind Your $$$
One of the first things to do when planning your dream nursery is to create a budget and prioritize. We know this isn’t the fun part, but it is necessary and it will help you decide what items are worth splurging on and what you can be more practical about. Maybe you’re dreaming about yummy designer bedding or a one-of-a kind crib? If you’re on a tight budget, keep in mind that certain nursery items will last longer than others. Rather than splurging for that $1000 crib set, consider investing in a piece that will grow with your child like an armoire or a dresser that they will use for years. Certain items can transition seamlessly from storing diapers and sleepers to crayons and schoolbooks.
Delightful Lighting
When budgeting for your nursery, don’t forget to factor in the cost of lighting. It can make a big difference and help set the mood for your baby’s daily activities. Quality lamps, beautiful chandeliers, or stately wall sconces could all add sophistication and ambience. Dimmers are also a key part to setting the mood as you can adjust the lighting for the perfect glow, whether it’s play time, feeding time, or nap time.
Baby Face
Remember - having a baby is a family affair. Aunts, uncles, friends, and grandparents alike will visit this nursery. Your Aunt Jayne will want to see whom the new munchkin resembles immediately, so you might as well dig up those dusty snapshots of you and your partner right away. Placing them in beautiful frames and displaying them in the nursery creates a sense of family history and adds a nice touch to the room.
Team Work
Try to incorporate your partner in this process. Even if your husband or partner isn’t as into home makeovers as you are, try to find something that might entice him or her to get involved. Whether it’s setting up the ideal sound system to lull baby to sleep, configuring the nursery monitor, or maybe just offering an opinion on the furnishings, find something for your better half to get inspired by and become a part of the process. You want this room to be a place the whole family feels comfortable in.
Don’t Overfill Your Space
Leave room for new stuff! New moms often spend a lot of time organizing the nursery to perfection and become frustrated later when the baby arrives and the gifts start taking over the space. Between all of the presents, diapers, and laundry, moms find their perfectly organized sanctuary can quickly turn to chaos. Save some shelf space, baskets, and drawers to be filled up later - trust us, none of it will be empty for long!
Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to decorate your baby’s pad, but we think if you consider some of these tips, you’ll have a great experience creating this special room.