By Savannah Wallace, Disney Baby
Decorating a nursery can always be a daunting task. With so many
paint options, "themes," and an overload of inspiration, it can easily
leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Of course the
other reality is cost. It's easy to find beautiful inspiration but
realize quickly that your budget doesn't allow room for major, fancy
purchases.
There is something special about the "nesting" feeling of putting a
nursery together before little one comes along. As I was expecting my
first, I felt like decorating the nursery was my way of wrapping my mind
around the thought that "I" was about to be a mom. It was a way to put a
pinch of order in my racing mind and know that when Soren came into the
world he would have a place to call his own, even if he didn't use it
for the first couple months.
So, how do we get inspired for putting together a beautiful nursery? Where should you start? Here are a few tips.
1. First Things First - You'll want a place to
collect all of your ideas and thoughts. As you are inspired, you'll need
easy access to something you can write down an idea or save a photo. I
love using sites like Pinterest to store all of my ideas for a specific
room. You can make notes on the photo before pinning it to keep track of
your ideas! Another great way is to use a note taking app on your phone
and jot down ideas that come to you. If you're the pen and paper type,
try using a notebook to store photos, paint swatches, and ideas. Start
this process early on so that when you get ready to start decorating you
have everything in one place and lots of inspiration!
2. Themes - A lot of people feel that they need to
settle on a nursery "theme" - maybe something like bumblebees or
airplanes? While this certainly isn't a wrong way to decorate the
nursery, don't feel like your stuck going with a theme. Maybe you can
make your theme subtle and not obvious? For example, if your theme is
"Finding Nemo," maybe you paint the room using color inspiration from
the movie and hang ocean-themed photos, but not directly from the movie.
Maybe you decorate with a Nemo and Dory here and there but not so
"in-your-face." You'll know it's an ocean theme but have to look a
little to realize it's Finding Nemo. :) Another way to take a theme is
to do a non-theme. Maybe you just decorate the nursery using a more
kid-friendly version of your personal style? Maybe you use a color or
shape as a theme? Or maybe you make it abstract like "camping under the
stars" or "americana!" Have fun with it, and don't be afraid to think
outside the box.
3. Inspiration Source - Do you have a special
blanket or piece of art that really stands out that you love? Us that as
the main inspiration piece and build around it! Match colors, patterns,
and textures that compliment that inspiration piece. Get creative!
4. Look Everywhere - Inspiration is everywhere if
you look. You don't have to grab a baby magazine to just find
inspiration for a nursery. Look at other magazines, your favorite blogs,
your favorite places, children's books. There are so many fun avenues
of inspiration to pursue!
5. Give Yourself Time - Being rushed and not giving
yourself enough time can be a huge inspiration crusher. If possible,
start the process early and decorate slowly over time. To save money,
DIY some of the projects, take time to thrift unique pieces, or hunt
down a great sale. You want this to be fun and enjoyable NOT stressful
and overwhelming. So have FUN!
Enjoy decorating, beautiful mama!