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How to decorate for your new baby

Decorating the nursery for your unborn baby is one of the most important parts of a pregnancy. Sometimes known as 'nesting', it's a good idea to build a world for your new child which also works for you as a parent. Whilst this can be tricky when you want the sex of your baby to remain a surprise, there are many gender-neutral decorating solutions parents can apply so that you can still be ready when the time comes.

A number of factors should be considered when creating a nursery, but a good place to start is the colour scheme. The time when blue was only for boys and pink for girls has passed. Although some parents may feel happy sticking to traditions, others enjoy the freedom to choose an attractive colour which will make for pleasant surroundings, regardless of gender.

Finding a Theme
A turquoise or teal will make a cheery statement when balanced with a colour such as beige and will not look too boyish if your new arrival turns out to be a girl. If you want to play safe, just reduce the amount of colour to a few accents or paint one wall in a bright shade. An overall theme with a soothing pastel such as green or warm yellow will always work well, although obvious things to avoid might be overly feminine prints such as flowers or hearts. Find a playful abstract design to stencil or use something simple such as spots or stripes to liven up the walls.

More creative elements might also include patterned borders or children’s furniture with fun features such as painted characters or shaped fittings. You could even use the walls as a canvas and paint a mural. Animals and themed imagery - perhaps a woodland or aquatic scene - will bring some life and interest into a nursery without placing emphasis on gender. It may also be the case that you receive a lot of accessories, blankets and toys as presents so keeping the décor at a neutral level will make it easier to accommodate these.

Practical Furnishings
For the first few years of a child's life, their bedroom furniture will be used mostly by Mum and Dad, so think about storage to suit you. Natural woods such as pine are ideal for a chest of drawers or a cot, while items with a painted finish in a soft colour such as cream will fit easily into the room's décor.

Consider how much additional space you may need over time. As your child grows, so too will their wardrobe and there should always be room for bedding, towels, nappies and other supplies. A parent will spend a good deal of time in this room so you may want things such as padded or rocking chairs and extra blankets for those long nights ahead.

The main aim is to build a safe and happy environment for your son or daughter to grow up in. Starting early and being prepared for any outcome is key to avoiding unnecessary stress. Moreover, making the room really belong to your family with personal touches such as framed photos will ensure you create a welcoming space for the your new baby.