By Rachael Westgate for REALTOR.ca
Designing a nursery is an exciting (albeit intimidating) process! With endless products available to peruse and with so many different themes to explore, knowing where to begin can be tough. If you’re finding yourself disappearing down the rabbit hole of gliders, smart cribs, and playmats, we’re here to help.
Interior designer Rebecca Simon of Maison Ellie has been focusing on designing aesthetic and functional spaces for children for the last six years, helping clients with full-service design and installation in the Toronto and Ottawa areas, not to mention virtual design services worldwide! We recently chatted with Rebecca to get her insights on this year’s latest trends, demystify nursery décor, and share her top tips for setting up a functional nursery.
The latest in nursery trends
Colour drenching
“White wall” trends are on their way out, says Simon. She’s seeing people push the limits with colour and take some more liberties when it comes to painting the nursery.
“At the forefront of themes or design aesthetics, all of the rage now is colour drenching,” she explains. “The idea of painting the entire room, including the trim, doors and ceilings, and enveloping the room in one colour. Whether that be something bold and dramatic or very soft and muted, I think people are just feeling the need for more colour. They’re feeling bold and taking larger leaps.”
Ceiling adornments
From dramatic coffered ceilings colour-drenched to match the walls, to fun and dynamic wallpapers or lighting features, ceilings are becoming more and more of a focal point in nursery design.
“Many ceiling features are becoming more popular, so whether that’s painting or wallpapering a ceiling, I’ve seen that surge as well,” Simon says.
Granny chic
“I love the granny chic situation that’s happening lately: think lots of florals mixed in with other eclectic patterns. It’s very common in nurseries these days,” Simon shares. “It’s approachable and offers more of a traditional direction to take a little ones’ nursery.”
Are you team green? If you’re waiting to find out the sex of your baby or would like to bypass gender stereotypes in your décor, read our article about fun gender-neutral nursery design.
Longevity and storage
Short on storage?
“You can find cribs that have storage below them!” shares Simon. “This is great for condo living and smaller homes, where you might not have space for a large dresser. They’re great spaces for extra bedding or diapers. Wherever you can add extra storage is key.”
As you plan your baby-to-be’s space, think long-term so your beautiful designs are made to last.
“I encourage clients to think long term, beyond just the dresser, crib and glider,” she suggests. “There are always requests to incorporate bookcases or reading nooks for kids to enjoy as toddlers, so the room doesn’t become a space you feel like you have to update every couple of years.”
Baby comes first
Baby should always be top of mind when designing your nursery, and according to Simon, the key is to keep it minimal and material-conscious.
“If I’m hanging frames, I like to use a provider where the frames aren’t glass but plexi instead,” Simon explains, emphasizing the need to reduce the opportunity for items to shatter as much as possible. “We always take precautionary measures when mounting bookcases by using anti-tip brackets, too.”
For parents-to-be concerned about safe sleep, Simon notes, “Any crib that you buy new in Canada passes rigorous inspection, which is great. There are a ton of mattresses nowadays that are not only eco-friendly and made with natural fibres, but are also more breathable, so lots of parents feel the need to invest in those, which is a nice safety feature that wasn’t available 10 years ago.”
Speaking of natural fibres, consider checking the label on your next blanket or playmat purchase if all-natural is a priority for you.
“Some clients are less particular about it, but it’s worth considering a healthy nursery with natural fibres like 100% linen, cotton, or wool,” Simon Suggests. “It’s something to be made aware of, as some people may not know that’s something to look for, but there’s lots on the market across different budget ranges.”
From playmats to mobiles, encouraging baby’s engagement in the nursery is a great way to blend décor and developmental learning.
“Mobiles are really great,” Simon shares. “They’re aesthetically appealing, and I find tons of people use them as a keepsake to add to a memory box for the next generation. Some people put the mobiles over the changing pad, giving the baby something to look at while getting changed. The crib is a great spot as well, and of course, it should be raised when the baby grows enough to reach it. Also, consider having a small foldable or roll-up mat that allows for tummy time in the room. You can incorporate that into the nursery without creating a separate playroom. It doesn’t require much space and can be tucked away into a storage space with other toys when needed.”
Looking to cultivate calm in your nursery? Learn how to harness the zen power of décor in our article about the Japanese design philosophy called kanzo to simplify your space.
Functional and beautiful spaces
As you build out your nursery, take time to test out the furniture you plan on incorporating—you’ll spend plenty of time using it!
“The selection of furniture can be overwhelming,” admits Simon. “Even in chairs, there are so many options, from a rocking chair or a glider to recliners with extendable footrests and now electric options. It’s always nice to know your options and test them out for comfort before buying. Know that there is such a broad budget range for all furniture and that you can make the choice that fits best for you.”
When it comes to functionality, don’t be afraid to search for multi-use and second hand items. When it comes to items like dressers or gliders, there are plenty of affordable used alternatives that can save you money and add functionality to the space.
“Some people think they need a dresser and a changing table, but you can just use the dresser’s surface as a changing table,” Simon says. “If you can find a dresser you love that would work for a 10-year-old, it’s something you can get, use as a changing table for a year and a half, and then keep for many years after, saving space and money.
“Lighting is also key,” she adds. “So, if you only have a ceiling light, I’d definitely recommend a floor lamp or a small lamp on the dresser so that when you’re changing a baby in the middle of the night, you have some ambient lighting.”
Nurseries and real estate sales
If resale value is something you’re considering as you build out your nursery, know that providing prospective buyers with a vision of what the space could become is always a positive. A nursery is especially valuable in a townhouse or single family home that has three or more bedrooms, showcasing the versatility of the space, and appealing to young couples upsizing to accommodate their growing families. As you would with any other room in the house, ensuring a clean and tidy space for photos and showings will set you up for success.
Pulling it all together
At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun with the space!
“My top tip is always to have fun, go out of the box, push the limits and step outside your comfort zone,” Simon shares. “If you’ve been wanting to add some colour somewhere in the house and you’ve been too scared to, this is the place to do it. You don’t know your child’s interests yet, so you’re really designing the space for you. Have fun, and do the thing that you’ve been scared to do anywhere else in the house.”
And for parents to be, some empathy and compassion for the road as you navigate this next exciting chapter.
“It can be overwhelming,” Simon shares. “There are lists everywhere, and friends and family sharing their must-haves, so start small. Keep it simple. At the end of the day, the baby doesn’t need much. You can add to the nursery over time, so don’t feel like you need to have it all done at once. Enjoy the process and take it slow.”
If you have any questions about this or any other topic from our previous blogs, please reach out by calling me at 905-683-7800. And if you or anyone you know is thinking of buying, selling, or both in the next little while, please give me a call or pass on my number. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Rachael Westgate's article was initially published on REALTOR.ca. You can find it by clicking here.
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About the Author Rachael is a freelance copywriter supporting creative entrepreneurs and small businesses to bolster their online presence. With a special focus in real estate, hospitality and tourism industries, Rachael’s passion for people and building strong human-centred narratives blossoms. When emerging from behind the glow of her laptop, she loves exploring the hiking trails on Vancouver Island, snuggling up with a good book or enjoying a meal with friends. |
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