Is there any other room more special to put together than a nursery? What a special time, when a new baby is about to be brought home, preparing the nursery for the new arrival is a wonderful way to celebrate the upcoming event. And no, I don't have any news to share...we have just been in quite a baby boom (or maybe it just feels that way since I am a relatively new mama!)  And we have a lot of clients focused on that perfect nursery.

The fun part about putting together a nursery these days is how the idea of what a nursery should look like has truly evolved over the last several years. Until recently, the approach would have been to visit a local baby furnishing store to select the necessary items and then add pink or blue decor to go with it all. When we started out, the trend was acres and yards of pink lace and ruffles or very stark blue that made sure all that entered knew Dad was getting his boy! While those trends have never truly gone away, new parents and designers are now expanding their options for how to pull this room together with unique style.

Among the big trends in nursery design are using furniture not specifically designed for a baby's room, to include an unusual mix of colors that defy the gender of the baby and the addition of delightful paint designs, luxurious wallpaper or wall decals. We recently seen a mixture of blue, hot pink, orange and yellow, all vibrantly perfect for the mixed set of twin that would soon be the occupants.  A wall unit, as well as a classic chair upholstered in a boldly striped fabric, could easily be found in a living room or den.

Nurseries can be accessorized with virtually any item that strikes your fancy. From a poster with inspiring words to a tray covered in a whimsical pattern. We see modern abstract art, beautiful chandeliers (with a dimmer!) and even chaise lounges are being used to furnish a nursery.

One way nurseries are embracing a look outside the typical definition for these spaces is using fabrics not necessarily associated with a baby's room. We have done roman shades created from a sophisticated yet fun fabric called Sungold. They were striking against the bright walls we paired with a charming tree mural on the wall.

A mirror is usually found in a living or dining room. It adds a big dose of sophistication, especially hung above a changing table. I actually find hanging a mirror at this particular spot amusing, what are you looking at? The terrible faces that are most likely being made while changing a diaper? My daughter particularly loved the mirror over her changing table, it occupied her, let her discover a sense of self and she became quite a charmer with her new "best friend."

Another trend in nurseries is the appearance of more simply designed cribs, changing tables and chairs. In the other direction, colors and patterns have certainly been energized! A soft gray blue wall color, your baby's name spelled out in letters and 3-D butterflies scattered around the walls are beautiful elements that could easily be in a more traditionally styled nursery. However, we suggest adding a few elements to make your nursery unique; a bubble pendant or perhaps a modern styled crib painted in an unusual shade green. When was the last time you saw a crib painted this color? These are the choices that make a nursery fresh and modern. If done well, you can expect this room to carry your baby into childhood with a few simple changes (think crib to big boy bed!)

One way you can really set your nursery apart from the next is with great wallpaper.  Wallpaper can set the tone for a simple design, reflected  the lines of the furniture and a simple yet sophisticated color palette can carry you through multiple years in your child's room turning your décor into an investment. If wallpaper is too much of a commitment, we actually now offer a temporary wallpaper. It stays as long as you want but peels off like a cling without damaging the surface. I love this for furniture, too!

The bottom line? A nursery can be as unique as you make it. Inspire your child’s imagination with a creatively designed space.  Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box with your colors and use textures that encourage your little guy’s curious nature.  You want the best for your new addition- shouldn’t his new digs be included?

--Andrea (AndreaKristofak)
Andrea is a mother of a 22-month old girl named Reese and is a member of LakeNormanMommies.
Andrea grew up in the world of Interior Design and is a partner with a well-established interior design firm. Her style tends to lean toward casual and clean lines with a hint of the beach. Andrea writes about design for multiple publications and businesses including local realtors, builders, and Carolina Bride magazine. A believer in pairing creativity and adventure, Andrea has a goal of trying at least one new thing everyday.