These 6 Expert Nursery Design Tips Will Make Your Life Easier

Mom-of-three and co-founder of Project Nursery Melisa Fluhr knows what's important when it comes to bringing your design ideas to life.

"After having two boys, I was not only ecstatic to start thinking pink, but knew it was important to look beyond cute crib bedding and focus on how I could really make my nursery design benefit me. After all, I am juggling a family of five now. Incorporating ways my new favorite room in the house could save me a few extra minutes here and there makes a world of difference."

Fluhr did it with her little Emerson Grace's room, but these keeping-mommy-in-mind bits of advice are totally gender-transparent. Click through to see her tried-and-true, parent-friendly design tips!

"Bright, upbeat and cheerful or cool, calm and collected? Now go ahead decorate accordingly. It's important to remember that the nursery is for both you and your baby. Sometimes having a room in the house all to yourselves is the oasis you long for and a bonding opportunity you'll cherish."

Fluhr chose to let soft yellow and other muted hues compliment some floral and metallic accents to create a calm, girly, and chic feel.

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"Safety comes first when planning a nursery layout; adhere to safety measures and adjust the layout accordingly by doing things like avoiding placing a crib under a window. But don't forget to take into account the room's flow!"

"Evaluate how convenient the light switch is from the crib to the changing station to the glider. Now try a dry run, in the dark, while half asleep of course! You'd be surprised at the results and may need to adjust your furniture layout as a result."

"Nobody likes to be woken up in the middle of the night with bright lights glaring. Switching to a dimmer switch to control your nursery lighting is a simple investment that will not only add ambiance, but could also afford a few more minutes of sleep when it comes to checking in on baby or late night diaper changes."

"Kids grow up way too fast! I have living proof with my older children. Investing in one to two key furniture pieces is definitely the way to go. Be mindful however, that your taste will likely change and they will develop their own opinions. Select pieces are not only well-built but versatile enough to compliment future themed rooms and color schemes."

"This next piece advice comes from a lot experience. Life is busy and it will be come even busier once your bundle of joy arrives. Thankfully, online shopping and excellent return policies from trusted retailers make creating the nursery of your dreams a whole lot easier. It's never too early to start shopping for the nursery. This way, you will have even more time to enjoy it."

Originally published in the May 2015 issue of American Baby Magazine.