Making your nursery work for you: A first-time parent's guide

Decorating your baby's nursery is an exciting milestone, especially if it's your first. It's an opportunity to design a space that feels special and welcoming while also being practical for you and your little one. While getting the nursery décor right is key to creating a comforting atmosphere, the priority should always be ensuring that the room is functional and well-organised. Great nursery room design ideas can truly make a with your new daily routine.

Read our advice on how to design the perfect space that creates a perfect balance of style and functionality.

Balancing space and storage

The arrival of a baby also involves suddenly accruing a lot of clothes, toys, equipment and supplies, and it's important to have enough nursery storage to keep everything organised. At the same time, you'll want plenty of room to manoeuvre, so the space should never feel cramped or cluttered.

When it comes to nursery storage, Hammonds offers clever solutions that help you maximise space while keeping everything tidy and aesthetically pleasing. A fitted wardrobe with pull-out drawers, shelves and hanging space can be tailored to the needs of you and your baby, both now and in the future. Not only is this type of storage functional but it can be designed to fit seamlessly into your nursery, ensuring that everything your baby needs is stored away neatly.

Developing a soft lighting scheme

Lighting is a crucial factor in creating the perfect nursery. The right lighting can help make a noticeable difference between day and night routines, promoting a calming environment for naptime and bedtime.

Start by ensuring that your nursery room design ideas include plenty of natural light. Opting for thin curtains means that sunlight can enter the room softly. This helps your baby become accustomed to the difference between day and night, which will support their natural sleep cycle. Pay attention to how this will look at different times of year, though.

Bright overhead lights can be too harsh, especially in the evening, so we suggest small lamps with soft illumination. Avoid anything harsh that will trigger overstimulation for your baby – you want a soothing atmosphere and minimal disruption.

Optimising the colour palette

Believe it or not, your nursery colour palette plays a key role in creating a calm and soothing atmosphere. It isn't all about what you think looks nice on the walls. It's well known that bright colours draw the attention of any baby but this can be overwhelming for them in the same way it can be for us. To create a space that prioritises rest and relaxation, consider a more neutral nursery colour scheme or even soft, pastel colours.

A soft grey or gentle pastel shade will create a peaceful environment. If you favour colours or still wish to add these in, you can do so with cushions, rugs or playful artwork on the walls. As your baby grows and develops, it's this kind of nursery décor that will draw their attention.

Incorporating flexible furniture

You may find that the nursery doubles as a playroom as your child grows, which makes nursery storage something higher up your priorities than you may realise. That's why it's important to choose furniture that is equally functional and space-saving. Instead of overcrowding the room with multiple pieces of furniture, consider incorporating flexible, multi-purpose items. For example, you could choose a cot with pull-out storage underneath. This represents perfect nursery storage for the essentials – clothes, bedding, toys – while giving you more space to manoeuvre around the room.

Shop around to see if you can find a changing table with built-in drawers or shelving; it can save the need for additional furniture, making the most of your space. You can make further savings on space with a fold-down changing table or a fold-out table and chairs for those pre-bedtime feeds, packing them out of the way during the rest of the day.

By incorporating flexible furniture like this, you can create a well-organised nursery that grows with your baby's needs.

Book your free design visit with Hammonds today

We're on hand to offer our insight and expertise when it comes to décor, storage and practicality. Book a free design visit with Hammonds and our design specialists will work with you to create nursery room design ideas that support your needs and fit your lifestyle. We're here to help you create the perfect environment for your little one.