Nursery Hues

Chocolates
Go beyond baby blue and pastel pink when planning your nursery scheme. And don’t be afraid to draw from whatever bold hues reflect your own preferred aesthetic. If rich and earthy chocolate appeals to you, try incorporating it kiddie-style (tip: infants see dark and light contrast best, so you’ll be creating a stimulating as well as interesting space). Browns are cozy and grounding while the pastels are light and calming. Mod plywood cutouts (on ceiling) create added interest especially for the little one who will spend much time gazing upward from the crib.

Primaries
We love it when nothing matches but everything goes, like in this room, which mixes primary colors in a variety of shades and patterns.

Color Block
Can’t decide on a shade? Pick a few of your favorites and create a color-block wall mural. How-to: Pencil in your grid with a level, then section off squares with tape. Be sure to press the edges of the tape to make sure the paint doesn’t blend. Extra added bonus: This scheme is so versatile, you don’t have to be settled on bedding and accessories before painting.

Pinky
You’re having a girl, and you do love pink. Here’s a way to make pink unexpected: Pair it with a rusty orange for a retro-chic feel.

Not-so-Boyish Blue
Blue’s definitely not just for boys. Pick a beautifully vibrant shade — like this azure, then add pink accents and sweet accessories to girl it up.

Instant Sunshine
Take a classic nursery color like yellow and dial up the intensity. Pair it with a vibrant hot pink and you’ve got a room that will make you smile on even your most sleep-deprived mornings.

Pretty Pulls
If you’re not sure the whole sunshine-yellow walls thing is for you, try a low-commitment way to toy with color. These multicolored drawer pulls and bright kid art add some cheer to the walls and dresser — and can easily be undone if you change your mind.

(source: adapted from “Color in the Nursery” by Alisa Stoudt, www.parents.com)