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1. Measure Up
Firstly, grab a pencil and a ruler or tape measure and, using the grid provided, map out the dimensions of the room on the grid. Each square on the grid represents 30 centimetres. Then add the following items:
- Measure the doors and place on the grid, making note of which way they open, then measure up cupboards or built-ins from the outside trim
- Measure the height of the windows themselves plus the distance of the window to the floor
- If you are going to hang a blind or window shade, measure and record the window height and width inside the window trim
- To complete the grid, add the power points, light switches and any heating vents
2. Finding Inspiration
- Think first of your room as a child - what did you love about it? How did it make you feel? Then think about baby's rooms you have visited and consider how you felt while you were there. Jot down these impressions
- It can be daunting coming up with inspiration for your nursery with so many options available, but inspiration can come from something as simple as a toy, a wall hanging, or a beloved children's book
- Cot bedding is a great place to start and provides a basis for themeing (boats/animals/fairies), colours (pastel, neutral, brights), and overall feel (soft and subtle, bright and bold, traditional and funky)
- Most of all, be brave! Don't be afraid to match checks with floral, stripes and spots, to inject some fun. Consider creating a mood board with fabric and paint swatches, photos from magazines and anything else you love, to give your vision some direction
3. Designing the Nursery
- After choosing a colour scheme and overall theme, you need to consider what you will need to make the room work for you and your baby
- Consider the main functions of the room and list the pieces you will need to buy
- The room needs to be able to provide a snug place to sleep, a comfortable place to feed and a convenient place to change your baby
- Storage is the other key component and in most cases parents opt for drawers as there is less need for hanging space for baby's clothes
- After you have selected these essential items consider whether yo have room (or need) for additional pieces like a bookshelf or small play area
- Once you have your wish list, place these items on your grid to create a floorplan
- When deciding where to place the furniture, think about how you will move around the room. Ensure essentials such as nappies and wipes are in easy reach of the change table, that there is a side table or flat surface near your feeding chair for a drink or book, that your path to the cot is not obstructed when you stagger in at 3am
- When your baby first arrives home you may be surprised by how much they eat and sleep. And initially, they do little else, but this time passes quickly and soon they will be on the move so you need to consider whether your nursery will accommodate the needs of a toddler. If the room also needs to be adapted to accommodate a younger sibling when that time comes, include that in your room planning
- A little thought about the layout of your baby's room can make your new life a lot easier
- Aim to create a room that is as functional as it is beautiful by adding elements that will make parenting much easier. Cots with side rails that lower easily with one hand, a change table with drawers or shelves for extra storage and nursery bedding and chang table covers that are easy to wash in the machine and dry quickly
- Good quality, backed curtains will not only complete your look but are important at sleep times to provide darkness while a lamp to provide soft light is advisable for nighttime feeding
4. Special Touches
- With the practicalities taken care of, it is time to add those special touches that will make your baby’s room all about your baby
- While your baby is young and not climbing or jumping from everything in sight, you can include pieces in their room such as vintage books and special heirloom toys such as antique dolls, wooden toys, bears or even a Freckles coverlet
- Scour antique shops, garage sales or grandma’s cupboards and consider it an act of recycling!
- Babies spend lots of time on the floor so choose a soft rug or play mat with plenty of room for exploration
- Look to baskets for easy and versatile storage and cover boxes in coordinating fabric
- Hang beautiful dresses or booties on display
- A colorful mobile, album with your baby's first photos or framed family photos are other lovely personal touches
5. Safety first
- As you design your nursery, keep safety in mind
- Make sure the cot is not near a window
- Keep drapery and blind cords away from the cot and protect electrical outlets
- Visit www.kidsafensw.org/ for some other great tips on creating safe spaces for baby
- All Freckles nursery furniture, bedding and accessories meet Australian and New Zealand safety regulations
With some careful planning and a healthy dose of imagination, you can ensure that your nursery is functional and beautiful!
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