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Month: October 2019

Your puppy’s first 30 days: a week-by-week guide for new pet parents

Posted on by Peony

Any pet parent will tell you that adopting a new puppy can be almost as much work as having a baby.

In fact, having a new puppy requires just as much attention and care as its human counterpart. 

But don’t get us wrong. Despite the time-consuming effort it takes, having a puppy is so rewarding in the long run. You have human’s best friend doting on you every second, and there’s nothing better than coming home to a furry friend wagging its tail and wriggling its body happily. 

Your life will change, and only for the better. But first, you’ll need to be prepared to commit. The first 30 days will involve a lot of trial and error but, with the right attitude, you will be in love and in-sync with your new puppy.

To help you prepare, we’ve outlined your first four weeks as a pawrent.

new puppy
Image credit: Unsplash/ Lydia Torrey

Your puppy’s first 30 days: a week-by-week guide for new pet parents

Week 1: First vet visits and bonding basics

Aim to take your new puppy to the vet within 48 hours of bringing it home.

This is crucial in order to determine that it’s in good health, and also to get their first round of vaccinations. Your vet will likely start off by giving your new puppy a physical examination and let you know if you should be looking out for anything amiss. 

Image credit: Unsplash/ Christian Bowen

Setting the right food habits start at the start

Different dogs have different attitudes to food, but establishing a routine that works for them and your lifestyle is key. There is no one-size-fits-all in this case.

Many say not to have food available all day, but some dogs eat intuitively, making it less of an issue. If you do choose to free-feed, opt for dry dog food. This way you can avoid food going bad quickly. If you’d rather schedule their feeding, try and keep it to the same times everyday for consistency. Either way, refer to your vet for advice.

Try hand-feeding in the early stages as it is a good opportunity to teach your puppy to have a soft bite. This is so they don’t lunge forward and accidentally bite your hand for a treat the next time, and discourage eating their food too quickly. 

Don’t unintentionally reward unwanted behaviour by feeding it when your pup jumps or barks. Doing so will only reinforce the behaviour you don’t want, when it gets hungry.

Week 2: Socialising and playtime

Your puppy’s first 16 weeks are a social sponge period — everything they experience will shape how they respond to the world.

Spend this time building positive interactions with both humans and other animals. Invite friends over (who like dogs!), carry your puppy around different environments, and reward calm, curious behaviour. Whether it’s with other animals or human beings, make sure that these experiences are happy, friendly, and positive so your puppy will grow up to be a friendly, well-adjusted dog.

And yes — play. A lot. But don’t worry if you’re not up for a full play session after work. That’s where puzzle toys and chew-safe distractions come in handy.

Going to the vet is also a good opportunity for your new pup to meet new people and begin socialising. It’s a great way to get them used to new faces, sounds and smells.

new puppy
Image credit: iStock

Week 3: Puppy-proofing and creating boundaries

By now, your pup’s likely exploring every corner of the house. It’s cute — until your favourite shoe becomes a chew toy.

Start by puppy-proofing your home:

  • Hide all electrical cords and charging cables.
  • Store shoes, bags, and tempting chewables out of reach.
  • Block off rooms where accidents are a no-go.
  • Use baby gates or a playpen to limit unsupervised roaming.
  • If you’ve got a garden, choose a specific spot for potty breaks and guide your pup there every time. Repetition and positive reinforcement are your best friends.

💡 Your pup’s going to test your patience — and your upholstery. Protect your sofa with a removable, machine-washable slipcover. You’ll thank yourself later. Order fabric samples now.

Your First 30 Days With A New Puppy: What To Expect
Image credit: Unsplash/ Arjan Stalpers

Week 4: Training, structure and trust-building

Now that you’ve laid the foundation, it’s time to level up. Training sessions should be short, fun and rewarding. Think of them as games, not drills.

Start with basics: sit, stay, come, down. Once you’ve nailed those, introduce practical commands like “drop it” or “leave it” — essential for keeping your pup (and your shoes) safe.

Use treats, toys and tons of praise. Puppies thrive on encouragement and structure. And remember: consistency is key. Don’t reward jumping one day and scold it the next. Clear boundaries help build trust and confidence.

Image credit: Pexel

What about accidents?

Oh, they’ll happen. Your puppy doesn’t yet know the rules — but they’re eager to learn. Like babies, your puppy won’t be able to control its bladder very well. Just a burst of excitement can trigger an ‘accident’. 

The good news is that potty training is a relatively straightforward process, although it’ll take time and plenty of patience. When starting out, always start by bringing your new puppy out for a potty run first thing in the morning and the last thing before bed. In between, aim bring it out for a potty break after playtimes and after meals. 

If you have a garden where your pup can go for its potty breaks, try designating one specific area where it can do the deed, and bring it there every single time. 

If you’re not going to be home for most of the day, be sure to confine it to one area of the house with a playpen, and put its bed in one corner, with pee pads in another corner. 

Puppy accidents are to be expected, so it helps to be prepared for them so you can spend more time enjoying your time with your new pup rather than worrying about avoiding and cleaning up messes.

Our Signature Velvet and Signature Microfibre sofa covers are made with pets in mind. (Image credit: Comfort Works)

Make your home puppy-ready

Your new puppy is going to make memories — and messes. Give your home (and your sofa) a head start with a protective slipcover that’s built for real life.

Comfort Works sofa covers are removable, machine-washable and designed to stand up to everyday puppy chaos — without sacrificing style.

Our Signature Microfibre and Signature Velvet sofa covers are puppy-parent favourites for a reason.
Both are finished with an easy-clean, spill-resistant coating that makes wiping up messes quick and stress-free. Plus, with built-in PawSafe technology, they’re tough enough to handle curious claws — keeping your sofa stylish and scratch-resistant, even with a playful pup around.

Ready to puppy-proof in style? Order your fabric samples here.

Summary

Bringing home a new puppy is a joyful (and slightly chaotic) adventure. Here’s a quick recap of what to expect in your first month as a new pawrent:

  • 🩺 Week 1: Visit the vet, start hand-feeding, and build early trust through gentle bonding.
  • 🐾 Week 2: Socialise like crazy — every new sight, sound, and smell helps shape your puppy’s future personality.
  • 🧼 Week 3: Puppy-proof your home and set boundaries before teething and accidents take over.
  • 🎓 Week 4: Kick off training with fun, reward-based routines that build trust and structure.

Accidents will happen, shoes may suffer, but with patience, love and a few well-placed pee pads — you’ll both settle into your new rhythm in no time.

💡 Pro tip: Make your sofa a safe space too with a removable, scratch-resistant slipcover built to handle puppy life. Stylish, washable, and stress-free.

5 cat houses on Amazon that your cat will love

Posted on by Aaron Wong

Cat houses. Two words are all that’s needed to prove that we are living in the 21st century.

They shelter, they warm, and are a tribute to the Internets ruling class.

A monument to equality with dogs who have had houses all this time.

More importantly, it’s cute to say your cat has its own house.

They seem to know it’s for them and will move right in- if they like it.

But, how do we know what works and what doesn’t?

Imagine splurging and setting up a beautiful home for your cat. Next thing you find it inhabiting the nearest shoe box.

True story.

Like us, they are curious little creatures who enjoy the most random things. That’s likely why we love them so much.

Not sure where to begin choosing a cat house? We’re here to help!

We have curated a list of the best cat houses for any circumstance. They are tried and tested to be hits with the majority of felines.

Fingers crossed they won’t end up fighting over them.

Here they are:

 

 

But, here are some things to think about before diving into the list. Feel free to skip it if you’re not interested. You can read the strengths and weaknesses of these houses below.

 

What to consider:


Cat houses aren’t just wonderful devices that help you locate your cat.

 

They are safe-zones to retreat into and should be comfortable enough to stay in for a long time.

Of course, comfort is not the full story.

 

So what should we consider when choosing the perfect cat house?

 

Price:

 

Cat houses don’t have to cost a fortune to be effective. 

 

They can range from $30 for basic, comfortable lodging that your cat will love to under $200 for heavy duty outdoor cat shelters with all the bells and whistles.

 

Size:

 

The houses don’t have to be big either. 

 

It’s no secret that cats enjoy small spaces more than they should. 

 

Remember, we’re talking about the kind of animals content living in a box. Confined spaces are warm, cozy and are perfect for drawing cats in. 

 

That said, buying a cat house without considering its dimensions could be a mistake. Grab that measuring tape and your cat if it lets you to make sure it fits! 

 

Aesthetics:

 

The perfect cat house wouldn’t be perfect if it sticks out like a sore thumb. 

 

Think about where to place the cat house and how it will look before pulling the trigger. 

Some houses (think cat condos) are also bigger than you may expect. Be sure to allocate enough space prior to the purchase.

 

Function:

 

Indoors or outdoors? Cat house or cat tree? 

 

There are so many choices that serve different functions. Amusement, weather resistance, heating, insulation, safety and portability are all factors.

Think about what purpose you want the kitty house to serve to find the perfect cat house.

 

Maintenance:

You’ll need to clean your cat house too. Easy dismantling and machine washable bedding would help save time and effort.

 

Cat friendliness:

 

Everything about a product may seem great on paper. But just because we like it doesn’t mean the little fur ball will. 

 

It’s best to go with choices that are proven to be loved by cats. These take into account a cat’s natural instincts. 

 

Much like us, they look for comfort, sturdiness, shelter, warmth and most importantly, safety. That’s why they naturally perch themselves high up. 

 

It’s also why many outdoor cat houses are built with two doors. One for escaping from potential predators like coyotes. 

 


Got all that? Great!

 

With that in mind, here’s the list of best cat houses for any situation.

 

Let’s get to it.

 

Best Indoor Cat House: Kitty City Cat Cube

Very simple design. All that's really needed for an indoor cat house.
Image Credit: Amazon

Simplicity is what you get with the Kitty City Cat Cube.

It’s reasonably priced ($31), easy to assemble and quite sturdy. This box is no pushover.

No literally, it’s not light enough for your cats to topple it. Cats on the chubbier side can lounge on this with no problem.

At the same time it’s not heavy enough to sacrifice convenience which is possibly the best feature of this cat house.

Able to be taken apart and moved in under 2 minutes with no tools, this box is portable.

Top that off with comfortable removable machine washable cushions make this box a hit for those seeking function over form.

But will it be a hit for your cat? 

Most likely.

And that’s the best we can do with cats and cat houses. They do have their own preferences.

Chances are that it will be a hit. It’s a hit on Amazon with many cats taking to it. 

Maybe it’s the box shape that trigger a cats instincts, but who’s complaining? The shape makes it a great space-saver, and comes in a sufficiently conspicuous color.

Accommodating up to two cats, throw in a blanket at the bottom to reduce the chances they will fight for the top spot (the one with the cushion).

The only gripe with this is that it smells until aired (which could take 1-2 weeks).

Other than that, it’s great. 

You’ll be wondering why there’s a need for anything more.

Best Outdoor Cat House : Kitty Tube Generation 3

This outdoor cat house was designed to be as weather resistant as possible.
Image Credit: Amazon

Need THE weatherproof solution for your little outdoor friends?

The Kitty Tube is the best there is.

This is the Ferrari of outdoor cat houses. The third generation igloo-looking plastic shelter has seen many improvements over the years.

It’s more or less perfect at what it does – sheltering against the elements.

You’ll know what it’s built for by just unboxing the thing.

It’s heavier than you might expect, but the hard element-proof plastic shell is guaranteed never to chip, crack or fade.

The insides are lined with insulated foam that’s moisture proof, mold proof, mildew proof and bacteria proof. Good thing it isn’t cat proof as well :)

Pair this with a heat retaining smallish enclosure (which still fits 2-3 grown cats) and you get the ultimate outdoor cat bunker.

If it ain’t freezing, you won’t even need the heating pad.

It’s also cool enough during the summer thanks to the strategically designed vents.

It’s been well-thought-out, right down to the maintenance aspect. The foam is pee proof and the lid can be taken off for easy-breezy cleaning.

Will it see use?

Most likely, people love it. But it’s an unfortunate waste if your cat is the shoebox type.

Being so good at what it does have some drawbacks. 

The small design of the only entrance helps retain heat, but may make your cat feel cornered and unsafe.

This is despite the entrance bring too small for predators to enter.

So, you may want to leave the lid and entrance flaps off until they get used to it.

Otherwise, there are no real downsides besides the premium price. It’s the best when it comes to insulating your cat from mother nature itself.

Best Cat Condo / Cat Tree: Feandrea Cat Tree

A huge cat condo. It has lots of platforms and perches for cats of any size.
Image Credit: Amazon

The Feandrea cat condo is grand-looking and feature rich, like a luxury Airbnb. It’s all you need to give your fur babies a taste of the high life.

Towering at 68 inches (173cm) with soft plush fabric, it’s like opening a can of tuna with Hobbes around. No coaxing needed.

The Feandrea does require some assembly, as it comes with numerous parts that’ll take about an hour to set up. 

Unless your cats mess with it before you’re done, which is pretty common.

It’s also on the heavier side which is excellent.

Why?

It’s sturdy as a rock and has a huge base that won’t budge.

It’s ideal for nimble nibblers and chonkers alike. That’s what you need in a cat tree.

You can trust that it won’t give way or topple over. More importantly, your cat can trust it which means it’ll see good use.

In fact, they’ll be sprinting up and down the numerous platforms.

The bonus is having a cat bowl placed near the top, keeping other pets from stealing food.

The towers are also lined with scratching pads. Hopefully, they’ll be enticing enough to stop your cats from tearing up your other furniture. 

It’s also modular so you can get a couple to mix and match and create kitty city!

If you need something big with no space concerns aimed at full-grown cats, this is the cat condo you’ve been looking for.

And true to its description of “cat condo”, it works even better for those with many feline friends

Best Heated Cat House : K&H Outdoor Kitty House

A simple heated cat house. It even looks like a mini house.
Image Credit: Amazon

Want to get adopted by your friendly neighbourhood feral? Look no further.

Tried and tested, the K&H Outdoor Kitty House is famous in the cat house world.

It is the most purchased and reviewed cat house on Amazon, likely to be an instant hit with cats.

Simplicity is its strong suite. It’s intuitive and can be setup in under 5 minutes.

It also looks like a cat house, which is adorably cute and adds points.

Function wise, it does everything it’s supposed to. Where it shines is outdoors, for feral and outdoor cats.

It’s designed for safety. With two exits, your cat could escape from potential predators.

This is important because if your cat doesn’t feel safe, she won’t use it.

That’s why they like to perch themselves high up which could be an idea to further increase the appeal of this cat house. Place it up high.

Additionally, the cat house is small and cosy with insulated material to fend off the cold. The velcro-able (yes, now a word) door flaps further help with this. 

The heating pad is a bonus.

It’s designed to be irresistible, especially during the colder months, which is the best time to bring it out. 

Just don’t be surprised if you find feral cats inhabiting it.

Would we recommend this to everyone?

No. There are a few reasons why a different heated cat house may be a better choice.

Firstly, the heating pad has a sensor will only activate if something reasonably heavy (roughly 10lbs/4.5kg) is placed on it.

It’s for fully grown cats and will take your cat some time to figure out as well. It won’t initially know that the little cottage is a little warm wonderland.

Although this is marketed as an outdoor cat house, it’s only weather-resistant. It’s not weather-proof.

Therefore, water soaks into the base of the house. Maybe pulling a trash bag over would help?

Therefore, this cat house is best used under a roof. I guess that’s to be expected since it needs to be near a socket.

If it weren’t for that it could be the best outdoor cat house for the price as well.

Bonus:
Best Halloween Cat House: PAWZ Pumpkin-Shaped Kennel

The perfect cat house for Halloween. It's a pumpkin.
Image Credit: Amazon

Suitable for cats and smaller dogs, this pumpkin is too cute to ignore.

Accidentally stumbled upon searching for the best cat house, we couldn’t help including it in this list.

I’m not going to lie, this is a cat house built with humans in mind. You may end up loving it more than your cat does.

That said, the pumpkin is plenty comfortable for our feline friends, made from plush fabric with a washable pillow.

Indoor cats will appreciate the cave-like interior. It’s spacious enough for small to medium size cats to fit. 

It’s so adorable, perfect for those who are suckers for functional foodstuffs – like this cat toast pillow.

To top it off, it’s one of the cheapest options on the list ($30). 

So if you’re not sure what cat house to buy… I’m just saying, Halloween is just around the corner.

8 gorgeous nursery ideas to steal for your baby girl

Posted on by Peony

If you’re expecting, chances are you’ve been trawling the internet looking for some nursery ideas to get inspired.

After all, that’s why you’re here. 

To save you the trouble, we’ve gone ahead and done our own trawling for amazing nursery decorating ideas, then narrowed down our favourite finds, which hopefully, will be yours too:

1. The Soft Rustic Nursery

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ePIAjjNJI/

An all-white nursery doesn’t have to be boring — the goal is to give it that soft, soothing touch just like Marie Luciano of @blossominginteriors did with hers.

Just add fresh flowers and plush baby toys into the mix and they’ll instantly soften up the entire nursery. 

This is one of those nursery ideas that also works perfectly if you have a farmhouse-themed home.

2. Dusty Pink Walls

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ylFLCHShs/

For a baby girl’s nursery, the first idea for decoration is always, always pink.

The question is, which shade of pink? Alexa from Our New Walls painted her baby’s nursery a gorgeous shade of dusty pink that’s given it a vintage look. 

The icing on the cake is definitely her gorgeous yet minimal cot mobile of clouds, stars, and moon. 

3. A Bohemian Rendition

https://www.instagram.com/p/B00_Cdbj6NO/

Have a bohemian decor style at home?

Carry that style into your baby girl’s nursery by adapting the look from  Cabu Creations.

The idea is simple: Throw on a printed, geometric rug on the floor, add wooden fittings, then adorn the walls with playful and whimsical art pieces for that subtle touch of bohemian chic. 

4. A Unicorn World

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8jXthnm0k/

Create the perfect dreamy wonderland for your baby girl with a nursery that looks like it belongs in one, thanks to inspiration from this set up by Madelen’s. 

She’s transformed her baby’s room with floral paper cutouts and star stickers on the walls, and a pretty pink bed canopy for a lush, luxurious look that makes you feel like you’re in another world. 

5. Whimsical Touches

https://www.instagram.com/p/By-0u8RoYXa/

If you dreamed of having a room full of toys as a kid, this nursery style is for you.

To get started, take a design cue from Yvonne of @misstiptop, who’s created a flawlessly playful theme in her baby’s nursery. 

We’re loving the streamers hanging from the ceiling, floating miniature hot air balloons, and cupboards full of toys (dreamy much?).

6. An Earthy Nursery

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0tQofngOEW/?igshid=4nebe4skhmeo

If you’ve got a minimalist, earth-inspired home, your baby girl’s nursery doesn’t have to look completely different from the rest of your space.  

Do away with the frills and go with clean lines like this nursery design shared by @noblecarriage. 

Here, beech-coloured wooden pieces serve as the room’s focus and are accented with other natural elements that complement them, like woven baskets. 

7. The Boho Chic Baby

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0mbqKYAV0C/

When in doubt, keep it simple with a restricted colour palette as @danielle.donohue has done.

Her predominantly white nursery is peppered with little touches that don’t stray too far from the minimalist-based concept of the entire room. 

Contrasting patterns and colours that pop, like a print rug, a potted plant, and touches of wood pull together the look of the room. Also, isn’t that rattan nursing chair just adorable?

8. A Tropical Paradise

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzDWIHEHXSN/

The best part about living in our modern times is that a baby girl’s nursery doesn’t necessarily need to be swathed in blush pink and unicorns.

@lust_life_designs broke out of the pink box with a tropical, safari-style nursery complete with gold print wallpapers, macrame lights and Aztec-print rug.

And we’re pretty sure the giraffe stuffed toy is going to be baby’s best friend growing up!

Make your nursing sofa or chair less of a hassle to clean with a custom slipcover that you can just remove, throw in the wash and throw back on looking brand new. Take our sofa and armchair sofa slipcover fabrics for a test run here:

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The beginners guide to setting up an indoor garden

Posted on by Jan Johan

Always wanted to have an indoor garden for your home never knew where to start? 

Let’s fix that. 

Whether you recently became a plant parent who wants to grow your plant family, or have yet to even become one, this is a simple step-by-step guide that will cover all the things you’ll need to know about starting an indoor garden at home and how to maintain it once you have one.

Step 1: Location is key

The Beginners Guide To Creating An Indoor Garden (location)
Pexels.com

Decide on an arrangement and the location in your home where you’d like to have more green before you add plants to the picture. Having a clear idea of how you want your indoor garden to look will make your job easier down the line. 

Some plant parents like to go vertical with their indoor garden with the help of a shelf to add elevation and height. Other varieties can be suspended from the ceiling so that they’re able to get the sunlight they need. 

It should go without saying that a space which receives consistent sunlight would be a great place to nurture an indoor garden.

East-facing windows are best for gardens, but a problem with these is that the sunlight can be quite intense. Different species of plants have varying sensitivities to sunlight and heat, so be sure to keep this in mind when picking your greens.

If you notice your plants starting to feel dry, try placing them further away from the window or in a spot where there’s more shade. 

Step 2: Decide on what you want to grow beforehand

The Beginners Guide To Creating An Indoor Garden (choosing plants)
Pixabay.com

There are no wrong answers here, but your choices will make taking care of your plants easy or difficult. 

One low-maintenance variety to consider: Succulents, which look good and are easy to maintain. Some succulents like the aloe vera plant have healing properties (the sap in its inner leaves is a commonly-used remedy for burns and skin infections) and medicinal benefits.

On the other hand, you could choose to live off the land by growing simple things like herbs and produce like cherry tomatoes, lettuce and leafy greens.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to grow multiple greens at once, be sure to give each plant enough space to grow. Plants like mint are fast-growing and can end up crowding your other plants, killing them as a result.

Step 3: Let there be light

The Beginners Guide To Creating An Indoor Garden (light)
Flickr.com

Every plant is different.

Different plants have different needs and will require different methods of care. For example, different types of plants will need varying amounts of sunlight for them to grow lush and healthy.

Most nurseries usually provide plant tag with a brief guide on how to take care of each plant. While these instructions are helpful, they may not be specific enough to help you take care of your plant effectively.  

Here are some general rules of thumb to follow:

  • Direct light: These plants need at least six or more hours of sunlight hitting it directly per day.
  • Moderate light: These plants need direct sunlight about four hours a day.
  • Indirect light: These plants need to be out of direct sunlight, and artificial lighting is best. 
  • Low light: These plants need no direct sunshine and will benefit from some ambient light

Step 4: Know your soil

The Beginners Guide To Creating An Indoor Garden (soil)
Pexels.com

Before I became a plant parent, I was oblivious to the fact that there were different kinds of soil for plants.

For example: Who knew that it was bad to use outdoor plant soil for your indoor garden? If you’re like me, then it’s probably a good thing that you’re reading this post before you start planting your indoor garden. 

When you use outdoor soil for your plants, you risk bringing in tiny parasites that live in the soil, which can end up damaging or even killing your plants. 

When it comes to choosing soil for your indoor garden, consider getting a potting mix or well-draining soil. Well-draining soil allows water to percolate through it better than regular garden soil and does not allow the water to pool, which puts your plants at risk of ‘drowning’ (yup, this happens to plants too!).

A side note on well-draining plants: They have a tendency to dry up more quickly, meaning that they will require more frequent watering than those growing in regular garden soil.

Step 5: Feed is good

The Beginners Guide To Creating An Indoor Garden (Plant feed)
thearchersatthelarches.com

Here’s a simple trick that will help simplify your plant parenting: Arrange your plants in the order of how much feed and water they need.

This can end up saving you a lot of confusion when life gets busy and stop you from accidentally overfeeding (or underfeeding) and overwatering your plants.

Step 6: Get some mulch

The Beginners Guide To Creating An Indoor Garden (Mulch)
Flickr.com

Adding mulch to your indoor garden is one way to regulate the moisture and temperature of your soil.

Mulch is typically made out of organic residues like grass clippings, leaves, hay, straw, kitchen scraps comfrey, shredded bark, whole bark. Add some to the soil and watch your plants grow healthier than ever.

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, or simply just want to try growing something for the first time, these steps will help ensure that your role as a plant parent will be a smoother and joy-filled one over the long-haul.

Want more ideas on how to decorate your home on a budget? Get a copy of our FREE Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA- Inspired Home ebook:

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How to design the perfect baby nursery

Posted on by Fatima Ali Shaikh

The internet is exploding with ideas and images of the perfect nursery.

From lavish nurseries right down to minimalist ones, if you’re designing a nursery for your baby, there’s are plenty of options to choose from. 

If you’re feeling confused and overwhelmed at the thought of getting things going, here’s a quick step-by-step guide you can start following right now:

 

1. Decide on a theme

Image Credit: blmommy

By choosing a particular theme, you narrow your options. You also get a clearer vision of what you’re looking for and this will help you achieve a more cohesive design.

There are different ways you can go about picking the theme, and one way to do this is to pick a focal point, then making design decisions around it.

For example, if you’re choosing a large, contemporary-style mirror as the focal point of your room, then you’d get furniture with sleek, minimalist lines and colours that complement the mirror.

The other way to go about this is to pick a specific theme beforehand.

Popular choices include rainbows, marine life or animals such as cats and giraffes. You can even opt for a theme based on your favorite storybook or movie character.

Just try to opt for a timeless theme that your child won’t outgrow too quickly.             

2. Pick your colour palette

How To Design The Perfect Baby Nursery In 8 Steps
Image Credit: blog.littleadi

This may just be the most difficult part of designing your baby’s nursery. Should you go for sunshine yellow or powder pink? Should you go for vibrant colours or opt for pastels?

It’s important to remember that there is no “correct” colour palette to use. As long as the colour you pick matches your theme, the rest of your furniture and size of room, you’re basically free to choose whatever you like.

TIP: Do NOT buy the paint at this stage — it’s always easier to get the textiles first and buy paint accordingly.

3. Put thought into the star of the show

How To Design The Perfect Baby Nursery In 9 Steps
Image Credit: unsplash

Your baby’s bassinet or crib is the most important piece of furniture you will need to buy, so be sure to pick one that fits your room aesthetic, functionality and more importantly, budget.

When in doubt, go for one that’s sturdy and meets the safety standards set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

4. Make space for nursing and changing stations

Babies can go through about 8-10 diapers in a day, so you’ll need an organised changing station where you can easily and quickly change your baby’s diapers with minimal hassle.

In addition to changing diapers, a comfy and well-stocked spot for nursing  will go a long way in reducing your stress and bonding with your baby.

If your budget is tight, consider placing a changing pad on top of a table that you already have to save cash and space.

5. Get organized

You’ll need to get a wardrobe or dresser (or even storage boxes) where you can organize all of your baby’s things.

Try taking a long-term view and opt for storage that has ample room, knowing that your little one won’t be a baby for long and soon, you’ll be needing tons of storage space to keep his or her ever-increasing collection of clothes and toys.   

And while you’re busy organizing your baby’s things, you might want to consider getting your own bedroom organised as well. 

6. Use soft lighting

While setting up the perfect nursery, never underestimate the importance of lighting and its role in creating the right environment for you and your baby.

Soft lighting not only instantly gives any space warmth and coziness — it can also help keep your baby from getting overstimulated. 

Apart from its functional role, lighting can also play a role in making your nursery look incredibly pretty.

How To Design The Perfect Baby Nursery In 9 Steps
Image Credit: potterybarnkids

For example, you can get fairy lights and string it up on your accent wall for a magical feel. If a touch of luxury is what you’re after, consider installing an oversized chandelier that’ll serve as the focal point of the entire room. 

Ideally, you should have multiple lighting options that you can use as needed. This can include a changing table light, ceiling light and a soothing night light for your baby.        

7. Decorate away!

Image Credit: projectnursery

This is definitely the most fun part of setting up the perfect nursery; it’s time to let your creative juices flow.

Have fun with decorative items like stuffed animals, photos, themed wallpaper, accent walls, furniture and wall decals, and crib mobiles to give your nursery a look that’ll all completely yours.

Whatever you opt for, be sure it matches or contrasts nicely with the overall theme of your nursery. 

8. Make your nursery easy to clean

Image credit: rachaelburgess

Last but certainly not the least, factor yourself in the equation when designing the perfect nursery.  

This could simply mean getting a chair or sofa (if you have the space for one) where you can feed, burp, rock and cuddle with your baby. This is where it’ll pay off to have a fabric that’s easy to clean. 

You might even want to consider getting a set of custom made sofa slipcovers that you can easily remove and replace when you need to. This way, if (read: when) your sofa gets stained, you can simply chuck it in the machine for a thorough wash while a spare slipcover does its job.

Also, don’t forget to get a side table where you can keep all your essentials such as water bottle, snacks and burp cloths within reach.

Looking to design a nursery that’s stylish and yet easy to maintain? Get some slipcovers for your nursery sofa chair which you can throw in the machine when they get dirty. Sample our slip cover fabric samples and choose the best one for your baby’s nursery.

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