By Sarah Macklin 
Whether you don’t want to know the gender of your baby or you want to avoid gender stereotypes, a gender-neutral nursery could be the answer. A nursery that uses neutral colours allows you to explore a colour palette outside the traditional blue and pink, and gives you more opportunities to create a calm and serene space for your new family member.
UK baby brand, Nuby, explores how to create a stylish gender-neutral nursery that pleases both the baby and the parents.
Add a little feng shui magic
Before you even start designing the nursery, you should have a look at the space you’re working with to determine the best layout.
If you want to make it extra serene, turn to the secrets of feng shui. According to the ancient Chinese practice of designing our physical environments in an energetically harmonious way, the position of the bed, or the cot retrospectively, is of vital importance. Placing it diagonally across from the door, not right opposite it, will promote a feeling of safety for your baby while they’re sleeping.
Also, avoid placing the cot underneath the window, as that blocks vital energetic flow coming from the light and can disturb your baby’s sleep.
Pick your colour palette
Another feng shui trick is to use calming colours, such as pastels, as they have yin energy and are associated with rest. They can be the basis for your colour palette and are also gender neutral.
Neutral tones can be a great starting point. Light grey is a popular nursery room tone because it’s both stylish and calming. Whites, creams, and nudes are also great colours to consider.
Mix things up by creating an accent wall. From adding a pop of colour, such as pastel yellow or mint, to painting geometric shapes or adding wallpaper, you can easily elevate the spirit of your gender-neutral nursery. Just remember to use paint that’s safe for children.
More than just a theme
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can design the nursery room according to a specific theme. Since the conventional princess pink and sailor blue are off the cards, you’re left with various themes to choose from.
The nursery theme not only adds character to the room but also plays a vital role in your child’s development. By not focusing on a gender-specific theme, you aren’t reinforcing certain gender stereotypes. On the contrary, going for a rainbow theme, for example, can promote diversity and love for all colours.
The theme can also have educational purposes. A jungle theme, for example, can teach your baby about the abundance of the animal world, and they can even start naming the animals they see around their space when they’re learning to speak. A space theme, likewise, can spark their interest in the cosmos and the planets, while a travel one can ignite the wanderlust in your little adventurer.
Furnish the nursery
Luckily, most baby furniture is already gender-neutral and available in white and wood options.
As the cot is the room’s centrepiece, choose one that makes a statement. Warm wood tones are ideal for a more bohemian look, while pale colours and soft curves make up a modern nursery design.
Keep in mind that your baby will quickly outgrow their cot and other furniture, so pick one that grows with your child. There are many newborn cots that turn into beds, changing tables that turn into dressers and desks, and infant chairs that become adult desk chairs. This is a great way to opt for longevity and promote sustainability.
Moreover, switching from newborn essentials to preschool clothes and accessories requires more storage space. Investing in convertible furniture is a great way to secure it.
Accessorise it
Make the nursery room even more fun with gender-neutral decorations.
Canopies are a great way to add character to the room and create a very welcoming atmosphere. They also make for the perfect play corner or a reading nook as your little one grows.
Hanging wall art, such as prints and macrame, can also tie the whole space together. You can match it with the theme, or if you’ve gone for a neutral palette, you can use it to add an accent to the design.
Adding texture can also create a more cosy and tranquil space, putting the whole theme together. Play with different fabrics and colours by choosing a soft carpet, light curtains, cushions, and blankets.
A stunning example of a well-put nursery room is that of Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s twins. They overcome the challenge of designing a gender-neutral nursery for a boy and a girl by opting for neutral tones with a pastel green accent, white furniture, and lots of accessories. The statement of the room is a custom jewel-filled chandelier that creates a more Victorian look.
Designing your baby’s nursery room is an exciting family activity many parents look forward to. If you want to escape gender stereotypes, these ideas will help create a calming yet styling nursery room for your little angel.
