Why settle for humdrum and expected pale blue or yellow when it comes to outfitting your new little man's nursery? Warm, rich tones and quirky themes are a hot trend right now for baby rooms. Try some of these on for size if you're at a loss for ideas:
1. Funky Monkey: Nothing brings on a smile like a whimsical monkey theme. Don't just play it safe with a traditional jungle look sporting predictable trees and vines, but get cheeky with a retro sock monkey look that is all the rage right now instead. Hang a cool monkey paper mobile from the ceiling over the changing table to catch your tot's eye, too.
Monkey Nursery Bedding
2. French Blue and Chocolate Brown: This color combination is far from over when it comes to nursery trends. The beauty of this chic design is that it doesn't appear to have a theme and works well with the rest of your house without the jarring look of an overt baby room. It's a sophisticated palate that can look regal when done with a thick stripe or harlequin pattern; or fanciful with a pattern of neat circles or squares. Either way, you'll have a timeless design that can grow beyond the baby years.
3. Nautical: We're not talking about cheesy ship wheels and trout here. We mean a stylish palate of saturated jewel blue and red tones balanced by crisp white walls. Think of cottage Americana that reflects that classic Ralph Lauren look. If you're a renter and your landlord doesn't allow you to paint, this nursery theme is a sure-fire winner because it balances so well with a neutral background. Curtains that have pointed ends and look like boat flags are a charming touch. Celeb dad Jason Priestly and his wife, Naomi, recently went for the nautical look in their son's room knowing that it would grow with him.
What's out:
Characters: Forget Disney and other such blatant TV cartoon themes that your child will quickly outgrow. This look is just plain tacky and passé.
Loud Bedding: If you already have a solid theme in place, keep some areas of the nursery more neutral so that that the entire room doesn't scream: THEME! A beautiful chenille blanket in a solid color draped over the back of the rocker can ground the room and keep you and baby warm while nursing.
Matchy-Matchy Furnishings: Avoid a suite of furniture that looks like you bought it in a set. Go for a wood bureau that your son can use as he gets older, but couple it with a beautiful crib in distressed black or even iron if you've got the budget for it. When your child is ready for a big-boy bed, you can coordinate a headboard that goes with what you already have. This will give the room an overall look that the furniture has been collected through time instead of picked straight out of a catalog.