Color in the Nursery

Go beyond baby blue and pastel pink when planning your nursery scheme -- don't be afraid to draw from whatever bold hues reflect your colorful aesthetic. (And here's a bright-color bonus: infants see dark and light contrast best, so you'll be creating a stimulating space to boot.) Check out these seven ideas for creating a vivid, playful, and totally-you nursery.

Brown? In a baby's room? We can just hear your mother-in-law now. There, calming blues and greens provide a counterpoint to earthy chocolate, and the deep walls contribute to a cozy, comfortable vibe. Mod plywood cutouts create interest in an unexpected spot -- the ceiling.

We love it when nothing matches but everything goes, like in this room, which mixes primary colors in a variety of shades and patterns.

You're having a girl, and you do love pink. Here's a way to make pink unexpected: Paint a white dresser ombr!

Blue's definitely not just for boys. Pick a soft shade of blue for the walls, then add pink accents and sweet accessories to girl it up.

If you're not sure the whole sunshine-yellow walls thing is for you, try a low-commitment way to toy with color. These multicolored drawer pulls and bright kid art add some cheer to the walls and dresser -- and can easily be undone if you change your mind.

Copyright © 2008 Parents.com.