Here are some helpful tips to aid you in creating a space for your baby or child!
Rule #1: You don't need a full blown theme. People always tend to choose a theme before creating a kid space, like trucks, trains, princesses, etc. This can get tricky and expensive, because at some point your little one will like boats over trucks, or fairies over princesses. Don't get stuck. Here, I wanted to incorporate a few animals into the space, but didn't want the room to scream "jungle." The way you can solve this problem is by using wall vinyls, framed art, and accessories to add a 'touch' of theme to your room. These wall vinyls are from etsy.com. In most cases you can work with the vendor to modify any of their creations, like I did here. The monogram vinyl adds personalization, and the elephants add a touch of the animal theme that I wanted to incorporate. The best part of these vinyls is that they are fairly inexpensive (these were $25-35 each) and you can remove when you are ready without damaging the paint! So, when your little one doesn't like monkeys or elephants anymore, or maybe when the room gets turned into an office, you can tear them down and move on. No need to repaint! :) You can also create your own wall art! Find images on Google that you like, print, and frame. Legal? I don't know. But, cheap? Yes! Some other accessories used in this room came from my own nursery as a child, as well as the 50% off aisle at Hobby Lobby. :)
Rule #2: Think long-term. To avoid having to re-do a room in a few years, choose a paint color that fits with the decor of your home. Here, I selected a gray/blue color that can be used for an office or guest bedroom if we change rooms a few years down the road. The furniture is espresso stained and the pieces can be used when the baby is older, and even for storage pieces in an office or guest bedroom if needed. Try to stay away from pastels or primary colored furniture, unless it fits within the rest of your home. (In which case, call me because you need more help ;))
Rule #3: Bedding doesn't have to be expensive. Nursery bedding can be CRAZY expensive. What do babies do with their bedding? Drool, pee, and poop on it. This bedding is from Wal-Mart!! It was a 10-piece package that had a little too much in it, if you ask me. I don't like "matchy matchy" so I ditched the matching mobile, wall art, diaper holder, and window treatments. I still spent 1/3 on this bedding compared to name-brand baby bedding!
Best of luck with creating an inexpensive, non-themed, long-term room for your little one!
