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Posts Tagged ‘decorating the nursery’

Making Small Nurseries Work

Thursday, July 13th, 2017

Breastfeeding, burping or simply lulling the baby to sleep becomes easy with the Thomasville Living Room Atlantis Swivel Rocker 1052 15SR.

The nursery is your baby’s first room so you have to make it look and feel special. Adding something personal such as colorful framed photographs and artworks will also make the room more unique. Babies need something to stimulate their learning minds, hence, put something that they can look at and appreciate.

Decorating the nursery can be tricky but it becomes more so when you need to make do with a tiny space. When you’re faced with such a project, then have a little faith. With a little creativity and some interior design know-how, you should do fine.

Begin Light

The first commandment in designing a small nursery is to pick a light color palette. Dark colors tend to absorb light and could overwhelm a tiny space. Lighter colors, on the other hand, can make a room feel brighter and bigger.

Choosing a monochromatic color scheme would also help. This will also work even with darker colors. The continuation of colors is what diminishes the visual breaks in the nursery, thus, making the space still appear larger than it seems.

Paint the Ceiling

Whether you end up painting the ceiling with a dark or light color, just make sure that the ceiling is always lighter than the paint on your walls. This is what’s known in the design world as the vaulted effect where the room feels more spacious because of the darker hue up top.

Create Visual Interest

Thinking that you’re just designing a nursery and pink or blue are the only colors available to you is wrong. Do paint the moldings and trim with lighter colors, again, compared to the walls. The light-colored trim can make the walls recede which would appear to be seemingly farther than they seem.

Do you notice how smaller rooms tend to have less interesting architectural features? You will have to be the one to create visual interest through an accent wall, focal point or adding some flair. Windows and shelves can also be painted just to add a dash of color where everything else is monochrome.

Use Patterns

Who says baby rooms cannot have interesting patterns? On the contrary, you can actually make a room appear bigger by adding the right patterns (e.g. vertical stripes, horizontal stripes for a room-widening illusion).

The good ol’ cartoon characters are reliable patterns that you can use throughout the nursery. Plus these can also be the same patterns that your little baby would soon grow into so they had better be interesting.

Never allow patterns to overwhelm the space, though. Use large scale patterns at a bare minimum. Smaller scale patterns are the perfect options. Pick a repetitive pattern in just one or two colors.

Let In Some Light – Or a Lot of It

Natural light must be in abundance in your baby’s nursery. This can do a lot of wonders for the small space. Sunlight can make a space appear airier, lighter and a lot brighter. Consider investing in some sheer drapes so that you can still keep a certain level of privacy inside this room.

Yes to Flashy Designs

Shiny accessories such mirrors can reflect light so, yes, these are very much welcome inside the nursery. Again, the more light that you let into the room, the bigger the space would appear.

Never Overdo Furnishings

While there are necessities such as the crib, drawers, changing table, rocking chair and such, you must never go to the point where you overdo your furnishings. Your goal is always to create space no matter how minute this can be.

This doesn’t mean that you should rule out big furnishings, though. The key is to choose one focal piece then to decorate around that necessary piece which is often the crib.

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Designer Nursery: A Go-To Guide

Thursday, September 29th, 2016

BLOG 6. Hooker Furniture Bedroom Archivist Nine-Drawer Dresser

No nursery should go without this spacious Hooker Furniture Bedroom Archivist Nine-Drawer Dresser.

Having a baby spells endless decision-making moments. It can be quite daunting and one of those moments when you have to sharpen your decision-making skills is when you are setting up the nursery. Actually, with the right mindset, it can be fun.

Buy Necessary Nursery Furniture

Crib. The crib is the first investment that you have to make for your baby’s nursery. It might cross your mind that it’s just a temporary piece so you should not spend much for it but a baby sleeps in this furniture piece so safety is crucial. There’s also the possibility that more children could come so it would be great to keep one – just in case.

Remember the U.S. safety standards when buying your crib. This is no place for vintage or repurposed furniture. These safety standards have evolved greatly over the years and the crib is one of those pieces that have greatly improved in terms of safety.

Find a quality crib that will allow the baby – and you – to sleep soundly at night.

When it comes to choosing the crib style, make sure that it matches your taste. If you plan on using it for your next kids, then it’s best to buy a gender neutral color.

Changing table. All babies soil their diapers so make sure that you have a changing table that has access to the essentials. There are freestanding changing tables and a changing top which can be placed atop a dresser. Essentials include diapers, change of clothes, wipes, lotions, ointments, etc. Whichever type of changing table you choose, remember that it’s all about space.

Nursery chair. This is where you will rock the baby to sleep. This is also where you will feed, cuddle and comfort your little one. More importantly, this is where you will bond.

See if you prefer a rocking chair or a glider. Either way, the movement will lull both mom and baby to sleep. Find a fabric that can be easily cleaned, one that could hold up to prolonged use. Remember that there will be poop, spit and urine that will be dealt with so the fabric has to be extremely durable.

Find a glider or rocking chair with arm rests so that the mom’s tired arms can rest. Find also a piece that’s roomy enough for the baby to cuddle up even when he or she becomes a toddler.

Other things to consider. See if you can also have a bookcase right next to the rocking chair. This should come in handy later on when bedtime stories will be read. Find one that has a flat top so that you can place bottled water, lamp, a baby monitor, and other essentials there.

You’ll also need lots and lots of storage space. Your baby may be tiny but she needs a lot of stuff like diapers, toys, clothes, baby gears, books, etc. Find storage units that would suit the baby’s needs this day and tomorrow. The baby also won’t need diapers later so be sure that the diaper basket can be reused for other purposes later.

There must also be a bin storage for gears and blankets which can transition into a toy box when the baby gets older. Keep some large bins for a quick cleanup especially when grandparents visit. Low profile bins can be tucked away right under the crib, thus, keeping clutter at bay.

The Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Creative Concepts-Cane Wicker 24in x 36in Rug 1990RS00240036525 is an accessory that your nursery must have.

The Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Creative Concepts-Cane Wicker 24in x 36in Rug 1990RS00240036525 is an accessory that your nursery must have.

Nursery Décor

After buying the essentials, you can move on to decorating the space. A rug is a great piece to start with. Then you can move on to greater things such as a wood flooring, wall paint, window treatments, etc.

As you go on, remember that the nursery décor, just like the rest of the items should be chosen by you.

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Creating the Classy Nursery

Sunday, June 5th, 2016

Flexsteel Living Room Rocker Chair 3995-14

Flexsteel Living Room Rocker Chair 3995-14

Setting up the baby’s nursery is a thrilling phase in any parent’s life. It all begins as the mother’s womb grows then the next thing you know, it’s time to bring the baby home. You would, of course, want this experience to become a memorable one. Creating memories is as easy as knowing the nursery essentials.

Choose the Perfect Color Scheme

When designing the nursery, make sure that you find a color scheme that will last for years. It wouldn’t hurt to follow the lead of parents who chose a soft tone for their newborn babies. Infants are only able to see in gray, black and white at first. Pastels and neutrals will work well when it comes to the infant’s vision development. Bolder, more abrasive colors might have an aggressive effect on the child as he grows.

A sturdy armchair is crucial inside a newborn’s room. A mom-to-be knows the importance of sitting in a comfortable chair, one with great back support. This becomes doubly important by the time that the newborn needs to be nursed.

A storage unit is necessary for every nursery. This is especially true when it comes to the changing table. A chest of drawers that works also as a changing table will come in handy. Any kind of organized storage unit can be brought in as a functional and decorative piece. Combinations of storage hampers and wall shelves work wonderfully in organizing baby clothes, toys and shoes.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Sunset Point Dresser

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Sunset Point Dresser

Basic Nursery Furniture                                                                    

The design of a nursery offers many exciting opportunities to unleash your creative side. First, you can play with colors, even the furniture that you will bring into that room. You would also want to have furniture that the child could grow into, even a room that he or she could enjoy.

Choosing basic furniture that will last through the years does not mean that you have to choose the boring, traditional pieces. You can still add a bit of your personality and even some colors that represent who you are. Find soft furnishings and textiles that will look great for both parent and child.

In choosing a crib mattress, make sure that you find the lightest and firmest. This means looking for a foamed crib, one that is easy to maneuver during the diaper-changing nights. Should you choose to have a mattress with an innerspring, make sure that you find one that has no less than 150 coils, otherwise, it will be too soft for the baby.

As for the crib, don’t think that the more expensive ones are always better. U.S. cribs are supposed to meet federal safety standards so you can be rest assured that they are safe. Cost shouldn’t be your only gauge for investing in a nursery piece. Read reviews about the crib’s brand name instead.

It is always best to buy a brand new crib. Check that the mattress is firm and tight-fitting. Don’t go for the ones with drop-side as these can be hazardous. Slats should be no wider than one soda can. There should also be no cutouts in the footboard or headboard.

Carpeting and area rugs will help make the room look and feel warmer. You can try layering sheepskins over zebra-patterned rugs. This is a nice way to achieve the safari style.

Baby Lighting and Monitor

Nurseries should have a good source of light. Wall sconces work best since they can amply light a room without causing glare. Adding dimmers will work great during storytelling moments (when the child grows).

Other than the light, another safety essential is the baby monitor. Audio or video monitors can offer peace of mind to any parent. Make sure that you resolve interference issues. Have the return policy on hand so in case the monitor doesn’t work, you can return it for a better model.

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The Best Nursery in the World Is Yours

Tuesday, April 5th, 2016

Store all your baby’s clothes and other stuff inside this Hooker Furniture Bedroom Palisade Twelve Drawer Chest.

Store all your baby’s clothes and other stuff inside this Hooker Furniture Bedroom Palisade Twelve Drawer Chest.

Okay, setting up a nursery means you have a certain baby in mind – he or she can be your future child or your present baby. This should be an adorable and sweet room for an equally adorable and sweet occupant. While you are building the perfect nursery for your baby, do not forget that you are also included in this beautiful picture.

Decisions, Nursery Decisions

First, ask yourself what colors you would use in this beautiful room. Will it be sunshine yellow or pastels? Will you include stripes or polka dots? Will it be a room that is studded with glow-in-the-dark stars? Will it be a room full of superheroes or farm animals?

Of course you would have to be the one to create this picture perfect nursery. Yet as you contemplate the cutest choices, remember that you will also be spending much time in that  room. Most moms fail to plan that the nursery should also be set up as a mom’s room.

BLOG 4. American Leather Living Room Nolan Chair NLN-CHR-ST

Singing Rock-a-Bye-Baby has never been more comfortable. Featured rocking chair is the American Leather Living Room Nolan Chair NLN-CHR-ST.

Comfort and convenience must both be given priority when setting up the nursery for mom and her baby. Every inch should be organized and all the baby’s essentials should be within reach.

Okay, so this is also going to be a mom station so you need to invest in a comfy chair and a lot of storage units. The chair – preferably a rocking chair – should be perfect for those cuddling and feeding moments. Always remember your back when choosing the right chair. Make sure that your back won’t ache especially when you have to sit there with a growing belly or a growing baby.

The chair should have a contoured back for optimum back support. The frame must also fit your body’s frame. Consider having arm rests so you can comfortably cuddle and feed your baby.

If the rocking chair is too cliché for you, then you might want to invest in a bed that folds as a sofa in the morning.

As for your baby, make sure that you buy a padded crib and a diaper-changing table. The crib must not just be comfortable for the baby but also for the mom. It should come at a height that is comfortable for the mom.

To test the crib’s height, place an imaginary baby into the cribs that you are shortlisting. The one that gives you the least (or zero) amount of neck and back pain should be your choice. See if you can find a crib that has an adjustable mattress height.

This must also be the case with the diaper changing table. The top should be at the same level as your hips or your waist so that you won’t have to stoop. Those stooping movements can easily contribute to lower back pains in many moms.

Find a diaper caddy or storage unit that is huge enough to store wipes, creams, diapers and other baby needs. This caddy has to be portable, too.

It’s All About Arrangement – Proper Arrangement

Once you know what room will house the nursery and all the baby equipment and accessories, the next step is to plan where you should place all of them. This is now an issue of location.

Place the crib away from the door yet it should be within your line of vision once you open the nursery door. The changing table should be near the closet or the baby dresser so you can easily grab fresh clothes for your newborn.

You should also avoid too far a distance between the rocking chair and the crib.

There has to be a side table to keep everything within your reach. Who knows, you could need a snack and drink while feeding your baby. You can also store some wipes or burping cloth in the side table.

Lighting is another element that you need to set up correctly. Have as much natural lighting as possible but not so much that it will become bothersome when the baby needs to sleep. After all, the sleeping and growing up are the two things that should be fostered inside this lovely nursery.

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