Home improvements: Baby steps when decorating nurseries

Keep things simple, cheap and cheerful... and don't forget the rocking chair while preparing to put together a nursery.

There are some who eschew the idea of decorating a nursery — the baby, they say, will never truly appreciate their hard work. We don’t agree. You will spend more time here than your own bedroom during those early years.

Don’t break the bank. Keep things simple. The crib is the centre point, and while safety is paramount, bells and whistles aren’t. Do your research, but consider colours and designs that are easy to match. The same for accessories. Rather than overloading with pillows, blankets and stuffed animals, opt for a single blanket and one or two cutesy toys.

For storage, go cheap and cheerful. Places such as Ikea offer practical yet appealing and affordable options. If you’re tight for space, consider multi­functional pieces. A low-­sitting dresser, for example, can double as a changing ­table.

If you would rather not hang pictures, but want something on the walls, use wallpaper that features charming animal designs, instead of paint. Finally, invest in a comfy rocking chair — you’ll thank us on those long nights spent awake with your baby.