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Bringing Home Baby
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Welcome Baby in Decorating the Perfect Nursery By Jenny Mitschelen
Hey Parents-to-be!
No doubt, you are spending your days planning the arrival of your little bundle. The most exciting part is planning that sweet space for your baby to call his or her own. Have you poured through every baby decor catalog? Trekked through the baby superstores? Are you still feeling uninspired? Think outside the box and consider these style options to give your tot a stylish arrival! As always, I recommend beginning by choosing your textiles and let the space fall into place around them. Visit a fabric store or a design professional for inspiration. Each of the following design scenarios begins with fabric!
Traditional with a Twist
If you love the classics pink or blue, but would like to add a bit of updated fun, think bold. Go for large polka dots, chevrons or another whimsical pattern on your textiles. Mix the typical baby blue or pink with chocolate brown, silver gray or even black. Continue the traditional feel by adding silver metallic elements, perhaps with the drapery rod or accessories like a piggy bank or the classic silver baby rattle.
Sophisticated Neutrals
This is an excellent option for those who don’t find out the sex of their baby before the birth. Calming creams and shades of brown create a warm elegance and work well for any style, from country to contemporary. For a current, perhaps more urban feel, try brighter whites and shades of gray from silver to gunmetal. Try one of these schemes on its own or as a subdued backdrop for any more vibrant splashes of color to be added later.
Trendy Baby
Be inspired by the most current color palettes, and you’re sure to bring a dose of unexpected style to your baby’s space. The hottest hue for 2012 is tangerine! Try pairing this vibrant redorange with navy blue or gray for a boy, pink or turquoise for a girl. Another fresh hue being seen everywhere is chartreuse. It is being spotted making a statement with just about any color it is paired with. Trendy baby’s space should have some bold pattern, like a Suzani print, a large scale lattice, ikat or quatrefoil. A hip Lucite mini table and chairs are perfect in this setting. 30 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2012