Not So Baby Rooms

I've been asked about baby rooms a few times and whether or not they should be a BABY room or half adult half baby since parents will be spending a lot of time soothing the screaming newbie back to sleep. After experiencing a few baby to child room changes myself, I am happy to share some very simple baby room decor ideas that are appropriate for both baby and parents and perfect for the transitional baby to child phase.

Now we all know that having children is $$$$$$$$$$$ {yes that many dollar signs and more}. So for me, decorating baby rooms to make it look like Walt Disney characters thew up wall to wall is impractical because let's face it, the kid(s) will be occupying the room until they're 18 (let's hope) so to put hundreds {for those who have deeper pockets}, thousands of dollars into creating that perfect baby themed room that will only last for maybe 2 years is a waste of money. 

Here are a few of my favorite simple and affordable decorating ideas that still have that innocent baby aura but can easily transform into their child to young adult years...

First things first, color....

via www.realtor.com

I know this isn't a baby room but I love the paint job and color. This shade of blue works for both boy or girl. Half painted rooms are one of my favorite paint ideas..and the easiest. If you've ever painted a room you know its a motherF%^#$@. There's a lot of sweat blood and tears that come with painting; sanding, priming, maintaining consistent strokes, painting another coat, checking for missed spots, etc..Painting only half of the room midway horizontally is a style on its own and sets the color theme. Not to mention it will prevent additional tantrums. Another great suggestion is going with a neutral color so that you can change out accessories in any color tone without clashing with the color of the walls. The room looks more balanced out if the color is painted from the base up towards the middle..

via pinterest.com/brookeberry

Your base pieces are next. Of course you need a crib. If you are going to paint the room, I suggest sticking with the classic white or wood stained cribs so the room is not over saturated with color..believe it or not bright colors do make a difference in your mood and baby's mood. 

via www.brooklynberrydesigns.com

 via www.babybedding.com

Theme walls are also another easy paint job that add playful character in the room. Solid color or horizontal stripes on the main wall of a room make a statement.

These paint suggestions are an example of easy transition from baby to child. Its best to choose gender neutral colors so that in the near future you can easily switch out the decor but still maintain style in the room. 

via pinterest.com/brookeberry

It's time to accessorize..I consider a side chair as an accessory and is a must in a baby room..gliders are best and if you have enough space try to get a nice big cozy size to rest comfortably. 

If you choose to go with half painted walls or a subtle striped or block color accent wall, I suggest choosing bold patterned accessories to bring in some life...

via www.elizabethannedesigns.com

I love gray and white striped walls. This is the perfect gender neutral style and pattern that go with any rug and bedding pattern. 

Now, if painting an entire room is just too much of a hassle and you want to soothe your eyes from those overbearing stark white walls, choose bright and bold base pieces. I love this yellow crib! Its seems so unconventional than the normal wood stained or white cribs. Add in a stylish area rug and a colorful chair and you won't feel like you're still in the hospital. 

via livethemma.ikea.se

See how the half painted rooms can easily transition from baby to child? I love this room. 

via www.serenaandlily.com

Here is another great way of adding color in a white room. No painting at all!

via www.decorpad.com

Modern decorating doesn't have to end when it comes to baby or children's rooms. Kids are fun (when they're not screaming and throwing themselves on the floor) so why not match them up with a fun room.