5 Easy Steps to a Spectacular Neutral Nursery
The post is all about how we decorated our neutral nursery. Here are some simple and inexpensive tips to have your own neutral nursery!
Here are some amazing ideas for a neutral look or color scheme and some great tips if you’re looking for gender neutral nursery ideas and neutral nursery decor.
A nursery for most expecting women is probably one of the most exciting parts of becoming a mother. For me on the other hand I just sort of forgot about it! YOU might be thinking how could you possibly but the truth is for me it did and for reasons, I’ll share in a bit. Ok, I did paint the nursery and added a crib but I stopped there.
I followed a fantastic sleep schedule with Will (Moms on Call) which required the crib to be solely a place to sleep; with no entertainment. No stuffies, lights, mobiles… nothing. Just the crib, a sheet, and a sound machine. So, his room which I thought would be well occupied became a place just for him to sleep and a place I did not spend much time in and sort of blocked out of my mind as far as design went.
Probably because of the reasons above his room then became a sort of dumping ground too. When Will was about two and became more playful (not just a sleeping, eating, and crying machine) I knew I had to do something. I wanted a fresh, neutral, and minimal space on a budget
1. Empty the Room
The first thing I did was completely empty the baby’s nursery. I cleared everything out and used it as an opportunity to purge and sort. This was a key and crucial first step. The key to a light and minimal space is to be just that… minimal LOL!
This was the perfect opportunity to sort through what I was going to keep and what was outdated or outgrown.
2. Sort by Color
I also used it to see what I already had available to use in the new room, Since I wanted a completely neutral room with some pops of bright colors as I was emptying and sorting I pulled and separated everything in that color palate. I pulled everything that was light wood, ivory, black, and a few pops of orange. You can see in the photo above a random light I had purchased and put away. It started the “neutral fibers” LOL!!! Here is the link for said light
Not much pulls a room together more than color!
3. Find simple pieces that will last through developmental stages
I found these simple wall shelves from amazon but most of everything in the room I found around the house.
4. Remember this is a kid’s room so hang things at their level
Remember you are designing for a child so I try to hang things at his eye level.
Another thing I wanted was to give Will his “spaces” in the room. A cute desk or reading nook with everything at his eye level and reach.
5. Think bold colors!!!
While I wanted light and neutral the room needed something with PUNCH!! and this rug was it!! Grounding everything together with a large bold geometric rug holds the whole room together and gives plenty of space to play on the floor. This rug is wool and while more costly it will stand the test of time, even with the bold patterns
An accent wall is a great idea to add classic color I love a green wall!! I think a darker tone wall or a dark olive green wall for example with all light wood tones is a perfect neutral baby nursery! Team Green!! LOL
6. Natural materials
When looking at any nursery theme, especially a gender-neutral theme, we would be remiss if we didn’t consider the texture, natural materials, and natural elements. They are a great way to give that interior designer look!
I personally am not a fan of wall decals but I love natural wool wall hanging!! Plus, it can transition into another space if need be in the future! It’s a great opportunity to give more character.
I have a friend who wanted a woodland-themed nursery for their baby girl and adding natural materials with earthy tones and warm neutrals were such an easy way to have a theme and not be so overt. The same goes with beach themes, jungle themes or hunting themes or any “nature” theme LOL! It’s a different way to have a gender-neutral nursery design
With the white walls it allows the subtle hues, neutral colors, and small pops of color to shine
Here are the links to items from Will’s room and a few more favorites all from Amazon!
Metal Dining Chair- It may not seem like a likely nursery item but I love having this simple black chair against the nursery wall next to the peg rack. It’s so wonderful having a little spot to sit or quickly pull up as an impromptu table. Plus, they are great pieces to transition at some point into other areas of the house
Accordion Wall Peg Rack This little wall rack is just so simple and cute. I have it hung not far off the ground so as the wee one gets a little older they can hang up their clothes
Large unstuffed ottoman- Okay, this is probably my favorite!! Yes, it’s a great ottoman but why “unstuffed”? Well, because you “stuff” it with all the stuffies that otherwise are lying around
Large Black and white wool rug- This rug is so great, it’s so solid in construction that I just know it will last a long time plus the pattern is so bold yet neutral. It’s a great anchor for the space
Hatch Plus Gen 2– This sound machine is probably one of the most important items we had in the nursery (even when it wasn’t decorated.) It is so soothing and has a great nightlight plus you can change the colors to indicate the time to wake up or stay asleep which is amazing for sleep training
Blackout curtains Black out curtains are an absolute must! The fabric on these is so nice
Leather and wood floating shelves These are probably one of my favorite items!!
Modern crib This crib with its clean lines is so solid and neutral, it really balances the space.