Preparing the nursery for a new baby is an exciting time in the life of any parent-to-be.
There is so much to be done, so many choices to make, and so many options to choose from. For those parents who want to shy away from a traditional baby-print themed nursery, there are a lot more choices available now than there were in years past. Plaid, while a traditional pattern, has been modernized and is popular once again. Using plaid in the nursery opens up a world of color options and coordinating possibilities.
Plaid for Him
If you know that your soon-to-be bundle of joy is a boy, there are plaids that are perfect for his room. Opt for dark, deep colors that are warm in undertone. Varying shades of rich blues or dark navy are perfect for the little boy's bedroom. Greens and even red are also popular choices. If you are looking for a plaid with a more Scottish feel, choose one that has a variety of colors that can be paired with multiple color options.
Plaid for Her
Little girls are sugar and spice, and plaid is very nice for their nursery theme. Pinks, purples, whites, yellows and creams are all excellent little girl choices for the nursery. Select fabrics that have a markedly feminine feel to them to create the perfect haven for your little girl. Do not hesitate to choose bolder colors for a girl's room if they appeal to you. Red, green and white can just as easily fit into a feminine bedroom. With the right plaid, the basic theme of the decor can last throughout her childhood and teenage years.
Coordinating with Plaid
Once the plaid fabric has been selected, it is important to consider how it will be paired with other fabrics and paints in the room. Wall colors should be selected based on the plaid that is chosen. Use the lightest color in the fabric on the walls to make the room seem larger and coordinated. The other light colors in the plaid should be the basis for the main crib bedding, if it is not made of the plaid fabric itself. Save the darker hues in the plaid for the accent pieces around the room.
Custom Accessories
One way to make sure that the plaid you have chosen is incorporated into the room's decor, is to create custom accessories using the fabric. Cover the nightstand lampshade or wall switch plate with the plaid fabric. Pillows for the rocker can also be easily crafted using the fabric, as well as basic curtains or a scarf valance. By creating custom pieces you ensure that your room is tied together in fabric and theme.
Making plaid work in the nursery can be easily done when desired. The key is selecting plaids that will work as the child gets older. Having plaids with a variety of colors and a good dark/light balance will also greatly increase your ability to coordinate with other colors and fabrics. By using plaid, you can create a nursery theme that will last for years to come.
Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, is an interior designer who illustrates how simple it can be to use wall art for home and Italian iron wall grille.
