Design a gender neutral nursery
Look anywhere these days and there is a definite trend towards designing a nursery that caters for boy or girl - a gender neutral nursery.
ABOVE: Soft ivory and sage green combined with the dark colour of the cot create a modern nursery that is refreshing and calming for both you and baby.
While many parents can't wait to design their nursery based on the gender of their expected child, others prefer to wait for life's ultimate surprise. Not knowing whether you're having a boy or girl can make decorating a challenge, but designing a gender neutral nursery is also great fun. The decision to wait creates an intimacy between the parents and an array of opportunities for your special nursery.
ABOVE: Muted shades of taupe, blue and ivory are perfect for boys and girls and add cottage chic elegance to a nursery.
First Thing's First
Before beginning to design or renovate your nursery, find a starting place. Parents often choose a colour palette or intriguing fabric to create this most special space. But before you get wrapped up in deciding on a theme for your gender-neutral nursery - wait until after the baby is born when it will be easier to choose a theme based upon your growing baby’s personality.
ABOVE: Childhood favourites such as nursery rhymes and playful animals like bunnies, teddy bears and jungle themes are not gender specific and allow you to introduce some of your own favourite childhood items into your baby's little world.
Giving the walls a soft wash of neutral colour is the first place to start. The most popular colours at the moment are ivory, buttery yellow, sandy beige, light sage green or a soft grey.
ABOVE: Grey is one of the trendiest colours for a nursery, especially when combined with just the right amount of a buttery yellow to add warmth and softness to the room.
ABOVE: Soft mint, taupe, and white colour scheme work well in a gender neutral nursery.
Adding furniture
Shop for furniture that will work well for a boy or girl, and do consider dual-purpose furniture that easily converts into big kid furniture when needed. Natural wood or dark wood tones are ideal, as well as painted furniture, as long as it is a neutral colour such as green, taupe or ivory.
ABOVE: Taupe and cream are warm, welcoming colours that work with in a gender neutral nursery. You can easily introduce accessories in almost any shade for small splashes of bold colour.
All the trimmings
Next, turn to fun fabrics to add interest to your design. Pair cheerful toile, colourful paisley, or gingham fabrics with plush chenille when selecting crib bedding and upholstered furnishings.
Don't shy away from mixing multiple fabrics. You can use different fabric combinations as another opportunity to be daring with your decorating.
ABOVE: A beautiful example of a gender neutral colour palette. Featuring shades of grey, pale yellow, and green, this bedding set is adorned with a variety of unique patterns.
It is important to keep the evolution of your nursery in mind and remember that there will be ample time to make adjustments in the coming months. You have many opportunities to modify this space with the addition of furnishings and accessories after your baby is happily at home.
ABOVE: A colourful bedding set featuring fun and cheerful animals will is ideal for a gender neutral nursery that needs colour.
Focus on creating a space that is comfortable for you and cozy for your baby—there will always be time for the details. You can later add gender-appropriate accents with lampshades, wall art, picture frames, or pillows.
Create surroundings that speak to the love in your heart, and in turn speak to your child. Memories created in this room will remain with both of you for a lifetime.
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