Pet Themed Nurseries Are Trending – How To Create Great Pet-Themed Baby Spaces!
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Pet Themed Nurseries Are Trending – How To Create Great Pet-Themed Baby Spaces!
The perfect nursery themes for pet families!
Written by: Purrsilla
If you love interior design as much as I do, the pet themed nursery trend is going to “bark” your world. Today’s baby spaces are more creative than ever and are being designed to grow with your child. Introducing dog, cat, and pet elements into the nursery is a fabulous way to nurture a love for animals from the start. I’m seeing everything from over-the-top dog themed nurseries, where no detail is left undone, to minimalist nurseries featuring a single piece of pet art that sets the tone. Let’s explore great design, fabulous pet-inspired nurseries, and designer tips to help you create an amazing space for little ones.
Before we dive in, I wanted to clarify the term “design theme.” I reached out to a few of my interior design friends to get their definitions, and here’s what I gathered: A “design theme” is the driving force behind a design project, setting the tone and mood envisioned for the space. It’s a consistent visual and stylistic approach used throughout, encompassing elements like color palettes, patterns, textiles, textures, and overall aesthetic choices that create a unified and cohesive look. The design theme guides the selection of furnishings, decor, and other design elements to ensure they align with the overall vision.
To help their clients settle on a design theme, designers often start with a printed textile, a piece of art, or a room design that resonates with the client. This focal point becomes the anchor for the space, helping to pull together all the elements that create the design direction. Every great room design begins with a focal point, and nurseries are no exception. Whether it’s a piece of art featuring an endearing dog, a beautiful cat pillow, or a unique pet themed wallpaper, finding that special item will help tie the entire room together. It sets the tone for everything else in the space. Once you’ve chosen your focal point, it’s time to start layering. Mix and match scales, textures, and your favorite design styles to create a space that’s uniquely yours. Don’t feel confined to one style—blend together what you love, from modern farmhouse to antique boho, or from minimalistic shabby chic to rustic eclectic. The key is to create a harmonious yet dynamic environment where your little one—and your pets—will thrive.
As you gather the elements you’re drawn to, consider creating a mood board, notebook, or envelope to ensure that all the pieces work together before you embark on the actual design. I like to “live” with my design for a bit, giving myself the chance to make a few changes before the work begins. Don’t be afraid to test a few color options on the wall, place a piece of trendy adhesive wallpaper nearby, or position a focal piece of art in the room.
Good design results in a cohesive space; great design comes when you find a balance that represents you and your vision. Gone are the days of creating spaces without incorporating the client’s input and personality. Adding personal touches—from a pet bed that blends with the space to a family photo that includes your pets—makes the space truly yours. A gallery wall is a great way to add a personal touch, incorporating family photos, art from local artists, or even a piece you create yourself. A cozy rug near the crib is also a nice addition for pets who take their watchdog or “watch-cat” duties seriously.
Whether you’re inspired by the modern dog breed theme, the elegance of a shabby chic kitty nursery, or the playful energy of a puppy theme, the possibilities are endless. I’ve compiled some great insights on creating a designer inspired nursery and want to share what I’ve learned to help you design the perfect baby space—or to inspire you as you gather ideas to share with your designer.
Purrsilla is a trend-savvy Persian cat with a sharp wit and a flair for fashion and home decor. Known for her sassy, no-nonsense writing style, she captivates readers with her blend of practical tips and creative insights. Whether she’s dishing out the latest trends or offering stylish home decor advice, Purrsilla’s articles are always engaging and full of personality.
10 Designer Tips For Creating A Unique Pet Nursery
- Choose a focal point that will lead your project.
- Settle on your color palette.
- Find a design style that matches your style or choose a unique style for this special space.
- Decide how the space will be used, for sleep, for reading, for play, for study? Sketch the space to meet these needs.
- Do your research. Collect ideas. Begin a mood board or design binder.
- Choose furniture pieces that transition into larger pieces as your child grows
- Select accessories that are functional and welcome your child to learn and play from books to toys.
- Consider scale, texture and design as you choose pieces to add to the space.
- Think about storage options to make cleanup easy for e veryone.
- Have fun and do something unexpected!
1. Choose a Focal Point
You might not realize it, but when you walk into a room, your eyes naturally gravitate toward a focal point. Without one, it becomes more challenging to create a cohesive space. Consider selecting a piece of pet-themed child art, a vintage puppy quilt, or a unique pet mobile as your focal point. This element sets the stage for your design concept, guides your color palette, and provides a reference point as you make each design decision. You might also choose an inspiration piece that guides your design, leading you to a focal point that ties the room together.
2. Settle on your Color Palette – Paint & Wood
Gone are the days of having to choose between blue and pink for your baby’s nursery, primary colors for a playroom or traditional colors for a child’s room. The new color palette rules are that there are really no rules. You will want to build your color palette around your focal point, without getting too caught up in trying to perfectly match everything. Consider wall color, flooring, furniture tone, artwork and metal accessories. Here are a few great color palettes from Benjamin Moore® to get the creativity flowing.
Pet-Theme Paint Color Palette Thoughts:
- Don’t be afraid of a neutral or soft color palette and embrace it.
- Choose a single color for the walls and add pop colors on frames, furniture, or accents.
- Your paint palette is a great decision to make at the beginning of your project to help guide you in the tones, finishes and print choices.
- Choose your wood tone along with your paint colors to create a cohesive palette.
3. Decide Your Design Style
The design style you follow for your space can match the rest of your home or live on its own. Choose a straightforward style like modern or vintage or mix it up a bit and blend two styles together. Your crib and art choices often give away the design style you are drawn to, but don’t be afraid to add something vintage to a modern space or a touch of glam to an urban vibe. Blending a touch of old and new creates a warm and welcoming space. While it is important to choose a crib that meets the most updated design and materials, you can add vintage dressers, lighting, and home access to warm up the space.
Design Styles For Pet-Themed Nurseries:
- Every design style is a good design style for a pet-themed nursery.
- Create a baby space that is an extension of your home design style, or choose a unique style that lives in that space and enjoy the diversity.
- Once you choose a style, let it help lead your choices, but don’t feel the need to make everything matching and ‘the same.’
- Choose a design style that will grow with your child and pieces that transcend as the room will.
- Blending design vibes is very popular from modern farmhouse to vintage shabby chic, pick the style or styles that speak to you.
- If you are not sure of the design style, start basic and build from there, your design style will begin to emerge by the choices you make.
4. Decide the Function of the Space
It is critical to answer a few basic questions before moving forward with your design choice. Review the questions to follow and think about how you see the room being used daily. If you need room for play, leave plenty of space and if you and the family pets will spent quality time in the space, make sure everyone is comfy
Nursery Functional Questions:
- Will your child play, read or get creative in the room?
- Will you nurse or spend time with your baby in the space or in another room in your home?
- How will your pet spend time in the space, do you need a pet bed, great rug or a cat tower.
- Will your nursery grow with your child or be reserved for the next little one?
- Do you have enough storage room as the room fills as your child grows.
5. Create A Mood Board or Design Binder – Collect What Your Love And Are Drawn To
It is so important to do your research. Read the reviews, take measurements, collect swatches and save images. Pull them together on a board, your computer (Pinterest) or a book. Take notes, review pricing across sites and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Look for ideas from those who have designed before you and incorporate your favorite elements into your space.
Create a Mood Board Online or Make Your Own
- A mood board is simply a collection of your final choices or a collage of your favorites.
- Don’t make it permanent until the end, giving yourself the option to change your mind or try different things to see what works the best.
- Post your board where you can see if for a few days to see if you love it just as much.
- Add pieces you need and some you wish for as you bring the room together.
- Add paint swatches, wood tones, furniture, accessories, bedding, toys, etc. All these items live in the space and work together to create your vision.
6. Pick the Main Furniture Pieces
It is often recommended to buy new furniture pieces even when you are going for a rustic, vintage vibe. Requirements for children’s furniture are continually changing, so it is important for your child’s safety to be up to speed on the guidelines. We suggest staying away from nursery furniture suites. Mixing and matching furniture is very in and will give your room a designer, one of a kind look. While design is important, function is even more critical. Shop nursery furniture organized by theme to create the perfect space for your baby.
CHANGING TABLE
ROCKERS
SEATING
BOOKSHELVES
PET FURNITURE
7. Select Accessories that enhance your theme, color palette, and focal point
So often, nurseries are created with a collection of all matching furniture, coordinated bedding and zero personality. Now is the time to choose accessories, art, toys, bedding and other details that work in your space. Your color palette should help you choose your accent pieces. Great design is in the detail. Choose photo frames, toys, blankets and even books that fit your color palette. You want to make sure that each piece you select is baby and pet friendly if there are furry friends about.
8. Consider scale, texture, and design as you choose pieces to add to the space.
When choosing art, furniture pieces, and fabric prints, consider the scale. Aim for a mix of small, medium, and large pieces to create balance in the space. If you have a large wall, avoid using just a few small pieces of art; instead, opt for a single large piece or create an entire gallery wall featuring a mix of dog, people, and baby themed artwork. A rug can help ground your space and connect your furniture pieces and accessories. Don’t be afraid to embrace the existing textures in the room or add your own to create a truly unique space.
Decor Details
- Choose a larger scale wallpaper to balance the space or choose a small scale for a background.
- Choose a few larger pieces of art to balance smaller art and photos.
- Add texture with different materials, colors, and styles.
- Choose lights, rugs and furniture that fits the space.
- Add flowers, plants and arrangements to add depth to the space.
- Choose theme touches carefully, mixing eclectic pieces to balance the space.
9. Make Clean Up A Focus: Storage | Function | Extra Space
Whether your child will play in their room, you need a place for clothing and books or simply for sleeping, you want to think about how you will store ‘everything.’ Keep in mind that ‘everything’ will increase, so picking storage pieces with a bit of room to grow is always a good choice. Choose a toy box of sorts, bookshelf and of course a laundry basket that will most often never be empty. Choose unique pieces that have plenty of room for ‘stuff.’
10. Have Fun
Embrace the process and make choices that speak to you as you create a cohesive space for your baby. If this is your first interior design project, embrace it. Think through the details, do your homework and enjoy the journey. Just as your time with your child will go fast once they arrive, your time creating a special space for them will also move quickly. You also do not want to focus on too many permanent elements, you will want the flexibility of change.
We hope you are inspired to create the perfect nursery and even if you go with a non-pet themed space, don’t forget to add a coordinating bed, toys and blanket for your furry family remember. Let them get to know their space in the room and what is theirs to play with. Welcoming a baby into a home occupied by a 4 legged friend is sometimes a challenge, but there are ways to improve the process and making them a part of the nursery is a great start.
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