Creating Your Baby's Haven

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 May 2006 08:30 AM

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was pregnant and trying to decide on a nursery theme. But the reality is, I just got done giving my now two-year-old daughter's room a major makeover. As I described in previous articles, the decorations and furniture in her room are now more age-appropriate. Of course, I couldn't help but sigh as I pulled down the Baby Snoopy wall hangings. Yes, I chose to decorate her nursery with a mass-market theme (Baby Snoopy EVERYTHING from lamps to rugs). However, if you are looking to steer away from the commercially popular nursery themes here are some ideas to consider:

Mix It Up-Nursery themes, like Winnie the Pooh or Baby Snoopy are popular because you can easily coordinate bedding, window treatments and accessories without giving it much thought. But, if you want to achieve a free-flow nursery design try mixing and matching fabrics. Consider incorporating ginghams, plaids, prints and stripes either in one piece like a crib quilt or with accessories from rugs to lamps. Then mix textures, from cottons and flannels to terry cloth and suede. Mix it up by placing an appliquéd piece on a rocking chair covered with mini-stripes.

Add a Twist to Animal Themes-Tired of the endless variations on the Teddy Bear theme? How about a room full of zebras, lions and tigers? There are companies who have succeeded in making safari animals look sweet. Instead of bunnies and lambs, try dragonflies and ladybugs. Or ditch the duckies and go with a garden theme with frogs and butterflies.

Life Beyond Blues and Pinks-Traditionally, when you think of nurseries you think baby blues and pretty pinks. But, the color spectrum is much wider. Why not try more natural colors or a variety of different patterns? If you decided not to find out the sex of your baby prior to his/her arrival don't feel obligated to decorate with yellows or greens, instead consider a mixture of warm creams or powdery tans.

If you decide to go with a theme, avoid overkill by using a few accessories that can be changed later. In my daughter's case, Snoopy no longer hangs from her walls, but he and Woodstock still light up her room each night.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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