With a newborn on the way, one of the most exciting jobs is to design the perfect nursery. Whether you're a first-time parent or adding to the tribe, a new baby needs a perfectly tranquil nursery to call home.
Henley Design Manager and expectant first-time mum, Jess De-lisle, talks us through nursery trends and must-haves, so whether you're having a baby girl or baby boy, we've got you covered!
Essential things every baby room needs
Every parent wants to create the perfect environment for their new bub. Whether you’re designing a nursery for a particular gender or going for a neutral theme, here are some essentials every baby room must have:
A safe and comfortable cot: At the heart of every baby's room is the cot. Ensure yours complies with safety standards and has a comfy and snug fitting mattress. It’s also important to position it away from windows or heaters to ensure a regular temperature.
Storage: Babies may be small, but they come with lots of bits and pieces! A functional nursery will have great storage options like wardrobes, drawers and shelving. Using decorative baskets for smaller items and toddler accessible storage such as low shelves will mean the room remains functional when your baby starts to become more independent.
Changing table: A change table provides a safe place for your baby during outfit and nappy changes. Some cots can double as a 'two-in-one' if you're low on space, or consider a removable change mat on a set of sturdy drawers. Consider the height of the change table so it feels comfortable for you when attending to your baby, as well as plenty of storage space for all the essentials.
Comfortable seating for parents: Whether you're doing a 3am feed or a bedtime story, you’ll spend a lot of time in this room too. Invest in a comfy chair, preferably on that has a high back and sufficient arm rests for ideal support.
Night light: An essential for those nighttime check-ins, a soft glowing night light won’t disturb your baby’s sleep and will provide enough light for changing, feeding or just checking your new baby.
Blockout curtains: Blockout blinds or curtains can help to ensure the baby's room remains dark during daytime naps and long summer evenings.
Soft and safe flooring: Whether it’s plush carpets or soft rugs on wooden floors, ensure your nursery floor is soft when your little one starts crawling and exploring. You won't want your baby practising tummy time on hardwood floors.
Colour me this
When painting and decorating your baby's room, consider the size of the space and try to keep the colours light and neutral. According to Jess, these types of colours are associated with a sense of serenity and calmness for you and your bub.
“While there may be a temptation to go with classic gendered colours like pink and blue, selecting neutral colours such as whites, creams and very pale hues will keep the room feeling airy and light,” she said.
White walls, warm neutrals, rattan or light timber furniture and light-coloured open shelves offer just the right amount of light in a modern nursery and will help your little one stay calm and relaxed when they're in their space.
“A neutral foundation will allow you to add and change feature colours as your baby progresses- allowing the room to grow with your baby into childhood. Feature colours in items of soft furnishings, artwork and displayed books are easily changed over often, keeping the room fresh. Colours that are earthy such as mustard or burnt orange are a great option to encourage a cosy feeling within the space.”
Let there be natural light
A welcoming space you and your baby want to spend time in will always have plenty of natural light. Play on this feature by having sheer curtains or blinds for a soft privacy element, complemented with block outs which are ideal for daytime naps. Try to avoid heavy fabrics and colours in window furnishing.
“Beautiful natural light sifting through the room during different times of the day brings the outside in, creating such an inviting space for both parents and baby,” Jess said.
Consider using soft ceiling lights or a dimmer switch in your baby's room. But also don't discount the functionality of having a lamp or a night light. Lamps can be fantastic nursery décor that’s also functional during night-time changes and feeding.
Playing with texture
Soft and natural fibres should be at the forefront of nursery planning. Variations in textures give the space depth but can also add to the cuddly and comfortable feeling of a space if chosen correctly.
A luscious soft rug on hardwood floors and textured blankets over a feeding chair will add texture and cosiness to a modern nursery. Look out for natural fibres such as organic cotton and super soft cushions.
“Textured wallpaper can also be a lovely touch in neutral or earthy tones, keeping in mind that it might need to be updated as the baby gets older! If considering wall paper look for geometric or basic patterns that can grow with your baby.” Jess adds.
Fit it out with furniture
Keeping your baby's nursery decluttered so it does not overstimulate your little one is an important consideration. Ensuring there is ample storage to conceal essentials and creating ‘zones’ such as a little book nook featuring picture story books and plush toys can work well. Open baskets for toys, clothes and nappies can also work well in your child's room for decorative purposes as well as practicality.
Trending nursery ideas
Today's baby nursery ideas go beyond simply looking good and being practical. An extensive range of designs now blends stylish flair with eco-friendliness. Parents are choosing more sustainable choices, favouring non-toxic paints over traditional paints to ensure a safe space for their babies.
If you like the idea of wallpaper, consider using patterns instead of just block colours. Things like circles, curves, and arches are becoming highly sought-after patterns as they add texture and depth to a room.
Decorating with softness in mind is key – think fluffy rugs and plush cushions that invite a cosy and safe environment. A mixture of textures will also give depth and interest to a space. Lastly, as a nod to a modern era trend, many parents add white noise machines to their children's rooms to mask unwanted sounds and create a familiar ambience to lull their baby to sleep.
"These small considerations create a nursery that is inviting and interesting as well as functional” Jess said.
Adding a touch of your own personal style
Decorating your baby's room is an opportunity to weave your family's unique style into the new room. From the cot where your bub will drift off to sleep to the walls surrounding them, adding personalised elements can turn a simple nursery into a room filled with memories and meaning.
Consider custom items like hand-made quilts. These not only beautify a room but they tell a story. Personalised name plaques, custom prints and photos or heartfelt artworks can also transform the space, reflecting your personal journey and character for your child.
After all, while design guides can inspire, it's the individual touches you add that make a room truly special.
Extra decor to jazz up your nursery
Elevate your nursery with a touch of charm by incorporating additional decor pieces. Think delicate mobiles above the cot, cosy rugs, lamps with a soft glow, cushions and wall hangings. These small touches bring texture and intrigue to a room and make it nice for you and your bub, transforming a baby nursery from functional to fabulous.
Add a parent corner
The contemporary nursery is yours too, so don't forget to add a parent's corner and decorate it so it becomes a place you'll enjoy spending time with your little one.
“Creating a mum or dad corner, featuring a comfortable chair for feeding or cuddling is the perfect addition to a beautiful baby room. Consider adding a footstool and a small table next to the chair as you'll likely find yourself spending a lot of time there,” Jess said.
Nursery ideas and themes for inspiration
When envisioning your perfect baby room, explore various design ideas and themes that resonate with your personal style as well as the rest of the house. Googling images and using apps like Pinterest are great places to ignite nursery inspiration. Here are some quick design ideas you might want to consider when designing your baby's room:
Themed nurseries
Whether it's jungles, the deep blue sea, Disney or fairy tales, a well-themed baby room can ignite wonder and imagination.
Simplicity and minimalist design
Minimalist furniture and subtle decor create a calm, uncluttered space for you and your baby, remember, less is more!
White nurseries
Minimalist furniture and subtle decor create a calm, uncluttered space for you and your baby, allowing the room to grow with your baby. Pure, timeless, and versatile, white nurseries or nurseries with a neutral colour palette exude peace and serenity. For this one, remember, less is more!
Vintage and retro
Infuse your nursery with style by selecting vintage furniture and retro decor. This nostalgic approach brings a touch of history to the baby's room, and if your house has a similar vibe, you may as well stick to it!
Natural materials and fibres
Opting for timbers and other natural materials in furniture and decor adds a grounded, earthy feel to your baby nursery, they also pair well with hardwood floors. Combining the clean lines of Scandinavian design with natural fibres like linen or wool promotes both comfort and style, fostering a warm, inviting nursery environment.
Building nurseries and childhood memories
Building, designing and decorating an ideal nursery is finding a balance between functionality and personality. As Jess puts it, "A nursery isn't just a place to sleep or change nappies; but about future memories you'll form, of play and bonding with your new baby" So, as you begin your decorating journey, remember to design every corner with love and care.
