5 tips for creating your dream nursery
So, you’re about to welcome a tiny bundle of joy into your lives – how exciting is that? Among the whirlwind of preparations and a seemingly never-ending to-do list, there’s one task that plenty of new parents look forward to the most: creating the coziest, most magical nursery ever.
Now, we’re not just talking about picking paint colours and cots! This is about setting up a space that’s not just adorable, but also speaks to your little one’s budding personality… Which can be hard to predict when they’re not even here yet! Think of it as a little haven where you’ll spend countless cuddles, nappy changes (and a fair few pooplosion), first lullabies and – keeping it real – some sleepless nights too.
A nursery is like a blank canvas – and it’s just waiting for your artistic touch. Whether it’s wall art that tells a story, a comfy chair that saves your back and sanity, or a cute-as-a-button theme that your little one will love, every little detail matters.
So, let’s get stuck into some handy tips that will have you whipping up a nursery so dreamy, you’ll want to sleep in there yourself (which is lucky, because that definitely will happen).
Find your inspo and plan ahead
Chances are, you’ve already got a couple of Pinterest boards and a tonne of saved Instagram posts of nurseries you love – which is great! Now it’s time to nail down the overall look and vibe you are hoping to achieve so you can start to research and budget for the pieces you’ll need to bring your vision to life.
If you have a partner, make sure you are taking their tastes and preferences into account too so that you can create a room that aligns with both of your personalities.
Make a list of the bigger ticket items you need – such a cot, changing table and amazing nursery chair – so that you can plan for the expenses without any nasty surprises.
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Pick a theme or colour scheme
Let’s face it, a nursery is really a reflection of a parent’s personality, not so much the bubs’ – at least at first! This is your chance to really have some fun and get artistic – so if you’re into themes, choose one that resonates with you. Whether it’s a whimsical forest, a nautical adventure, or a classic fairy tale, let your creativity shine.
If you’re not into themes so much, choose a great colour palette that will work for you. Soft pastel shades like light pink, mint green, baby blue, and pale yellow create a gentle and calming environment and can work well for both genders.
Neutral colours like beige, ivory, gray, or taupe can provide a versatile and timeless backdrop which means you can then easily add pops of colour through decor and accessories.
Nature-inspired tones inspired by nature, such as soft greens, earthy browns, and sky blues, can create a refreshing and gender-neutral nursery while evoking a sense of tranquility and the great outdoors.
Or you could even opt for a modern monochromatic palette of black and white for a more sophisticated vibe. Add small touches of colour through decor items for a minimalist yet striking look.
Find the perfect chair
Remember how we mentioned that a nursery is really a reflection of a parent’s personality? Well, that’s partly because you will spend just as much time there – if not more – than your little one!
This is why it is super important to make it not only comfortable for your baby, but for you too and the best way to do this is with an amazing nursery. This chair will not only be a focal point of the dream nursery you create but will be where you do many a middle-of-the-night feed, contact nap and, as your child gets older, bedtime story too.
The ideal nursery chair is one that you can both feed and sleep in and that is timeless too so that if you do decide to change up your nursery vibe, your trusty chair will still fit right in.
iL TuTTo has a gorgeous range of nursery chairs that are perfect for every type of space. For example, the Chelsea Recliner Glider which features a high backrest with an accessible recline function to rest your feet up as well as armrests at the correct height for relief while feeding your baby. The Chelsea not only acts as a rocking chair but also swivels too, plus it comes in a couple of different shades such as Egg Shell and Grey Frost and is made with premium fabric that is exclusive to iL TuTTo. To make your life just that little bit easier, it’s also available in electric! And if you’re totally stuck on colours, iL TuTTo offers free fabric swatches to make sure your new addition fits perfectly in the space.
If you are in the market for a rocking chair, iL Tutto has some super chic options there too – like the stunning (and oh-so-on-trend) Olivia Rocking Chairs. This stunning traditional rocking chair evokes a contemporary modern style to suit modern nurseries and, bonus, Olivia comes with an elegant ottoman too!
Make sure to read on for a handy discount to put towards your dream nursery!
Add changeable elements
A great little design hack is to incorporate elements into the nursery that can be changed out easily – and without costing an arm and a leg.
Try adding a mix of textures in your nursery, like soft blankets, a cute throw cushion on your iL Tutto nursery chair, a plush rug or some simple wooden accents. Not only do these tactile elements add depth and visual interest to the space, but they can be swapped out later if you feel you want a different vibe – or as your little one grows up.
Another simple way to make it easy to change things up is to use wall decals and murals to add a touch of whimsy and personality to the nursery. These can easily be changed as your child grows and starts to develop their own interests in specific themes or colours.
Mobiles, bunting, or other hanging decor can also be easily swapped out and can capture your baby’s attention and stimulate their visual development, while also adding visual interest to the space
Find your light
Lighting is a crucial element of any designed space and a nursery is no exception!
Whenever possible, maximise natural light in the nursery. Choose window treatments that allow for easy adjustment of light levels. Natural light creates a cheerful and inviting atmosphere during the day and also helps your baby regulate their circadian rhythm so they can establish a healthy sleep cycle (aka sleep more at night rather than partying at all hours!).
For your ambient lighting (ie the main source of illumination) consider using a soft and diffused source of light, such as a pendant light, chandelier, or ceiling fixture with a dimmer switch. This provides overall brightness and can be adjusted according to your needs – such as during those middle of the night feeds where you need enough light to see what you’re doing but not enough to stimulate your bub – or hurt your overtired eyes.
Nightlights are another good option as they provide a soft glow that’s ideal for middle-of-the-night check-ins without fully waking up your baby. Choose nightlights with warm, calming colours to prevent disrupting sleep.
Bonus tip: Always keep safety in mind
Of course you want a nursery that is the envy of every new and expectant parent but always remember that safety comes first. Make sure that the cot you choose is safe and Red Nose Approved and choose age-appropriate toys and decorations, avoiding small objects that could be choking hazards.
Secure all furniture, such as dressers, shelves, and changing tables, to the wall to prevent tip-overs. Babies can pull themselves up on furniture, and unsecured pieces can pose serious hazards.
We can’t wait for you to bring your dream nursery to life, that’s why we’ve teamed up with iL Tutto to give our readers a special 20% discount on their full range. Just pop Kiindred20 in the discount code at checkout and you’ll be good to go!* Whether you’re keen on slow mornings with the Chelsea Recliner Glider or a calming evening with the Olivia Rocking Chair, now’s the time to get browsing before the offer expires on the 25th of December 2023.
*The discount won’t be valid between 21st – 29th of November 2023.
This is a paid partnership between iL Tutto and Kiindred.
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