Nirmada: Interior Design in New York City

Maybe it’s my age, but it seems like everyone around me is having a baby. My friends, and fortunately my clients are expecting little bundles of joy. So naturally I’ve been thinking a lot about Nursery Design, and there are so many great, stylish, options to help us create a hip, modern room for the hip, modern baby.

The Nursery can be the coolest room in the house

Where to begin? Call Nirmada first to put a comprehensive design plan together for you!

1. Must have elements: Crib, changing table, dresser, toy and clothing storage, seating for Mum and Dad. Flooring must be soft, but durable, and the paints and materials you use in the room must be environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

no VOC Paint from AFM Safecoat

2. When laying out the floor plan, make sure to locate the crib in the quietest and most draft-free part of the room. Baby’s senses are highly acute, so quiet means not just low on sounds but also low on visual stimulation. Babies will notice activity outside windows, drafts, vibrations, brightly patterned wallpaper, colorful toys and even odors in ways older children and adults will not. A crib area should be as quiet as possible in all sensory terms-away from the room door and hall traffic and painted or papered in soothing colors. Forget those Sesame Street primary colors!

Primary colors - not for baby!

3. Locate the changing table and clothing storage where it is most convenient for you and safest for your baby. Ideally, the changing table and dresser should be next to each other, and against a wall. All necessary supplies need to be within one hand’s easy reach, as babies quickly learn the fun of wriggling around, and you need to be able to keep one hand on your little one at all times.

Select a Changing Table with Storage Built-In

4. Make room for a comfortable adult chair-a rocker or glider. It’s important that you select something sturdy and comfortable that won’t easily tip or rock over.

5. Consider the importance of floor space over chair space so that babies can roll, crawl and play in unrestricted space. This kind of activity is essential to muscle control and eye-hand coordination. Watching even a very young infant work out the body movements needed to reach his favorite stuffed animal or a new red ball will convince you of the importance of this design decision. Add an unbreakable, securely fastened, mirror at baby’s eye level to your play area and play fabulous peekaboo games together.

Eames Elephants

6. Most importantly, don’t forget the all important blankie!

Stroller Blankets from DwellBaby

Remember, The classic “blankie crisis” is very real to a baby, involving sight, touch and smell.   Whatever you include in your baby’s Nursery, consistency is key. When you add or change any elements in a baby’s room, you’re not dealing with possessions only–you’re dealing with experiences. Keep that in mind and your baby’s room will always be a wonderful place to play, sleep, relax and grow.

Every day Nirmada scours the planet to stay current on what’s out there on the market – new or otherwise. Each week we bring you our New York favorites, ALL at special prices for our customers. For inquiries on any of these pieces email: ansha@nirmada.com.

Picks Week ending 23-Jan 09:

Tormod Alnaes Rosewood & Leather Armchair

Pair of Knoll Walnut & Cane Twin Headboards

Florence Knoll Sofa

Rare Charles and Ray Eames Screen

Stilnovo Chandelier

Rene Gabriel desk

The mavericks of modern, Room and Board just introduced their ’09 collection. With a nod to mid-century, R and B has created a line which one again brings high style to the mass market.

The collection is based on a “made in America” dictate, with 85% of the pieces originating from family owned companies.

There are some obvious nods to Eames, Knoll, and Wormley, but we like the fresh interpretation, and practical application in today’s market.

With a new President and a new hope in the air, it’s time once again to appreciate American craftsmanship and value, and we think Room and Board has created a perfect design vehicle with which to embrace change!