After some much needed time away, I’m back to talk to you all about Gender Neutral Nurseries! My husband and I are expecting our 2nd child this summer, and we’ve decided to wait to discover the gender of the baby. But here’s the thing, I’m a planner. I like to know everything and I hate surprises. The fact that I don’t know if my baby is going to be a boy or a girl gives me the worst anxiety because I don’t know how to plan for this baby. What could I re-use from my daughter’s nursery and what I’ll have to buy again? I’ll guess I’ll have to wait to see. My husband thinks we should have fun with it, and I’m going to go against my grains and follow his lead. So let’s dive into what goes into a gender neutral nursery…
This nursery could easily be used as a gender neutral nursery by adding all the basic furniture and keeping it neutral, and later adding the pink or blue by accessorizing. Accessories that could be kept for decorating after the baby is born are artwork, mobile, rug, blankets, figurines, drapery and pillows. Having your basics is the main and important thing. If you’re not all that patient, then try to look for pieces that coordinate and have a general theme.
When I originally posted this, I think just about everyone thought we were having a boy. I designed for a boy but I can dress it up for a girl if we have a girl. Here’s a good example of how it can be done:
You’re starting with the larger pieces, neutralizing them, and following them up with accessories of pink or something a bit more girl-like.
Here’s how to dress it up for a boy:
Keeping the blues in order while tossing in some character and details to the design.
Crib | Wicker Basket Planter | Faux Olive Leaf Tree | Blue Dresser | Mirror | Star Mobile | Drapery Rod | Rocking Chair | Ottoman | Table Lamp | Floor Lamp | Rug | Wall Art | Wall Art Frames | Wicker Wall Art | Changing Pad Cover | Pink Drapery | White Photo Frame | Plush Bunny | Vase | End Table | Hanging Wall Shelves
Crib | Wicker Basket Planter | Faux Olive Leaf Tree | Blue Dresser | Mirror | Star Mobile | Rocking Chair | Ottoman | Table Lamp | Floor Lamp | Wall Art Frames | Wicker Wall Art | White Photo Frame | Plush Bunny | Vase | End Table | Hanging Wall Shelves | Rug | Fox Pillow | Changing Pad Cover | Blanket |
Ask Key Questions
I always begin by asking my clients what they envision for their child. Would you like the room to feel welcoming? Would you like it to feel calm and collective? What would you like the focal point of the nursery to be? What’s the real vision? Everyone always seems to have a different answer to these questions. Remember that there are no right or wrong answers. It’s all up to my clients and what they want for their baby. In most cases and even in my case, parents like to re-use their 1st or 2nd child’s crib, and that’s totally okay. I work my way around the crib.Gathering Inspiration
One thing that I have come across throughout experience is that inspiration is key. Gathering inspiration helps me as the designer to create a visual for the client that represents the inspiration. I don’t necessarily like to “copy” the inspiration, but I like to include what catches the eye of the parents. Inspiration is the best way to begin a story. Bring the inspiration to the table and talk about what you love, what you hate and what you would change. Then ask yourself why. Why do you love this? Why do you hate that? Why do you want to change this or that? And what would you change about this or that? Be sure to write down all of your answers. Your answers will help guide you in the right direction of what you’re looking for and how you will execute the job best.Shop It Out
Begin by finding the large pieces, accessories should come last. When you’re looking for large pieces, keep in mind the color and pattern scheme. Focus on finding dark and light colors that coordinate so that you have a contrast. I always like to find a rug for my clients that have a random pattern. Why? Because let’s face it, babies are messy. They poop and they spit up quite a bit. The least attractive thing is to have a spit up or poop stain on the rug that’s actually visible. Most random patterned rugs are good for hiding stains. Try not to blow your budget on one piece of furniture. There are plenty of ways to make the space look amazing without having that $1,000 crib. It’s truly not necessary to splurge unless you have a much larger budget. Also try to have a realistic budget. Baby stuff is expensive and the majority of it is a total waste of money because you’ll use something for a couple months and then it’s on to the next thing. If you play your cards right, you’ll save yourself a ton of money. One thing that I noticed about doing a gender neutral nursery is that it is easiest to plan for a boy, and throw in some pink if you end up having a girl. Take a look at the example photo below designed by Lexi Grace Design.
This nursery could easily be used as a gender neutral nursery by adding all the basic furniture and keeping it neutral, and later adding the pink or blue by accessorizing. Accessories that could be kept for decorating after the baby is born are artwork, mobile, rug, blankets, figurines, drapery and pillows. Having your basics is the main and important thing. If you’re not all that patient, then try to look for pieces that coordinate and have a general theme.
Re-Create Your Inspiration With Your Own Flare
The nursery that Lexi Grace Design designed became my inspiration for a beautiful nursery. From dark and light contrasting colors to throwing in some pink for a girl, or blue for a boy. I love the boho-chic look, which is so different than what I had done for my daughter Paityn’s bedroom, but that’s okay! Paityn’s bedroom was very whimsical, and I’m looking for more of a bold/diverse design for this baby. Here’s what I came up with:
When I originally posted this, I think just about everyone thought we were having a boy. I designed for a boy but I can dress it up for a girl if we have a girl. Here’s a good example of how it can be done:
You’re starting with the larger pieces, neutralizing them, and following them up with accessories of pink or something a bit more girl-like.
Here’s how to dress it up for a boy:
Keeping the blues in order while tossing in some character and details to the design.
Do the Work
Finally, do the work. I can’t even begin to tell you how many of my consult clients don’t measure before they purchase a product. You have to measure to make sure the item will fit through the doorway, and also to ensure the item will fit correctly in the space alongside the other pieces of furniture. The best way to do this is to use painters tape and tape out the flooring and areas of the walls to the correct measurements of the furniture and artwork. Some stores don’t always allow returns so be careful and know return policies upon purchasing your products! Last but not least, have fun with it! This time is supposed to be blissful and exciting. Stressing out over your baby’s nursery is really not necessary. Remember that typically in the first 3 months after the baby is born, they sleep in your room. So don’t overwhelm yourself! It will get done in time, and I’m here if you need some help! Check out my packages and send me a message if you’d like to know more and want to get started!SHOP THE LOOK:
Crib | Wicker Basket Planter | Faux Olive Leaf Tree | Blue Dresser | Mirror | Star Mobile | Drapery Rod | Rocking Chair | Ottoman | Table Lamp | Floor Lamp | Rug | Wall Art | Wall Art Frames | Wicker Wall Art | Changing Pad Cover | Pink Drapery | White Photo Frame | Plush Bunny | Vase | End Table | Hanging Wall Shelves
Crib | Wicker Basket Planter | Faux Olive Leaf Tree | Blue Dresser | Mirror | Star Mobile | Rocking Chair | Ottoman | Table Lamp | Floor Lamp | Wall Art Frames | Wicker Wall Art | White Photo Frame | Plush Bunny | Vase | End Table | Hanging Wall Shelves | Rug | Fox Pillow | Changing Pad Cover | Blanket | 
