Interior designer Medina King reveals how to create an original, stylish and inspiring nursery that both you and your little one will love
The Scandinavian nursery – featuring a palette of grey, white and black with a pastel pop of blush, mustard or duck-egg blue and natural wood – is a popular choice. Pale grey or white walls can be decorated with dot or raindrop wall stickers, accompanied by charming prints or inspirational words. This modern nursery (main image) designed by blogger Stevie Maxine Watson is the perfect example – I love the backdrop of gold dots on an all-white canvas.
A more traditional nursery will always be in fashion. Using a bold hot air balloon print on the walls not only introduces a travel theme but it’s also a beautiful print for babies to focus on. You can feature balloons as a 3D mobile, hung from the ceiling or over the cot, or by using wallpaper like Lily Paulson-Ellis has in this room (above).
Nursery checklist
• Choose a comfortable nursing chair for feeding or soothing your newborn to sleep. A footstool or ottoman adds comfort for mum, too.
• Have practical and accessible storage for everything baby-related, from toiletries to clothes and cuddly toys. You’ll also need ample storage for a growing library of books.
• Invest in a cot bed that can be adjusted with your growing child. You will have to lower the bed when baby gets to the jumping and climbing stage, but these beds usually last until age five.
• Task lighting is essential for creating a mellow mood in the nursery. You can achieve this with a standalone floor lamp, a table lamp or even a wall sconce.
• You’ll be surprised at how much time is spent on the floor in a nursery, so it must be comfortable enough for ‘tummy time’ – if you don’t have carpeted floors be sure to include a large, soft rug to play on.
• Your changing mattress can be placed on the chest of drawers when baby is little, or you can buy an adaptable changing table.
Want more? Creating a healthy and harmonious nursery environment for your little one in five easy steps
