March 8th, 2010
When deciding on a style or theme for a nursery for a baby girl, shabby chic is a very popular choice for several reasons. While it possesses a traditional flavor, it has a soft, romantic feel that is charming and whimsical, yet comfortable and relaxed. It is also an economical way to decorate a nursery because you can choose new-to-you furniture that has a vintage feel, new baby furniture that is designed to look vintage or combine both new and flea market pieces together. And because your nursery furniture doesn’t have to match (unless you want it to), shabby chic style allows you to indulge in those special finds that might not be included when you purchase matched pieces, either individually or in a set. It also gives you the freedom to create a nursery for your baby girl that is unique to her.
Shabby chic wall colors from Sherwin-Williams) are typically neutral and muted, mainly whites, creams and light beiges. Walls can also be painted in soft pastel shades of pink, blue and green. Deeper shades of the pastel colors can also be used as paint accent colors or the primary color in wallpaper or border pattern.
The Status Furniture Somerset Baby Nursery Dresser, while it possesses a traditional flavor, it includes a popular shabby chic motif. The floral carvings give the crib a hand-crafted appearance, adding charm and whimsy to the overall design.
If you choose to go the matched furniture route, the Status Furniture Somerset collection includes a delightful armoire that possesses definite shabby chic qualities. With its enchanting air and timeless charm, it has scalloped detailing, soft curves and framed door and drawer fronts.
The Caden Lane Modern Vintage Ava Bedding Set has flowers in spades. The different sizes of flowers in four unique patterns will make the crib the focal point of the room. Vintage floral designs are evident in the paisley-like flower motif of the crib bumpers.
Don’t forget to make room for a comfy place to sit while you are feeding baby. The Dutailier The Comfort Recliner with High Leg definitely is a candidate for a baby girl shabby chic nursery. The rounded back and deep seat cushion give it a relaxed look but the lovely curving angles of the arms add a touch chic vintage style.
By placing the Lea Emma’s Treasures Cabinet Nightstand next to the recliner, you’ve made a cozy corner for yourself, making the chair more functional when you’re feeding or reading to your baby. When she moves from crib to bed, you’ll have one less piece of bedroom furniture to worry about.
It’s not just the pieces themselves that don’t have to match; you can also mix it up regarding finishes. The Lea Spring Garden Nightstand has the look of an heirloom treasure hiding out in a countryside cottage – exactly the look you want for a shabby chic nursery. The yellow finish perfectly complements the crib bedding and the other baby furniture chosen. When choosing to mix and match finishes, you can also opt for darker wood finishes as well, such espresso, coffee or cherry.
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Tags: baby furniture, girl nursery design, shabby chic, shabby chic baby furniture, shabby chic decor, shabby chic style, shabby chic style nursery, vintage style, vintage style baby furniture, vintage style nursery
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March 3rd, 2010
It seems that both boys and girls are attracted to these rascally characters, so swash buckling pirates can be the ideal theme for gender neutral nursery. Whatever the reason you choose not to know the gender of your child, you’ll be able to get a head start on preparing the room for your newborn. Just by choosing a color scheme (from Behr) that is not pink or blue, you can make your nursery an adventurous and whimsical place for either a baby girl or boy. And nothing can create an exciting and bold environment quite like pirates can.
After painting the walls with your main color, consider adding a tall ship mural or paint a treasure map on one wall. You can opt for using stencils to create a unique pirate themed border for your baby’s room. There are many pirate-related themes you use as a motif for your border, including anchors, treasure chests, one-eyed pirates and colorful fish.
Your little pirate is going to need someplace to sleep. Crib sets typically include other necessary pieces of baby furniture, such as a change table, in addition to the crib. Purchasing baby nursery furniture in a set can save you money in the long run, since you are not buying each piece separately. Another viable option for furnishing a nursery, particularly if you are on a budget, is to comparison shop for the crib, the changing table and dresser; oftentimes you can as much money when buying a crib set, but this way you will be sure of getting exactly what you want.
White furniture is generally associated with girl nurseries while espresso, java and black finishes are popular for a boy’s nursery. For a gender neutral pirate themed nursery, choose a crib in a light to medium wood finish, such as pine, oak or birch. However, cribs like the Status Furniture Richmond Stages Convertible Baby Crib, shown here in rubbed black, are ideal for a more traditional style nursery. This crib could easily see your little one through to college since it can be converted from a crib to a daybed to a full bed.
The Cotton Tale Pirates Cove 4-Piece Baby Crib Bedding Set features plenty of pirates ahoy. When accessorizing the nursery, you can use the ship, palm tree, anchor and parrot motifs of the crib bedding as inspiration.
Purchasing a dresser that can be used as a change table can help you save some money, because you won’t have to buy a separate changing table.
Don’t forget to add the Cotton Tale Pirates Cove Baby Nursery Lamp and Shade.
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Tags: gender neutral nursery design, non-gender specific nursery design, pirate themed nursery, pirates, unisex nursery design
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March 1st, 2010
Designing a tropical themed nursery for a baby girl is simple and fun. Begin with some bright colors commonly found in a Hawaiian sunset or a hibiscus flower; select casual, contemporary nursery furniture with a laid-back feel; add some tropical fish and a warm sea breeze. The result is a delightful environment for your newest member of the family that is refreshing, colorful and soothing.
The main color (palette choices shown here by Behr) you choose for your tropical themed nursery should reflect the blue water, palm tree green foliage and the reds, yellows and oranges of the brightly plumed island birds. As with any interior design room scheme, plan on matching the paint color to the colors of the crib bedding, the window treatments and the flooring, especially if it’s carpeting or an area rug.
The three basic pieces of nursery furniture you will need for your baby girl are a crib, a changing table and dresser. The Stork Craft Meaghan Stages 2-in-1 Convertible Sleigh Crib in Natural has smooth, relaxed lines, a gently curved profile and simple decorative detail that give it a soft, feminine touch without being too fussy.
The Bebe Chic Aloha Baby Crib Bedding Set has all of the right components for a tropical themed nursery. The hibiscus flower pattern of the crib bumpers and baby blanket perfectly complements the tropical shades of the dust ruffle.
The DaVinci Parker 2-Door Wood Baby Changer in Natural provides a safe place for you to change your baby. It has the same sleigh style flair as the crib; the lines flow easily while still managing to be casual and restful.
A dresser is a must have piece of nursery furniture. Ideal for you in the nursery now, the Alligator Enterprises Monterey 3 Drawer Dresser will grow with your child, with its rounded corners and easy-to-open drawers.
And because of our tropical nursery theme, adding organic elements like the Badger Basket Two Hamper Set in Natural definitely will give an island-living feel to your baby’s room.
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Tags: beach theme nursery, girl nursery design, girl nursery interior design, Hawaiian themed nursery, island theme nursery girl nursery, tropical themed nursery
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February 25th, 2010
The color blue is the classic the classic choice for a baby boy’s nursery. Because it’s a cool color, it can help create a tranquil, restful environment for your child. Traditional style has an understated elegance that is adaptable. While you might want to skip baby nursery furniture that has a lot of “girlie” decorative detail, a traditionally styled room has proportion and symmetry that is soothing, welcoming and inviting. By opting for other forms of blue (shown here from Behr) instead of the more classic “baby” or powder blue shades, you can design a traditional style nursery that will really stand out.
The style of crib that is probably most often linked with traditional style is the sleigh crib. Since the crib will be the focal point of the room, the Young America GenAmerica Classic Cherry Mix & Match Stationary Sleigh Side Crib is the ideal choice. It has a classic sleigh bed profile, with soft, flowing lines that makes it very appealing.
The beautiful blues of the Go Mama Go Designs Wonder Bumpers Blue Damask 38 Set are rich and vibrant and totally “un-baby blue.” The damask pattern of this crib bedding set emphasized the crib’s traditional style.
The dresser and the changing table are two other necessary nursery furniture pieces you will need. Some manufacturers offer change tables that can be repurposed as dressers or storage chests, which makes purchasing one more economical.
The Child Craft Arbor Gate Dressing Bureau in Coach Cherry displays characteristic features of Louis Philippe (a traditional sub style) that will go well with a sleigh-type crib. By placing a changing pad on top of the bureau, you’ve magically transformed it into a changing table. When it’s no longer needed, you can still continue to use this charming storage unit as a place to store toys, clothes and other accessories.
With echoes of Louis Philippe, the Young America by Stanley GenAmerica Classic Cherry Door Chest combines all of the best features of an armoire and a chest of drawers together.
For your ultimate comfort, and baby’s too, when you’re feeding your child, select the Dutailier The Comfort Recliner Dolce Prestige Glider in Microfiber or All Leather. It comes in a number of colors, allowing you to pick the one that matches your nursery décor.
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Tags: baby nursery furniture, color blue, Louis Philippe, traditional style, traditional style baby furniture
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February 24th, 2010
He’s ready to move out of the nursery, which means he’s learned to walk, has grown out of the crib and needs a bedroom that will stimulate his mind and encourage creativity. Airplanes are a popular theme for a boy’s room. And it’s an ideal theme for a toddler’s room since it’s not based on cartoon characters or other motifs he might easily lose interest in or quickly grow out of. Airplanes are synonymous with travel, transportation, adventure and exploration, all great sub-themes that can be added to the room’s main theme by accessories like a light fixture or an area rug; a toddler bedding set; or stencils, murals and framed pictures.
Opting for contemporary style children’s furniture creates just the right mood for our airplane theme room. A contemporary style toddler bed typically has smooth, clean lines that lend a bedroom – even a toddler’s bedroom – a calm and uncluttered appearance.
The DaVinci Modena Wood Toddler Bed in Ebony strikes just the right note: lines are simple; profiles are clean. To make it even more functional, it includes under-bed storage, perfect for stowing away extra bedding, clothes or even toys.
The P’kolino Organic Toddler Airplanes Bedding Set has a contemporary style that is fun and casual. The pattern is straightforward, allowing you to add other airplane elements that will work with bedding set’s blue and white color scheme.
Rounded corners and enclosed shelves (no hardware) makes the Smart Basics Kids Nightstand in Pure Black safe for toddlers. A nightstand is a must-have in a toddler’s bedroom, the perfect place for a night light or a lamp. Nightstands with shelves or drawers increase the functionality of a boy’s room by giving him more room to store away things.
Accessorizing your child’s room with a particular theme in mind is always fun, especially if you do it is as a mom and son project. Pick age-appropriate accessories to complement the room’s decor. Place the furniture against the walls and keep as much open space as possible to provide room for play and exploration.
Make the floor appealing with either the Olive Kids Trains, Planes and Trucks Round Printed Rug or the Fun Rugs California Kids Carved Flying Tigers Rug.
The ELK Lighting Novelty Prop Plane Semi Flush Ceiling Mount gives the décor a touch of whimsy that contrasts well with the bedroom’s contemporary look and feel.
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Tags: airplane theme bedroom, children’s bedroom furniture, contemporary style, toddler room design
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February 23rd, 2010
There are many reasons for not wanting to know the gender of your child. Or even if you do know or plan on knowing, you might prefer to design a nursery for your newborn that is not gender specific. The easiest way to get started is to avoid themes such as airplanes, trains and fire engines or fairies, butterflies and ballerinas, and of course, the colors pink and blues. Choose instead a theme like world travel, which will allow you to add old world touches like framed maps, a globe or trunk-shaped toy chest.
Select softer, more neutral-toned colors. Yellows, greens, light browns and tans are all good choices. Any one of these shades (from Behr) has the added benefit of adding a calming and tranquil feel to the room. Or if you would like to go bolder, colors like gold, orange and even red are great alternatives for a non-gender specific nursery.
When furnishing your nursery, select baby furniture that is not too light or too dark, since white is often associated with baby girls while black is a popular choice for a boy’s nursery. Cribs like the Orbelle Convertible Mini Portable Crib N Bed in Natural that have a natural or light to medium wood finish are ideal for a non-gender specific nursery design. This crib is very multipurpose – place a changing pad on top of the set of drawers and you have a handy change table; the crib converts to a toddler bed with under-bed storage; and the set of drawers detaches from the unit and can be used as a nightstand.
“Neutral” themed crib bedding is a must in a unisex nursery. The colors of the Bebe Chic Around the World Baby Crib Bedding Set are warm while the antique map pattern of the crib bumper makes this set visually interesting.
Any way you can add storage to a nursery is always a good thing. The Badger Basket Natural Barrel Top Toy Chest has the simple and economical shape of a classic steamer trunk.
The Fun Rugs Supreme Collection Kids World Map Rug uses all of the colors that the crib bedding set does. You can also tie this area rug into the walls by a wallpaper border with a map or other world travel theme.
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Tags: map theme, non-gender specific nursery design, unisex nursery design, world travel theme
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February 19th, 2010
Victorian style, while traditional Victorian furnishings tend to be oversized, ornate and heavy, is essentially elegant and romantic, ideal characteristics for a girl baby’s nursery. Because of their penchant for excessive ornamentation and accessorizing, it should come as no surprise that the Victorians loved to decorate with as many different textures as possible. A typical Victorian parlor would comfortably mix velvet with nubbed wools, plaids with stripes. This will give you free rein to create a nursery that reflects the opulence and romance of the Victorian era.
The colors used to paint Victorian rooms were rich and vibrant. Choose berry and jewel tones for your baby’s nursery. If these colors are too bold, tone them down by selecting paler versions of the same color family. This particular color palette (from Behr) was chosen to match a particular “rosy” crib bedding set.
The delightful Young America Caroline Mix & Match Stationary Crib in Victorian White has a floral theme, a common motif for Victorian bedroom furniture. Combined with a scalloped apron, decorative molding and bun feet, this crib possesses a fanciful and romantic feel that is perfect for a Victorian styled nursery.
Because the language of flowers, using flowers in a bouquet to send messages, was a popular Victorian pastime, anything floral related such as rosettes, trailing vines and pansies are popular themes for fabrics as well as for furniture. The Bebe Chic Bella Baby Crib Bedding Set will provide a soft meadow-like environment for your baby to sleep.
You might prefer a more traditional rocker for your nursery, but if this accent chair appeals to you it will add a truly delightful Victorian charm to your nursery design. The Natart Verona Chair in French White and Silver echoes this era’s love of flowers and floral motifs with its delicate decorative accents.
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Tags: baby furniture, nursery interior design, traditional baby furniture, traditional nursery, traditional style, Victorian style, Victorian style nursery
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February 18th, 2010
Teddy bears are a source of delight and comfort and both adults and children alike enjoy collecting (and cuddling) them. There aren’t many us who didn’t have a favorite teddy bear or stuffed toy when we were young. So it makes perfect sense to create a nursery with a teddy bear theme for your new baby boy. For a fresh take on a motif that is often paired with traditional, vintage or country styles, this boy nursery design pairs nostalgic charm with a few contemporary twists.
Start with a popular contemporary palette (from Behr) of warm neutrals. Once the walls have been painted, you can add the bear motif directly to the walls of the room in many delightful forms like Paddington Bear, Winnie the Pooh and Corduroy. Because teddy bear themes are so popular, you will be able to find wall mural kits, decorative borders and stencils should you wish to go this route.
The OFFI Bebe 2 Nursery Crib in Natural Ply is beautifully designed with clean, contemporary lines that are visually interesting. Gentle curves combined with straight lines are soothing and restful.
The OFFI Bebe 2 Nursery Collection includes the OFFI Bebe 2 Nursery Dresser with 5 Drawers in White. Its two-tone natural wood and white finishes, simple, architectural detailing and clean, flowing lines possess a distinctive contemporary style.
Begin with the Cotton Tale N. Selby Boys Only 4-Piece Baby Crib Bedding Set. The geometric patterns and the neutral colors are very contemporary and will give your nursery a fresh perspective. The color palette was chosen to match this crib bedding set.
Here come the bears! The Cotton Tale N. Selby Boys Only Baby Crib Musical Mobile starts to layer the nursery design with the bear motif.
If you have opted for just painted walls, the Cotton Tale N. Selby Boys Only Baby Nursery 3-Piece Wall Art feature three adorable circus teddy bears.
Accessories for a contemporary style boy nursery with a teddy bear motif should definitely include one or both of these cuties, the Melissa & Doug Cuddly Brown Bear Plush Stuffed Animal or the Cotton Tale Arctic Babies Polar Bear Plush Toy.
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Tags: baby furniture, boy nursery design, contemporary style, contemporary style baby furniture, contemporary style nursery, teddy bear nursery theme, teddy bears
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February 17th, 2010
A nursery is of course, for your baby, but it is also for the both of you. When planning your baby’s room, it should be designed to create a harmonious environment and a place where you and your baby can form those important bonds that can last a lifetime. Choosing a spring meadow theme for your newborn’s first room will be soothing, comforting and inviting. It will allow you the freedom to introduce a variety of other nature themes that could include birds, butterflies, ladybugs and rabbits – anything to do with Mother Nature that is connected in some way to spring meadow.
Colors (from Behr) should definitely be pastel soft and restful. Shades that echo back a fresh green spring meadow, a bubbling stream or the gentle tones of newly minted flowers are a good place to take your inspiration from when selecting a wall color for your baby girl’s room. Whatever color or colors you choose for the walls should appear in some way in the crib bedding, curtains and area rug that you select.
Since a spring meadow is mostly associated with the countryside, country style baby furniture would be ideal. The design of the Da Vinci Reagan 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Pearl White is the ever-popular sleigh style. This crib has plenty of country charm, with its simple, gently flowing lines.
The soft pinks and greens of the Cotton Tale Taffy 4-Piece Baby Crib Bedding Set are as fresh and delicate as Spring herself. The crib will certainly be the focal point of the nursery with this crib bedding set giving it a lovely textured and layered appearance with its combination of plaids and dots. The dainty floral patterns add a touch of whimsy to the charming design.
The DaVinci Parker 2-Door Wood Baby Changer in Pearl White has a whimsical country charm that is perfectly suited to the nursery’s overall look and feel. A changing table is a must-have baby nursery item because it will provide a safe place for you to change your child while allowing you to organize everything you need to keep baby dry close to hand.
Accessorize as playfully as you want. What’s a spring meadow without rabbits? Start with the delightful KidKraft Rosebud Rabbit Canvas Art Painting Wall Decoration.
Especially if your nursery has a hardwood floor, warm up the area by the crib or the changing table with an area rug. The Cotton Tale Spring Fling Baby Nursery Accent Rug possesses all of the right colors. The “cottontail” pattern is reminiscent of baby rabbits a.k.a. bunnies.
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Tags: baby furniture, baby girl room design, girls nursery decor, spring theme nursery design
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February 16th, 2010
Shabby chic or vintage style is often associated with girl nurseries but this vintage look can work just as well in a boy nursery. While it does possess elements of romanticism, vintage style also possesses a casual old world charm that, even with its traditional heritage, it still is informally elegant. Shabby chic or vintage style is well-known for its floral patterns, but it also incorporates stripes and retro geometric shapes that have interesting lines and sweet, whimsical contours. Choose “boy” colors, vintage baby furniture and nostalgic wall art and other accessories, and you will have a vintage style nursery that will be a welcoming place for your baby.
Vintage style nursery baby furniture typically has decorative or structural design elements of a bygone era like Victorian, turn-of-the-century and the 1950s. A vintage style crib might have a white-washed or distressed finish; a change table could have wrought iron accents; a dresser may have hand-painted stencils or motifs. Another great thing about creating a vintage style boy nursery is that furniture pieces don’t have to match – in fact, it’s more “vintage” if they don’t.
Predominate colors (from Behr) in shabby chic or vintage décor are pure white, cream and soft pastels like soft yellows, blues and greens. These particular color choices are designed to complement two specific crib bedding sets.
Just like in an adult bedroom where the bed is the focal point of the room, the crib you choose for your vintage style nursery will be center stage. To help create that vintage look, select a crib with inlay accents like the Bratt Decor Chelsea Lifetime Convertible Crib in Espresso.
Or if you prefer a crib in classic white, the Bratt Decor Dick Crib in White is the perfect choice. What makes this crib vintage are the simple lines and handcrafted appearance.
The first crib bedding set, the Caden Lane Modern Vintage Sean Bedding Set displays classic vintage floral designs but with a “boy style” flair. By pairing soft earth toned neutrals with a bright accent blue, this crib set possesses true vintage charm.
On the other hand, the Caden Lane Classic Blue Jack Baby Crib Bedding Set successfully combines vintage stripes with retro circles and polka dots.
The vintage style of the DaVinci Jenny Lind Wood Changing Table in Ebony is evident in its turned spindles. The turned spindles have the classic appearance a bed found in grandmother’s house.
Accessories for a vintage style boy nursery should have the look and feel of prized family heirlooms. Sepia photographs in burnished metal or cast iron frames would be one option for vintage style wall art. Or how about replicas or reprints of 1920s children’s books cover art featuring the popular bunny or fox stories of that era in wood frames with a distressed finish? Lamps will have scrolled metal bases with small checks, stripes or damask patterned shades. Any decorative accessory that has cherished, old world charm will be ideal for a vintage style nursery.
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Tags: baby furniture, boy nursery design, shabby chic, vintage style, vintage style baby furniture, vintage style nursery
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