The Black and White Nursery

To your baby, the world is blurry in the beginning. In the first two months of life, your wee one's range of focus is only about eight to ten inches in front of him. And the first colors your baby "sees" are black, white, and red.

Many nursery accessories, such as mobiles and early development toys, are now offered in this color range to stimulate baby's sense of sight. Consider utilizing these hues to create an environment that is comforting to your newborn.

A nursery designed in black and white with red accents makes a bold design statement and can be more soothing to babies than traditional pastel nursery palettes. Picture a black and white nursery with various patterns and texture—it's a comfortable, cozy space for baby.

Why Black and White?

A fresh approach to designing a nursery is to take a look at fashion magazines. Often home décor trends are a direct reflection of the season's haute couture. In today's fashion, black and white are the new classics for all seasons. Like the "little black dress," these versatile colors are ideal for any event or room, casual or formal.

Children and adults are drawn to bold color. However, an entire wardrobe or interior in one bright color would be shocking; small touches and accents of color help brighten an outfit or room. In the home, combine black and white and introduce vibrant color with an accent pillow in red and white toile, a vase of fresh yellow and orange flowers or fresh, or crisp green towels monogrammed and trimmed in black. The nursery is a perfect place to experiment with this palette.

Imagine a room in a Tuscan villa with soft, white stucco walls and natural sunlight as a light source. It is like a blank painting waiting for adornment. Treat the nursery as a canvas awaiting color and texture. A great approach is to design a unisex nursery in a neutral palette and introduce splashes of color with accessories for boys or girls.