- Envision the look and feel you want for the nursery and start with functional items like a cot and changing table.
- Soft tones, statement wallpapers and leafy and jungle themes are some trendy décor ideas.
- Babies react well to contrasting light and dark colours.
Bringing in the beauty of life is an exciting and at times daunting moment for expecting parents, especially first timers.
Finding just the right car seat or pram for your newborn while gathering all the nappies and formulas you might need can make an otherwise beautiful experience anxiety-inducing.
But there's nothing like putting together a fun moodboard when designing your little one's nursery to channel your pre-baby excitement.
Colour swatches, adorable toys and new furniture give expecting parents the time to bond together as they create a calming sanctuary for their newborn.
But where does one start?
Functional furniture like cots with adjustable settings, a rocking chair and changing are without a doubt some of the first furnishings you need to think about when building the nursery. Design and colour schemes are where the fun comes in.
READ MORE | Décor for the bedroom, lounge and kitchen - 3 ways to make a small space look bigger
TRUELOVE got in touch with Natalie Sequeira Marques, owner of baby and child interior decorating store Ninho Interiors, who gave us everything to consider when designing your child's nursery.
1. Envision the look and feel you want for your baby's space
For most first-time parents, the overwhelming feeling of countless decisions, uncertainties and endless devices on offer can be a lot.
That's why Natalie suggests starting with envisioning the look and feel you desire for your baby's space.
"One crucial aspect we emphasise is focusing on the foundational pieces, such as the cot, compactums and any other larger pieces that need to be incorporated into the space," she explains.
"These are not just furniture items; they are integral parts of your child's environment where they will spend a significant portion of their time. As such, these pieces should not only be functional and durable but also thoughtfully chosen to complement the overall design of the space."
2. Basking in nature
With more than 12 years of design experience, Natalie shares some décor trends she's noticed recently, like jungle animal designs and statement wallpapers.
"In recent months, I've noticed a surge in nursery trends that celebrate nature and incorporate organic materials. From the use of wall panelling to the inclusion of jungle animals, there's a clear embrace of the natural world in home décor. Additionally, statement wallpapers are making a comeback, adding personality and charm to spaces.
3. Consider your child's development when choosing colour schemes
Design trends lately have shown nurseries sporting ethereal neutral tones reminiscent of nature.
At birth, your baby's retina in the eye is not yet fully developed and their nerve cells in the brain or disorganised. Research shows that the best visual stimulation for babies' eyes is using black and white stripes or light and dark contrasting colours.
Natalie explains, "In the early months of life, babies' brains respond strongly to contrasting colours like black, white and grey, aiding in brain growth and visual development. As they grow, around three months old, they begin to see brighter primary colours.
"Hence, the impact of colours on cognitive enhancement varies greatly among infants. While some may thrive in rooms adorned with vibrant hues, others may prefer the calming embrace of pastel, toned-down nursery colours."
READ MORE | Turn your house into a home this autumn with these 3 décor tips
4. Set the tone
Consider experimenting with different colours and textures to create an inviting space that both you and your baby will love.
Natalie also emphasises that it's important to think about the tone you want to set when choosing a colour scheme.
"Soft, muted colours such as pastels and earth tones can establish a calming and soothing environment for your baby. In contrast, bright and bold colours might be slightly overstimulating, potentially leading to agitation or restlessness.
"Nevertheless, incorporating pops of bright colours in moderation as accents can add visual interest and depth to the space, especially when complemented by natural materials that infuse warmth and texture."
