Home design trends are constantly changing but most of us cannot afford to update our homes every year. However, we can use ideas from the latest trends when decorating a room for the first time and then update a few things when you need to. The same goes for nursery decor and design.
You do not have to follow every trendy thing on Pinterest or Instagram but you can always choose to use what appeals to you and your family. So, if you’re setting up a nursery for your little one this year, here are a few color and design trends you might want to incorporate.
What colors should you use?
Truth be told, nurseries can use any color from black to white and everything in between. In fact, for a baby’s room, you can go all out and use color palettes you would never use in a living room or kitchen. It all depends on what you want to do in the room and how best your design or colors can achieve it. There is a trend for any style preference, from the more natural browns, greys, and latte/beige colors. Or for the more adventurous colors, like sage greens, wooden facades, etc.
Do you want a high-energy space that’s lit up in rainbow colors or a soothing neutral color palette that calms you in the middle of the night? Is your nursery just a small closet in the master bedroom or a large guest bedroom with tons of space? Will you and your baby spend a lot of time here or is it just a place to nap?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by colors, choices, and pictures on social media. A good rule of thumb is to stick to a minimal palette or start with 1 or 2 colors. You can always introduce more colors later if necessary. You should also consider using complementary or contrasting colors. A pastel color palette can mean using buttery yellows, sage green, sea blues, or soft lavender. Or you could choose a vibrant color palette with bold reds, oranges, and yellows.
You can use the same shade in different ways depending on what other colors you combine it with.
Warm, earthy colors
If you’re unsure about colors, warm earthy tones are a great place to start. Most people mistakenly think this means using beige, tan, or similar colors. But earthy colors range all the way from rusty reds to chocolate browns. These colors derive inspiration from colors you might find in nature such as fall leaves, terracotta tiles, caramel, or rich chocolate.
These colors are good on their own but you can also add on to them by layering other shades on top. For instance, a light-colored crib would work really well against a burnt orange wall. You can then add more shades of red or brown with toys, artwork, or other decor items.
Gender-neutral palettes
Another good starting point is to avoid the typical colors used for a boy or girl. Who says you have to use blue for boys and pink for girls? It makes much more sense to use colors that can adapt as your baby grows. There are so many shades out there, why restrict yourself to only 2 of them?
You can start with a neutral background for the walls and add color through decor or furniture. Cream, tan, or grey walls practically disappear into the background so that other design touches grab your attention. Neutrals also work wonderfully when it comes time to update the nursery for a toddler or older child. Just update the furniture and decor and you’re done!
Another option is to select a base color like green, navy blue, or red and use different shades. A light sage green on the walls can work with dark green curtains or an area rug. You can also add other shades of greens through potted plants or with pillows.
Use natural materials
Feeling a bit stuck on color choice? Start by considering what materials you want to use. Natural fibers like cotton, jute, and silk work wonderfully in any nursery. These materials offer many color choices and textures. Wood is always a great choice for furniture such as cribs and dressers as well.
Natural materials feel cozy and comfortable, adding warmth to any room. If your nursery does not get too much sunlight, natural materials can add much-needed warmth in winter. Adding plants throughout the room can help complete the comfortable feeling. You can hang pots from the ceiling or place them on floating shelves on the wall.
You can also use one or both Pantone colors of 2021 in the nursery. Pick between illuminating yellow (13-0647) and ultimate grey (17-5104) or just use both. Both colors work surprisingly well together or you can select other shades that are close. You can use yellow in a warm, vibrant room or combine it with greys and blues for a more relaxed atmosphere.