With baby number 2 on the way, I’ve once again been looking at ideas for nurseries – the challenge this time around is that for a period of time, this room will have to double as a spare bedroom for guests! This is a common issue for many families who often have at least one room in the house doing double duty as either a guest bedroom or study – or both!
When it comes to nursery decor, I’m personally not a fan of the all out, “baby” nursery – kids grow out of this really fast and for the money you spend, you’re better off investing in a more neutral space that can grow with your baby. Save the fun of serious kid-style decorating for their first big boy or girl room 
Here are my key things to consider when putting together a nursery:
1. Flexibility
Be it the need to use this room for another purpose or with the future in mind when your tiny newborn becomes a toddler, creating a space that is flexible will save you time and money. This flexibility extends to both the layout of the space, the fittings & furniture and the decor style.
Space planning can be really important to achieve this flexibility, so consider consulting an interior designer (like us!) to maximise the use of your space.
2. Storage
Like all of us, babies have stuff – LOTS of stuff! Get creative with your storage by choosing furniture that gives you options – a cot with a roll out storage box underneath, chest of drawers that can house a change mat on top, a wardrobe with adjustable shelves and rails so you can fit more in while clothes are still small.
And don’t be afraid to have some fun with your storage – their are so many amazing options available these days, from bookcases in the shape of trees to house shaped boxes for the wall, not to mention a huge number of hacks to turn simple Ikea furniture into something more special.
3. Neutral base with pops of colour
To get the most use out of your big ticket items like cots, drawers, armchairs etc… consider keeping these in a neutral colour. That doesn’t mean that everything has to be white (though white is always a winner!) – you could go with timber, pale grey or even black for something more bold.
Add colour with accessories – linen, toys, rugs, artwork, wall hangings etc… and this way, it’s quicker and easier to change the look of your nursery as your child grows (or in my case, when you’re reusing everything for baby number 2!).
4. Stylish but fun
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that a nursery has to appeal to both you and your baby. Whilst they’re young and you’re the one in there day and night feeding and changing them, it’s really important that the nursery is a space that you love. It should be calm, relaxing and inspiring, a space you’re happy spending time in.
As your child grows and becomes more aware of their surroundings, it’s time to introduce more of the fun element – colours they love, toys they’re interested in, pictures that excite and stimulate them.
Here’s some of my favourite looks to get you started. If you’d like some help planning your nursery or kids room, please feel free to get in touch – we’d love to help!
A simple monochrome scheme is stylish and offers flexibility as your little one grows
Bright colours have lots of impact and add a sense of fun
Pastel colours and some unique storage combine to create a gorgeous space
A fantastic way to turn a simple chest of drawers into something more exciting
Simple stickers turn Ikea drawers from plain to personalised
This nursery does double duty as a guest bedroom with sofa bed and more grown up decor
A creative storage solution that doubles as decoration. Image via blondeandbone