Decorating for newborn or a child on the way can be one of the most exciting tasks. While satisfying, parents can often be overwhelmed by choices. They don’t need to be. It’s all about baby steps. Here are some tips from Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services for Hunter Douglas:
1. The best place to start is with choosing a colour scheme – pink, blue, yellow – any colour or colour palette can work, as long as it suits you. As the little ones spend most of their time sleeping, you’ll want soothing tones if possible, not fire-engine reds that keep everyone alert – you’ll need to relax there as well.
2. The next step to creating a perfect nursery is to design a serene environment by softening incoming light. You should consider shadings or honeycomb shades. These are products that offer two fabric layers. Light is filtered and diffused through the layers so that harsh glare and shadows are eliminated. Shadings and shades come in dozens of colour choices, so that you can coordinate with the wall color or the trim – whichever you choose. Most importantly, be sure to select a treatment without dangling cords. There are many options today in cordless window coverings or systems that help keep the cords out of a child’s reach or secure them.
3. Comfortable seating is a must, especially for older moms and dads and grandparents. Also a large rug can pull the room together – and make it seem bigger. You’ll need a crib, of course. Be sure it is up to current safety standards. A changing table or area should also be firm and secure. In terms of the furniture placement, never put a crib near the window. Babies are too curious and adventuresome for that. And, we’ve talked abut the window covering cords, but you should also use window guards on all windows above the first floor. Look for quick-release features for easy emergency exits. If it’s necessary to keep windows open for ventilation, install locks that limit the size of the opening.
4. For the wall art and other decorative objects, as babies learn every waking hour, rooms that teach with colourful numbers, letters, animals and more provide the right kind of stimulation. Whimsy is fun too, large trees with animals, giraffes, moon and stars…they can all find their place in the nursery.
A well-designed nursery is fun, nurturing, practical and above all – safe!
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