Babies are certainly aware of their surroundings. But those walls and accessories don’t have to be babyish.<\/p>\n
Here are 7 modern ideas:<\/p>\n
1. Buy Grown Up Furniture<\/b><\/p>\n
![\"modern](\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/movoto-foundation\/Foundation+Articles\/2016\/02\/7-modern-nursery-ideas-insider-tips-ahead-of-the-trends\/7-modern-nursery-ideas-insider-tips-ahead-of-the-trends-1a.jpg\" "\\"modern")
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The most important pieces you can put in your child’s room may well be a large lounge chair and ottoman. You’ll use it immediately for nightly feedings, and later as a comfortable place to read stories together. An older child will love curling up in a “big chair” to dream or to play with the puppy. Later, it becomes a perfect spot for relaxing\u00a0with a soda and a snack.<\/p>\n
2. Multi-Task<\/b><\/p>\n
If the room is large enough, add a daybed\u00a0or a pair of twin beds.\u00a0A crib takes only a sliver of space, and is only used for a sliver of time. Plan ahead for the time when your baby will graduate to other sleeping arrangements; plan also for sleepover\u00a0space (or perhaps for a future sibling).\u00a0In the meantime, you’ll find a bed handy for those inevitable nights with a sick child, or even for a visit from Grandma.<\/p>\n
Use a chest of drawers or a small dresser with a pad on top\u00a0rather than a dedicated changing table. You’ll gain storage and versatility and you won’t have to buy one later. Plan ahead for homework needs: Consider a corner desk set from an office supply store. Roll-around file cabinets can be toy catchalls and the computer ell is perfect for audio-visual gear as well.<\/p>\n
3. Keep it Simple<\/b><\/p>\n
It’s your home, after all. The baby’s room doesn’t have to match totally, but it should at least be in sync with the rest of the decor. You can create a fantasy world for your infant, but chances are your baby won’t by impressed! On the flip side, your sassy toddler will have no trouble telling you\u00a0that he hates<\/em> panda bears or that her favorite colors are black, purple and orange, but definitely not<\/em> pink and lavender. If you create a relatively neutral shell<\/a> for your child, you can indulge some of those whims for your little buckaroo or budding gymnast through bedding and accessories.\u00a0Take the little decorator shopping with you. You’ll both have fun and you’ll\u00a0retain your sanity.<\/p>\n 4. Teach Geometry<\/b><\/p>\n Geometric shapes and graphic prints always look fresh and new. Rather than painting an underwater wonderland or a jungle scene on your walls, think about geometric color blocks, or a wall of abstract designs. You can accomplish the same thing with strippable wallpaper on a single wall. Or simply add graphic punch with oversize prints on draperies or\u00a0a wild animal print rug. Another option is to buy large canvases from an art supply store: Simply spray paint them in neon-bright colors and hang them as\u00a0great, cheap art. Paint stripes or graphic designs on the ceiling.<\/p>\n![\"modern](\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/movoto-foundation\/Foundation+Articles\/2016\/02\/7-modern-nursery-ideas-insider-tips-ahead-of-the-trends\/7-modern-nursery-ideas-insider-tips-ahead-of-the-trends-2.jpg\" "\\"modern")
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