Parenting

Nursery Trend Update: Think Outside The Crib

Posted: 12/5/2010

Bold colors and patterns and convertible furniture combine to create the perfect nursery.

(NAPSI) - Blues and pinks are no longer the only choices on the color palette when preparing a new baby’s room. Expectant parents are designing nurseries that create a whimsical, imaginative living space perfect for a newborn, while incorporating elements that are easily changeable and can grow with a child.

“Babies grow quickly, so choose colors, decor and furniture that will grow with them,” suggests Christiane Lemieux, founder and creative director of DwellStudio and DwellStudio for Target. “I find it is easiest to start by selecting nursery bedding and then to design the room around that choice.”

As a designer and mother of two, Lemieux has had plenty of firsthand experience with planning decor for a baby’s room. She believes the nursery is the perfect room to experiment with a variety of patterns, colors and textures.

Make a statement with patterns

Nursery bedding has evolved from frilly and formal to cozy and chic; try patterns to help add charm and character to a room. Taking a cue directly from the runways, girls’ nurseries are all about modern florals this season. For boys, setting a scene is a great way to anchor the room. Try something unexpected, such as the DwellStudio for Target traffic crib bedding set, and use accessories to play on that theme. Robust, graphic imagery throughout the room is a wonderful way to tell a story and bring the nursery to life.

Add a splash of color

Use colors on walls and with accessories to accent a distinctive design. Pure, clean hues such as rosy pinks and soft yellows are the colors of the moment for girls, accented by great neutrals or bright color pops. For boys, try a soothing mix of blues and grays. Lemieux recommends adding a plush rug to pull in color and to add a cozy soft touch to the nursery.

Furniture that lasts

When buying furniture, select options that grow as your baby does and provide you with more than one use. Great options include a crib that transforms into a toddler bed and a changing table that easily turns into a dresser. Investing in pieces that serve multiple purposes over the years will save you money in the long run.

“I strive to create quality nursery items at prices that are perfect for a new parent’s pocketbook,” says Lemieux. “There are so many great options today when it comes to decorating a functional yet trendy nursery, but it also needs to be affordable.”

To check out Lemieux’s collection for Target and more great products for the nursery, visit www.Target.com.