A strong starting point for designing your baby's nursery is choosing a theme. Spot a charming rug or print that sparks joy? Or browse your local library, bookstore, or stationery shop for ideas. Inspiration is everywhere—you just need to know where to look.
Once your theme is set, select a color palette. Research shows newborns primarily perceive black, white, and red. Yet, most parents opt for softer hues in a nursery. Aim for versatility: a space that suits this baby, future siblings, and even older children as they grow.
In this setup, fabrics like toile, gingham, and ticking add texture. Walls are painted in a gentle green drawn from the carpet's tones—a nod to nature, bringing the outdoors in. After the base coat dries fully (at least 24 hours), use painter's tape for 12-inch stripes. For subtlety, apply high-gloss in the same shade on alternating stripes, or lighten the green (by mixing in white to drop two shades) with a glossy finish for tactile contrast.
Tucked behind a jutting wall? A delightful discovery: the ground-floor fireplace chimney. Remove the drywall to reveal the brick. In a French-inspired nursery, soften it with dry brushing—a 50-50 mix of white latex paint and water lightens the surface while letting red undertones peek through.
The brick stops an inch above the floor. To hide the gap, build beefier trim: stack two layers of 1-by-6-inch lumber between the original and a wider baseboard for depth. Add taller molding behind, conceal joints with crown molding, and finish with narrow base shoe. The result? Substantial, authentic-looking trim that feels original to the home.
