From off-the-wall to on-the-wall, look to unusual places for
nursery decorating inspiration.
I've yet to find a nursery decorating book that isn't either
intensely traditional or horribly outdated. What's more, who wants their
baby's first room to look like any other baby's? This is the time to get
creative, and we are here to help you with a list of unusual places to look for
inspiration.
1) The very clothes on your back! Well, even if you
are donning maternity clothes from a few years ago, you can still check out your
fave online stores. Better yet, take a look at the shops that you find too
expensive to buy from. Perhaps a color combination or theme will catch
your eye. Love a patterned dress with contrasting sash? Then
pick out curtains with a similar pattern and tie a wide contrasting ribbon
around the middle, or sew it along the trim.
2) Fabrics - I'm not talking about your big giant chain
fabric store, though there may be a few gems there. Investigate lines
known for their trendy flair - such as Amy Butler. Don't be afraid of "grown up" fabrics - they look
wonderful in babies' rooms when paired with neutrals and pastels. Find one
pattern you love, and pull colors from it to paint the walls and/or
furniture.
3) Scrapbook paper - sounds strange, doesn't it, but take
a look at your local scrapbook store and I think you will find soon enough that
there are some gorgeous, artsy designs out there just waiting to be
replicated. The color combinations alone are worth their weight in
gold! What's more, scrapbook paper often comes in coordinating patterns,
so you can see how a small polka dot looks with a thin stripe. If you've
really got time on your hands (anyone on bedrest?), you can make a little paper
mock-up of your nursery design, complete with curtains, rug, bedding and
walls. Then go out and shop with that look in mind.
4) Visit a modern art museum - skip right past the photos
of old people smoking and move on to the graphic pieces with tons of
impact. Bright colors, simple shapes and high contrast are all attractive
to babies.
5) Take a look at what small, independent designers are
putting together for babies. From bedding to clothing to all kinds of
gear, baby products today are getting more and more hip. Small designers
have the flexibility to stay on top of trends, as well as cater to unique
styles.
Most importantly, keep your eyes open for inspiration and have
fun decorating your baby's nursery. No matter what style you choose, your
baby's first room will never be as cute as its new occupant!
Copyright Hip and Little, 2006. All rights
reserved.
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Looking to design a hip nursery? The folks at Hip and
Little have written some great tips on how to find inspiration for your baby's
first room. Check out their hot nursery
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