You're expecting! As you and your partner begin your journey into the world of parenthood, there seem to be millions of thoughts and dreams going through your head.

Visions of a beautiful room to welcome your baby home come to your mind the minute you hit a local baby store. I remember when my husband and I began to look for nursery items for our baby when I was a few months along. I thought I had some of the most perfect ideas for a nursery, and as I surveyed the store, my eyes immediately became fixed on the crib of my dreams. No sooner than I found it was I then brought crashing straight back down to reality when I looked at the price tag on the crib. I questioned myself then, "Can a nursery be created on a budget?" You bet!

Planning ahead of time is essential when you're expecting, especially when it comes to decorating a nursery room for a newborn. An open discussion of the type of room you want to create and how much you want and have to spend is one of the first things couples should have before anything is said and done. With some smart planning, budgeting and a little creativity on your part, you too can create a warm, beautiful environment for your baby just like those you see in the magazines and in your dreams.

Soft colors for a calming room will soothe a newborn and her parents, as you too will spend many a night in the nursery along with Baby. If you are not sure if you're expecting a boy or a girl, simple colors such as white, cream and yellow can act as your canvas, then you can add color once your little one arrives. These soft colors are often preferred among many parents, explains Sherri Blum, a certified interior decorator/artist and owner of Jack and Jill Interiors in Westminster, Md., because they often want to create a "soft, serene environment for their baby. This is comforting to both baby and parents," she says.

Whimsical and magical themes can be created through wallpaper borders, which are usually found in home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's. Retail giant Target has recently started offering a new line of wallpaper cutouts called Wallies, which retail for less than $10 for a standard packet of 25 cutouts. Simply wet the back of each cutout and put them up wherever you plan to use them.

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