There are few interior design projects more exciting than setting up a nursery. Along with the stylistic choices comes all the hope and fascination you are building for the new person you're oh-so-eager to meet. So will it be toy trains, sports and pops of blue, or a motif of pink and purple fairies and unicorns?
Or will it be neither?
Whether you're waiting until delivery day to find out the sex of your impending bundle of joy, or you're simply not interested in following stereotypical pink or blue design rules, one thing is certain: gender-specific décor is not a requirement for creating a cozy, nurturing and beautiful space for your little one.
Pink and blue throughout the years
Until the 20th century, gendered baby themes as we know them today were nonexistent – and in some cases, completely the opposite. Historically, white has been the colour of choice for all babies, as it was a soothing and innocent shade (that could easily be bleached in the case of a diaper blowout). Then, starting in the early 1900s it was commonly said that pink was best for boys, being a strong and vibrant colour. The delicate, dainty hue of blue was thought to be a better fit for young girls.
This original rule was obviously lost to history and somewhere around the time of baby boomers, the colours became reversed. It just goes to show how arbitrary the labelling of colours can be. However, it has always suited marketers to push the gendering of colours, clothes and accessories to help increase sales.
By the same token, a gender-neutral nursery creates the potential for savings. It's also a wonderful way to express your own style and incorporate things you love into your baby's world, without being constrained by gender-stereotyped design.
Colour considerations
Wall colour is one of the first decisions to make. Many parents look to the “pink or blue?” question as an indication of the perfect shade for their nursery. When opting for a more universal design, green and yellow aren't the only choices; neutrals make an elegant and modern alternative.
- White is a classic choice that can act as a blank canvas for any number of accessories and accents – or even a collection of rainbow items.
- If white seems too stark, another popular choice for baby's room is a calming dove grey. This shade looks beautiful paired with cool pastels and pops of white.
- Dark greys can also work on a striking accent wall, but make sure to bring in lots of pale accessories to keep the atmosphere light.
- If you want to warm things up, think taupe. Accessorize with plants and wood accents for a soothing take on nature-inspired design.
Fun, fabulous themes
A theme will help make the room cohesive and fun without sticking to one particular colour scheme. Use murals, wall art, mobiles and graphic wallpaper to incorporate images into the décor. Here are just a few themes that would make a beautiful space for any baby:
- Animals: Choose the ecosystem you like most and run with it. Aside from the obvious choices of jungle or ocean, there's also the Canadian boreal forest, filled with elegant deer, fuzzy bears and clever foxes.
- Celestial objects: Think clouds, stars, raindrops and rainbows. A hanging mobile with this theme is an especially cute addition.
- Plants: Look for large, striking motifs, such as monstera leaves or beanstalks, or design an entire garden and invite some adorable caterpillars and ladybugs into the mix.
- Geometry: Contrasting shades and simple shapes give baby lots to look at, which can help stimulate visual development. Black and white is a modern choice and looks great on mobiles, rugs and furniture (not to mention trendy baby clothes).
Nursery essentials
No matter how you choose to theme or design your nursery, there are a few basics that will ensure an efficient use of space (essential for exhausted new parents) and a charming, welcoming environment for your little one. Especially in the early months, a nursery needs very little to be effective. As a start, you'll likely want a:
- crib;
- dresser;
- changing table (one that keeps everything you need within arm's reach); and
- rocking chair (a true lifesaver during late feedings and those never-ending “Why won't you go to sleep?” nights).
And no matter the colour or design you choose, never skip a blackout curtain! Newborn babies, like all of us, are sensitive to light when they're trying to sleep. If you can create a fully-dark “artificial night”, your little one is more likely to keep snoozing when you want them to.
Pink or blue, grey or taupe, cars, flowers, or forest creatures; we all make choices when deciding what sort of world we will create for our children. However, the most important element of all – that fits perfectly in every nursery regardless of your design choice – is love.
********************************************************************
Pink or blue, grey or taupe, cars, flowers, or forest creatures; we all make choices when deciding what sort of world we will create for our children. However, the most important element of all – that fits perfectly in every nursery regardless of your design choice – is love.
********************************************************************
Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca
This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.
