Creating a dream nursery for your little one is a fun and rewarding task, but with so many trends out there it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We talk to interiors lover Katie Bickers about the tips and tricks she used when designing her own nursery, and the trends she’s loving in 2021.
Katie opted for peach accessories to complement the neutral tones of the room.
You have the Silver Cross Brighton nursery collection*. What inspired your choice?
I love Scandinavian design. The Brighton nursery set is timeless because it’s simple, beautiful and finely crafted with a natural colour palette. I also think it’s quality over quantity with statement furniture pieces and the Brighton range is so beautifully made.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your nursery. What look did you want to achieve?
A dreamy Scandi room was the goal, with subtle boho accents. It needed to tie in with my Scandi home and be easy to adapt and change as Ella got older. I wanted it to look calm and fresh, so I found a soft colour accent of peach to complement the solid oak wood and white tones. It wasn’t easy to find peach accessories, but I stuck with my initial vision and took my time preparing and collecting before I started.
What’s your favourite part of the nursery?
The furniture set! It’s stylish, timeless and practical – the dresser has a removable changing table and the cot turns into a toddler bed, making it amazing value and ideal for Ella as she grows up. My favourite part to style has got to be the peg shelf - I can lose hours styling this up!
What design tips would you give to new parents planning their nursery?
Keep the walls and styling neutral and avoid any permanent features that are too baby-themed, as it will quickly need updating. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your nursery ready – give yourself time to relax before baby’s arrival.
Babies accumulate lots of belongings. What storage solutions can you recommend?
I highly recommend multi-functional furniture to save space and money. A large wooden box or bench with storage can be used as both as a toy chest and seating area, saving space and money. Cute wicker baskets look lovely in any room and can store away lots of smaller items.
What advice do you have for those with a small room or awkward space?
If your nursery has limited space, don’t cram too much in - it will make the room hard to use and feel even smaller. Think tall furniture instead of wide. Choose soft pastels or whites for your walls to open the room up. Mirrors create a sense of space and come in fun patterns and shapes for children’s rooms.
TOP TIP: A mirror opposite a window adds extra light and sparkle to a room.
A Nursery Shelf is a great place to showcase precious treasures and toys.
Avoid baby-themed decor and accessories, as your child will quickly outgrow these items.
How can parents create a long-lasting nursery that grows with their baby?
Buy furniture that adapts as baby grows like a cot to toddler bed or dresser with a removable changer top. Stick to neutrals and one accent colour. Accessories like bedding, cushions and wall art are a cost-effective way to transform a room as baby grows older.
Which colour palettes work best for a nursery?
Whites, creams, light greys, soft pinks, blues, greens and earthy tones are making a big appearance this year. Choose these shades over bold and bright colours to create a soft and tranquil vibe for baby to sleep in.
What nursery trends are we seeing for 2021 and beyond?
Neutral but earthy colours seem to be really on trend this year. Look out for rich greens to terracotta and soft browns for a more exotic, warm and comfortable feel. A modern and vintage mix is also a growing trend, with lots of designers incorporating new and old pieces into a nursery for added character. Using neutral and natural materials is also a big trend for 2021 to promote tranquillity.
Wood, cane and rattan will lend a cosy and relaxed look to a nursery – the look I’ve tried to capture within our nursery.
