The Dark Side of Designing a Nursery and How to Make it Work

In theory, creating a nursery should be simple: just pick a theme, choose a cot, and add some wall art. But in reality, it’s no easy task. You can find inspiration in all corners of the internet and read up on all kinds of blogs and guides but at the end of the day, it’s about what suits you, your lifestyle, and your home. Besides, it’s important to remember that Instagram and Pinterest posts are staged; behind the perfect pictures is chaos and the reality that parenting isn’t perfect or easy.

Forget the Rulebook & Skip the Stress

There’s no universal formula for creating a “perfect” nursery. Every baby, home, budget, and parenting style is different. What works for one person may not work for you, and vice versa. This is what makes designing a nursery a personal, albeit stressful, experience.

The first thing you need to do is ditch the idea of perfect. Your nursery needs to function for you; it doesn’t need to look like it belongs in a catalogue. The easiest thing to do once you’ve thrown perfection out the window is to focus on the basics. Think about where the baby will sleep, be fed, and be changed. Once you’ve got those in place, decorating should be a bit easier and far more enjoyable.

Don’t forget about making a checklist (or three). They’re a great way to manage the overwhelming amount of work you need to do, giving you back some control and helping you keep track of tasks. An idea for three lists could include: Must-Haves (cot, changing area), Nice-To-Haves (nursing chair, shelves, mobile), and Dream Items (like that £700 designer wallpaper you love but don’t need).

Plus you don’t need to get everything immediately; some items can wait until your baby actually needs them. Saving you some time and money!

Be Inspired, Not Pressured

Pinterest boards and Instagram reels can be double-edged swords. They’re brilliant sources of inspiration, helping you discover colour palettes, layout ideas, and handy hacks. But they can also create unrealistic expectations, such as picture-perfect nurseries, as you’ll be sitting there comparing an empty space to a staged and professionally photographed nursery.

The best tactic is to use inspiration to guide your tastes, helping you narrow down your styles and wants. But remember to be realistic. Don’t copy what you’ve seen, instead pick out the elements that catch your eye; maybe you’ve fallen in love with a room because you’re drawn to the calming paint colour or traditional herringbone flooring more than you are to the decoration and furniture.

Easier Decisions to Start With

Not everything is difficult when it comes to designing a nursery. Some parts can be nice and straightforward. For example, choosing materials. You’ll want to look for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin for bedding and curtains. Choosing non-toxic paints and VOC-free finishes on walls and furniture is the healthiest option for your baby (and home). Flooring is another crucial element to consider. Something easy to clean and durable like luxury vinyl tiles are great as they’re also comfortable underfoot, especially when paired with a cosy rug for tummy time.

Don’t forget about storage! You’ll thank yourself at 2am when you can easily find clean clothes in the dark because you thought ahead with your storage locations and accessibility.

Thinking Beyond the Baby Years

Babies grow. Fast. One minute your baby is tiny, the next they’ve outgrown all the clothes you’ve bought them. And while it can be very tempting to go all in with a pink room that you’ll have to repaint in a few years. Instead, keep the future in mind with your design.

Think adaptability and flexibility. A neutral wall colour, timeless furniture, and modular storage can adapt as your child grows up. If you’re not keen on a neutral palette, you can filter colours in through decoration or you can choose colours that are gender-neutral; it might be best to avoid the stereotypical blue for boys and pink for girls.

Final Thoughts

There’s no escaping the emotional highs and decision fatigue that comes with designing a nursery. But it’s okay if it doesn’t all come together immediately. It’s okay to change your mind. And it’s okay if it isn’t a replica of the mood board you pinned at 2am during your third trimester. As long as you remember these, then designing a nursery doesn’t need to be overwhelming or unnecessarily complicated.

Author Bio:

Sophie Marlowe is a digital content writer and outreach executive for Luxury Flooring. She specialises in crafting engaging blogs on home improvement and home decor with a focus on flooring. Sophie writes handy how-tos, easy guides, and helpful comparisons, letting the reader be informed and inspired to take their home to the next level.