There are so many things to consider when you’re designing your baby’s nursery. Do you want it to be gender specific? Do you want furniture that will grow with your child? Are you on a tight budget? Is it a small space?

*** Psst – There’s info about a giveaway at the very bottom of this post***

I’ll stop there. It can be definitely be overwhelming, so I’m here to help. To get you thinking about your nursery, let’s break your design down into three parts.

Step One: Floor Plan

Before you decide on a colour or finishes for your room, it’s important to consider the space that you’re working with. If you have a small nursery (like I do), I’d suggest avoiding heavy and bulky furniture items. This means opting for a crib that has thin spindles and sleek lines. Keep this in mind when shopping for your dresser and glider as well. The bigger the furniture, the smaller your room will feel.

The only item this does not apply to is your area rug. I love the look of a layered rug to make a room feel cozy. There are some fantastic washable options for kids that you can literally throw right in the washing machine. I then like to ground the space with a large neutral rug. This can add texture and warmth to the nursery.

FUN TIP: You can use green painter’s tape to measure out the furniture you’re sourcing. It will help give you an idea of how everything will fit.

Step Two: Colour

When it comes to the colour of your space, I’ve got a great rule for you to apply. I call it the 60-30-10 rule. Basically, 60% will be your primary colour. For example, let’s choose white (I love a neutral white wall for any space). Then, you’d choose a secondary colour for your 30% – let’s choose pink – and, lastly, your ‘accent’ – which is your 10% – which could be green. I know this sounds like a strange combination, but if you look at my nursery for Evie, that’s exactly what I’ve done. This is a great colour theory for any room in your home. Also, keep in mind, when it comes to colour, you don’t have to go crazy with your paint selection. Stick to areas that you can change easily. Crib sheets are a great place to play with colour and pattern, throw blankets, pillows and even a kid-friendly rug. Bouclair has quite the selection of colourful accessories to choose from in their baby and kids line, but you can also use items from their regular line that can then grow with the space.

Step Three: Accessorize

The BIGGEST tip I can give you when it comes to accessorizing would be “don’t overdo it”. A lot of the time, people put too many ‘trinket’ items on display, which can ultimately make your space look and feel cluttered. Go for fewer items on display to finish off your nursery. For instance, I’ve decorated Evie’s nursery twice over and she’s only 6 months! Both times, I chose a single pair of shoes to have on display. Now that’s practical decor right? You can find an amazing selection at Shoe Fairy.ca. Their shoes will add style to your space while also giving stability to your child when they start walking. I also suggest artwork that isn’t just for baby. You’re the one that will be spending copious amounts of time in this space. Make it liveable and enjoyable for YOU. You don’t have to shop for art in the ‘baby’ section. Instead, purchase a piece that you love. Let me tell ya… you’ll be staring at it a lot.

Best of luck with your nursery – you’re sure to create many happy memories there! If you’re looking for more inspiration, you should come to The BabyTime Show! I’ll be on stage on Saturday, April 28th at 3:30 PM and I’d love to answer some of your questions in person.

Now for the CONTEST!!! Are YOU interested in a coaching session with Lisa Canning? This is an exclusive seminar this Friday April 27th at 8:30am. She’s giving away 5 tickets and the contest ends TONIGHT at midnight. Be sure to check out Lisa Canning on Instagram for details.

Jackie