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If you’re expecting a baby and envisioning an entire nursery inspired by Disney characters, baby animals, or any other aggressively child-centered motifs, Matthew Cane, an interior designer with Homepolish, would like you to pause and hit the fast-forward-ten-years button. “Nurseries and children’s rooms should be set up in a way that grows with the child,” he says judiciously.
Aside from the obvious reasons for designing a nursery that isn’t too cutesy or infantile, there’s concern for your own sanity. “Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time in your child’s room, and you’ll want to feel comfortable in it, too,” he notes. “The nursery is just as much for the parents as it is for the babies.” Which is why this gorgeous astronomy-themed one he designed for clients expecting twin boys is as soothing and sophisticated as the rest of their New York City home. Here, he shares his best tips on how to create a kid’s room that fits your life now—and years from now.
1. Build a strong foundation. “Make sure the foundation of your room is designed and set up to grow with your child. We stained the floors, painted and refinished the moldings, and changed out all the light fixtures and window treatments so that the room can work with any age range.”
2. Put it in neutral. “Neutrals are understated while still being effortlessly sophisticated. For me, I often use neutrals as the main canvases for my designs and decor themes. They work for any gender, any age, and any theme. And because they work as blank canvases, they allow for the addition of whimsical accessories and objects.”
3. Get adult furniture. Obviously, you must have a crib, but the other pieces don’t have to be made specifically for kids. “Find furniture that can grow with your child, such as the dressers, light fixtures, and side table we used in this nursery.”
4. Add removable whimsy. Of course, you’ll want your nursery to feel baby-appropriate, too. Inject playfulness into the room’s design via toys, books, mobiles, and art—all things that can be easily replaced as your child matures. In this nursery, Cane opted to hang a constellations tapestry instead of wallpaper because “it can easily be swapped out or reutilized as the child gets older. Plus, it added texture and tone.”
Related: Family Friendly Homes: Expert Advice on Kid's Rooms, Family Kitchens, and More
