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Room for Baby to Grow
A Nursery with Lasting Appeal
By Jacqueline Rupp
- Sizable Storage Piece: "Instead of having a traditional changing table, many of today's are dressers with the changing table built right in," Blum says. "Once the changing table is no longer needed, you either remove the top portion or, in many cases, turn the table upside down and it becomes a standard chest of drawers."
Cooper suggests another alternative to the standard changing table. "Another very versatile piece of furniture is a chest and hutch that acts as a changing table and then becomes a bookcase and storage when the changing table is no longer needed," she says. "This is another piece that can grow with your child."
- Bookcase: "When the baby's book selection is still small, use fabric-lined baskets on the bookshelves and fill them with socks, hair bows, hats, Q-tips, lotions, baby toys, etc.," says Blum. "Then as your toddler grows and the book collection grows, replace the baskets with a library of books."
Cooper also suggests getting bold with bursts of color. "Today, all shades of green and yellow are being used," she says. "Primary colors are always in style and work well as a child grows."
"Bright citrus colors are hot," adds Blum. "Consider bright turquoise paired with orange, deep violet with sage green [or] turquoise with lime green."
Have to have that girly pink or baby blue? Blum suggests turning those pastels into sophisticated accent colors by adding some rich chocolate brown or black in the furniture, paint and fabric.
"Consider a French countryside theme with vivid tones of navy blue, red and gold, luxurious fabric and a Louis XVI chair instead of a traditional rocking chair along with an antique armoire used as a changing station," says Blum
Go "old world" with Italian-inspired d袯r. Blum lists warm golden color-washed walls, a black iron crib and warm terra cotta accents as key ways to achieve this look.
Want to give your baby girl a truly romantic haven? Try Blum's idea of a "sumptuous" Victorian space with lots of florals, lace and clean, white furniture. Add some ornate details such as crown molding and carved mirrors and frames.
Consider an Asian-inspired room. Sleek dark wood toned furnishings and light colored walls would provide the bold contrast of colors that appeal to young infants and parents alike. "Add bamboo window shades and a lantern-style lamp and you have a serene and very sophisticated room," says Blum.
Another idea, Blum says, is to go vintage and use prints and styles that were standard childhood d袯r years ago. Charming cotton print fabrics paired with vintage furniture will create a time-tested and inviting atmosphere for all.
"Don't hesitate to mix and match fabric patterns and textures to create your own special look," says Blum. "A baby might not be able to see colors and patterns as well at first, but a baby's sense of touch is up to adult levels from birth. Babies enjoy a variety of textures such as silk and velvet. Use these throughout the nursery for their tactile and visual appeal."
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