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Posts Tagged ‘nursery design’

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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Mum’s the Word: When Moms Take Over Interior Design

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016

merican Leather Living Room Nolan Chair NLN-CHR-ST

American Leather Living Room Nolan Chair NLN-CHR-ST

When it comes to babyproofing your home, it is always best to be on the know. Parents – especially moms – tend to worry about how to protect their children from all sorts of danger – even in their home. Experts believe that children aged 1-4 are likelier to be killed by poisoning, drowning, choking, and burns. It is not surprising, therefore, that moms tend to be hands-on when it comes to interior design and other aspects pertaining their home.

Home safety can be an overwhelming project but for moms, it is something that must be done – fast. This means that place must already be babyproofed by the time the little one begins to crawl or climb.

Here are some recommendations on how you can keep your child safe in your home –

Buy Safety Gadgets

There are now baby monitors and other gadgets that are sold in the market which can help you keep your little one safe. You can either hire a professional childproofer or you could research then shop for the safety devices.

Remember, though, that these gadgets are no substitute for the parents’ eyes and ears. You should still personally supervise your kid’s safety.

Wear the Baby’s Shoes

An effective way to know which things could endanger your child is to look through his or her eyes. Have a baby’s eye view of your home.

Think – if you were a baby or a toddler, what would look tempting? Which things can you easily reach? You can then figure out which drawers, cupboards or furniture pieces you should childproof.

The more that your baby walks and climbs, the more that you will need to reevaluate your safety plans.

Store Away Poisons, Knives, etc.

Carefully stow away hazardous chemicals and sharp kitchen tools. If you can get a lock for your kitchen cabinets, then do so. Use small gates to limit the kid’s access to potentially dangerous areas of your home. The most dangerous spots include the bathroom and the kitchen but the living room could also present dangers such as possible electrocution or strangling.

Keep an eye out for smaller objects such as paper clips and coins. Have the office desk – or the office itself locked.

Be watchful also when you have some visitors. Childproofing your home is no guarantee that your cousin will do the same. She could be carrying small items such as lipstick, pills and other stuff that could endanger your little one.

The Canadel Dining Room Round Table with Legs TRN5454LA-1 has rounded edges which makes it perfect for childproofed homes.

The Canadel Dining Room Round Table with Legs TRN5454LA-1 has rounded edges which makes it perfect for childproofed homes.

Choose Natural Wood Furniture, Eco-Friendly Mattress and Fabric

Moms should seek out all natural wood furniture for their kids whether they are shopping for cribs or beds. Quality solid wood can be hardwood or softwood. Children’s beds come in different designs, finishes and frames that will meet your child’s needs.

Make sure the cribs come with guard rails and the bed with toddler rails. Choose drawers and cabinets that come with rounded edges. These are safer while still being stylish.

Babies need firm support for them to sleep safely and soundly. The crib is supposed to be used for three years. There are three kinds of mattresses for babies – foam, innerspring and organic. The third type is best because it is made with all-natural materials such as wool or cotton.

As for the changing table, you will need to buy something sturdy since the average diaper-changing prior to a child’s first birthday is about 2,400. Make sure this furniture comes with a guardrail or a safety strap.

Another nursery piece is the rocking chair. Babies simply love the rocking motion that this furniture offers so make sure to buy a comfy one since the mom’s the one who’ll do the rocking.

Basically, the furniture that you should invest in is something that meets or even exceeds government safety standards. These products should have been tested for durability and safety.

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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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