Nursery Ideas that Grow

Comfy Corner

For those endless nights of rocking Baby to sleep, invest in a comfortable glider. This model has a built-in recliner, so a space-hogging ottoman isn't needed. Have a shelf or small table within reach of the chair for a spot to rest an empty bottle and favorite nighttime books.

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Castles in the Air

Fairy tales come alive in this regal room, fit for royalty. Black and white accents are richly sophisticated, and doses of cotton candy pink are the epitome of girly. The color combination is suited for a nursery and can be adapted over the years as your princess grows.

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Toddler Years

This bedroom relies on multipurpose furniture to move the child from baby to toddler stages. A crib from baby days was converted into a daybed. What was once a changing station is now a desk, the perfect size for coloring. Using convertible furniture not only saves money, but it also provides familiarity for a growing child.

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Changing Time

Diaper changing will consume a lot of your time as a new parent. Having a well-stocked changing area will save time and prevent hassles. Here, a simple changing table is outfitted with drawers and a cabinet to stock extra diapers, lotions, and wipes. Caddies for diapers and supplies hang on a pegboard above to keep all the necessities close at hand. A few favorite toys close by keep a squirmy baby distracted.

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Kid-Friendly

For a traditional room like this one, hardwood floors would complete the look. But for exploring babies and toddlers, a soft pile carpet is much more comfortable to scoot around on. Consider wall-to-wall carpeting or a large area rug. Look for carpet that is especially durable and stain-resistant to stand up to wear and tear.

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Animal Pals

Animal-theme rooms are favorites for both boys and girls. White furniture and green walls are gender-neutral. Cute animals on bedding, walls, and other accents will appeal to both genders and are are age-appropriate for newborns and toddlers alike.

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Customized Changing Station

Outfit your nursery's changing area with all you need to make diaper changing and getting ready a breeze. Here, a hamper and diaper pail are placed next to the station. The changing table itself has space to store diapers and other supplies, as well as a designated spot for the all-important diaper bag.

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Styled to the Ceiling

Not a fan of pastels? Break away from the traditional nursery look with a dose of modern style. This nursery uses trendy chocolate brown on the walls and ceiling. An accent wall is done up in a cool-hued checkerboard pattern. Make room-size artwork by affixing geometric wood cutouts to the ceiling.

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Chic Child

This nursery goes modern with crisp white finishes and sophisticated fabrics. The chic look is perpetuated with sunny doses of sherbet orange and golden yellow. A tall bookshelf is a sleek space to store everything from toys to linens. When using such a lofty unit, ensure that is not too top-heavy or wobbly, which could cause tipping. Remember curious toddlers might try to pull themselves up by hanging on to the shelf.

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Boys Will Be Boys

Welcome home a baby boy with a green, blue, and brown nursery. The color scheme takes its cue from the shades in the fun, swirly area rug. The hues are applied in small doses, but they create a big impact. Letters spelling out Baby?s name are decorated with colorful patterns. The color trio makes a splash on Roman shades, which are made of heavy fabric to darken the room for bedtime.

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Pink, Updated

Pink is the go-to shade for a girl's nursery. Put your own twist on the classic by using a more intense fuchsia. And rather than being the main color, it takes a backseat to yellow in this space. Temper a bright color combination by using doses of white on furniture and trim.

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Trendsetter

Provide a future fashionista with a sophisticated first bedroom. Walls striped in two tones of pink are paired with bright orange fabrics. Look for durable fabrics with modern prints for both practicality and style. For a one-of-a-kind look, add an unexpected element, such as the round cherry-finish crib and cherry-finish curtain rod seen here.

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Added Features

Supplied with all the necessities, this changing station has a few upgrades, too. A light is mounted under the shelf to illuminate the area -- perfect for nighttime diaper changes when the overhead light might be too harsh for a groggy baby (or mommy!). A mirror is another unexpected touch, as babies love to look at their own reflections.

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Layering Technique

Having soft flooring is comfortable for playing and learning to walk and crawl. Here, hardwood floors are cushioned with a large, room-size area rug. A smaller decorative rug is placed over the first rug as an accent. And babies will love looking at the colorful images on a fun rug.

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Sunny Spring Day

Capture the warmth and brightness of a spring day with a cheery color palette of yellow, blue, and green. Ruffled curtains and floral prints add a gardenlike look. An antique crib fits with the traditional look of the room. When using antique furniture in a nursery, ensure it is sturdy and free of potentially toxic finishes, such as lead paint.

Copyright © 2009 Meredith Corporation.

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