[The following post was graciously written by guest blogger Tracey Clayton.]
As a mother, I have always viewed my kids as royalties, especially when they were still babies. When designing a room for a newborn, some parents decide on “cartoonish” and overly fluffy décor. I myself like to create just the appropriate balance of playful and polished. Although aesthetics is what first comes to mind when mentioning a sophisticated nursery, there is also a practical side to it. Elegantly designed nurseries age more gracefully, meaning they can be adapted to kids’ needs and tastes as they grow to toddlers and to school-age. They are also characterized by soft and gentle colors which make them more pleasant for the baby’s eyes. Finally, they never go out of vogue. If you’re on the same page, here are some great ideas for creating a refined nursery.
Photo credit: thespruce.com, thehomeandtheheart.com, homeandecoration.com, laurelandwolf.com
Go with a single color. Creating a monochromatic nursery can be a challenge, but if you do it right, it will be the ideal backdrop for an elegant design. If you decide on a single color, make sure you use various slight variations of it to introduce some contrast and interest. Mixing several different neutrals will help you achieve a similar effect, too.
Photo credit: lifeasmama.com
Mix up the textures. Combinations of different textures will make the room look warmer, cozier and, of course, more sophisticated. Just imagine a raw wood crib, smooth hardwood floor and lacquered dresser combined with soft round rugs, plush sheepskin throws, faux fur details and interesting pillows.
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Choose a wonderful crib. The crib is the centerpiece of every nursery, so you should be very careful when choosing it. There are so many beautiful and “out of the box” crib designs available that you will surely find something to match your taste while also being functional.
Install a striking lighting fixture. Even a common room without many details can be elevated with the simple addition of a striking chandelier. Depending of the rest of the décor, you can go for a Victorian-style crystal chandelier or simple and elegant pendant lamps.
Photo credit: serenaandlily.com
Canopies are made of dreams. Crib canopies always make the nursery feel lighter and more romantic. They go especially well with cribs of inconspicuous design, because they give them the edge they previously didn’t have. Canopies can be plain and simple or ornate and decorative. They are available in various colors and styles, and they can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or attached directly onto the crib. A crib canopy is also very useful for rooms that are too bright, because it creates a dimmed environment inside the crib, making it easier for the baby to fall asleep.
Direct your focus on a wall. Every room can benefit from an accent wall, and the nursery is no exception. The wall where the attention will be focused should be the one behind one side of the crib (preferably the longer one). As you are aiming for subtlety rather than pizzazz, decorate the wall with a wallpaper of the same or similar color as the rest of the room, with the addition of beautiful details (e.g. star pattern). You can also hang up artwork – use the color or the style of the frames as a unifying element.
Photo credit: buzzfeed.com, enchanted-interiors.co.uk, ilmondodialex.net
Throw in some vintage finds. Vintage furniture pieces and accessories have a way of enriching the room with a whole new vibe, and they often look irresistibly elegant and sophisticated. The best thing about them is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on them. You probably already have old furniture pieces in your attic that can be refreshed. Also, you can visit your local flea market and find some great rocking chairs, armchairs, dressers and armoires. Old armchairs can be reupholstered with elegantly-patterned fabrics, while wooden pieces can be either repainted or whitewashed to look more antique. Just watch out for lead paint and make sure each piece is safe.
Metallic shine. Metallic pieces, especially ones made of warm metals (e.g. copper and rose gold) bring in a special, luxurious feel into the nursery. They can be introduced with lamps, picture frames, wallpaper details, or even crib rails.
These ideas will help you design a unique nursery that will be a true castle chamber for your little prince or princess.
About the author: Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”
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I agree with having the “focus on the wall”. Having muted colors for everything else makes a good print or two pop … and just changing the wall art changes the complete room.
Totally agree!
I am a big fan of the monochromatic interior style myself. This can then be intentionally broken with some accent pieces. Great post. Thanx for sharing!
So glad you liked it!