Guest Blog Written By: Yvonne Whelan of Inspired Spaces Design
Baby is on the way ~
You have a little one on the way and have to create a room for the bundle of love that is joining your world…where to start??? Some people cannot wait for this exciting challenge of decorating their little one’s rooms. Some want to run the other direction screaming as they are overwhelmed with where to begin. Regardless of into which end of the spectrum you fall, there is help and tips to make the task a little less daunting, and perhaps more cost effective. After all, your expenses are about to go up!
Where to start ~
When decorating a room, I like to start with the biggest pieces first. So for obvious reasons I think a crib and dresser are your first decisions.
Will you be buying all brand new? Is there a family/friend loaner crib? These should be your first decisions in mapping out your design.
Safety is paramount! ~
Do your homework. Well-made furniture is key to sleeping well at night, for you and for baby. Your crib should always meet safety regulations, so this is one area I would not skimp out on. Some older cribs are perfectly safe. Just do your research to make sure. You can even paint them. Paint has come such a long way and you would be surprised how safe it can be. There are new lead-free paints that are latex and washable, and guaranteed not to chip, so you don’t have to worry about your baby ingesting it. One last piece of advice on safety – as much as it dresses up a crib, stay clear of bumper pads. Safety over style!
Fads are not here to stay ~
As much as we all love fads, it’s best to use them wisely. They will come and go so don’t base your entire room on a fad. Instead invest in some timeless pieces and add pops of the fad that you won’t feel bad about losing when it becomes dated. There are so many stores now that sell affordable accessories that you won’t mind putting them aside if you haven’t broken the bank purchasing them.
Themed Rooms ~
Be careful with themed rooms. These typically become the rooms both you and your child tire of quickly. Instead, if your child likes elephants (or whatever it might be) use them sparingly in a piece of art and a piggy bank…not all over the walls, bedding, everywhere. Trust me, their passions will change more often than you think, and this way you won’t be re-painting every 6 months.
Breathe New Life into Old Furniture ~
Don’t be afraid to scour an antique store or borrow some previous loved pieces from family and friends. Sometimes the most charming spaces are born out of mixed styles that are done right. Do not try and match a wood stain, it rarely works, instead, if you have a wooden crib and someone has given you a white dresser, paint it navy blue, or gray or pale yellow etc. Paint the frame of an old curved mirror and you will see it come alive. Change the hardware on the dressers to something whimsical. With a little elbow grease and effort you will have a very chic, unique nursery that has meaning to it.
Choose pieces that will grow with your Child ~
It may seem difficult to picture your child as a teenager, but that day will come all to soon and if you don’t choose wisely, you will be purchasing furniture again. So try and think long term as it will actually save you money in the end.
Maybe you purchase a convertible crib – I have seen some spectacular ones that are on the market. Single or queen? These are also now options in convertible cribs so consider your space and think about your child long term, you will thank yourself in the end!
The other tip I like to give is instead of buying a change table, which will be inevitably obsolete in your child’s room, purchase a dresser that can do double duty. You can put a change pad on top and when it’s no longer required just say bye bye to the pad.
Don’t Discredit Proper Lighting or Room Darkening ~
This is huge in my books if you want to truly sleep again! Make sure you invest in room darkening blinds and also curtains that are lined with room darkening material. Use these in conjunction with one another and I know you will thank me for this tip! Also, lighting brings so much to a room. So invest in a great chandelier or tasteful light fixture and always attach a dimmer to it, that way if you have to creep in at night to find something on the floor, you can turn the light on to the lowest setting and hopefully not wake up the little angel. A great table lamp is also important for those coveted storybook moments. Choose a colourful shade.
Accessories ~
Books always come to mind as they are both pretty and practical. Try and bring colour and fun into your accessories, but don’t go overboard. You want to have focal points and not a room that makes you dizzy with too much going on = sensory overload for your little one. Pick things that are stimulating and fun. After all this is a baby’s room.
Think about hiring a Designer ~
Although many people are HGTV’aholics with extreme tastes and a good eye, most people struggle with pulling things together. They know what they like but struggle with where to start. Having a plan is key to not getting side tracked. An experienced Designer/Decorator can save you money by giving you a plan to stick to. They can also steer you away from impulse decisions that will cost you in the end. They are privy to what can go wrong, what typically works and how to create harmony and flow in a room. Often, they also can purchase furniture and accessories at a discount they might share with you. You would be surprised at what can be achieved.
Have Fun ~
This is a time of excitement and joy, where every day brings a new first for you and baby. I wish you much luck, and the kind of tenderness and love only a newborn can bring.
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