Designing The Perfect Nursery

By Caitlin Fitch of Caitlin Fitch Designs

Nurseries are meant to be both highly functional and exceptionally darling just like the little one who will be inhabiting the space. When designing your nursery plan around the following considerations to create a relaxing haven for you and your baby to retreat.

PLAN YOUR ZONES

Think of your nursery design by zones: changing area, sleeping area, and feeding area. For your changing area you’ll want a wipeable surface and a comfortable changing station where your little one will rest their head comfortably (consider a washable fabric changing station rather than a rubber based changing station that will ultimately be cold to the touch). You’ll want enough space on the overall surface area of your dresser to also accommodate lighting and storage for changing essentials: creams, diapers, wipes, etc.

The sleeping area should have a beautiful crib, that will ultimately serve as the focal point of the room. Pick a neutral crib skirt that will match your sheet sets. When selecting sheets go for muted tones and if you want to incorporate pattern opt for more delicate repeating patterns that won’t distract the eye from the crib.

Your feeding area will need enough space for a comfortable, upholstered rocker with accompanying rocker ottoman, for both yours and your baby’s comfort. You’ll want to incorporate a floor light and small side table alongside your chair. Your side table should not be overwhelming in scale but large enough to set your water, bottle, sound machine, etc. on.

FUNCTIONAL DECOR

Before you go crazy making purchases think about the storage you might need in the space and toys that aesthetically serve as styling pieces. You’ll likely need more containers than you think – for extra diapers, blankets, burp cloths, bath products, an excessive amount of stuffies, etc. Purchase matching fabric or woven boxes to put on shelves in your closet to store the items you don’t want to be visible in the room. For the late nights spent in the nursery bonding with your little one you’ll want an oversized basket to store a couple throw blankets to keep you comfortable. You’ll likely want to buy a few sweet stuffed animals or incorporate heirloom pieces like a vintage rocking horse to place in the room. Select ones that coordinate with the rest of the room’s aesthetic. Lastly, you can only hope that your little one will receive a lot of books. Select a freestanding bookshelf or individual bookshelves to be hung on the wall.

ACCENTS

Consider the different design accents in your nursery. Nurseries are a great space to incorporate wallpaper, box trim, crown molding, or painted shiplap on the ceiling. Any of these options, used singularly or paired together, add beautiful interest to the space. Introducing more texture and dimension to the walls/ceiling adds character and offers an opportunity to create a statement in the room.  Additional accents to consider: a beautiful overhead light fixture, a great area rug and drapery. Your overhead lighting is the statement jewelry piece for the space. Select a fixture that has a fun and whimsical essence to it but also can serve as a timeless piece that will evolve with the space as your child grows. An area rug will add more texture and pattern to the space. You’ll want to select a rug with a thicker pile to accommodate tummy time for your developing baby and play time for your eventual toddler. Lastly, you’ll want to pay keen attention to your window treatments. You’ll need to provide a dark environment for those midday naps. Pairing decorative panels with blackout roman shades creates a beautiful, layered look that allows for maximum function and design.

*All photographs credit: Caitlin Fitch

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