Decorating for a baby girl's bedroom can prove difficult. You don't yet know her likes and dislikes in fictional characters, color preferences or favorite animals. In addition, you may be wary of committing to a design, as her tastes may not agree with your choices in a year or two. You can try to avoid these situations by choosing themed designs that aren't representative of the latest cartoon character, but rather representative of "girly" fun.
Enchanted Forest
Instead of opting for butterflies and flowers, try an enchanted forest theme. This theme is best for those with an artist in the family, as it incorporates wall-to-wall murals of a forested landscape. This landscape may include detailed depictions of a cloudy sky, a dense forest and dirt-lined paths. Into this landscape, you can incorporate little fairies, elves, trolls and animals, such as deer, birds, rabbits and squirrels. You can also include homes for these forest friends. Creating such a busy theme acts as a mobile for your baby when not in the crib, as it keeps her eyes busy. It also acts as a source for spontaneous stories at bedtime, and can perform this night-time function for a few years to come.
Retro Girly
You don't have to pair pink hues with other pinks or purples to get a girly feel. Here, try looking into retro design for baby-room inspiration. These retro designs, such as those from the 1970s, include not only pinks, but also lime greens, yellows and oranges. You can use these colors on the walls, bedding or accessories, but try to anchor them with white for a break in color. To add to the retro feel, incorporate vintage lace or vintage ruffles in window treatments and bedding.
Abstract Circus
This design idea takes on a more abstract idea of the circus and provides a result that is not ultra girly. Try painting stripes of bold yellow and white or cream on the ceiling, as they provide an abstract representation of the tent stripes at a circus. Placing the stripes on the ceiling gives the stripes a mobile-like function for when the baby is placed in the crib; they will provide a sense of movement and provide a focal point for her eyes. To add color, paint an opposing wall a dark gender-neutral hue, such as a dark gray or a black. The rest of the walls should be a light gray or white so as to bounce light and counteract the dark wall's light-absorbing tendencies. The animals are incorporated by way of enlarged stuffed giraffes, elephants or tigers placed around the room or featured in colorful wall imagery.
References
- "Domino: The Book of Decorating"; Domino Magazine editors; 2008
- Pregnancy Info: Baby Nursery Decorating Ideas for Girls
- "How to Paint Just About Anything"; Better Homes and Gardens; 2006
