Planning a Luxury Baby Nursery

* WALL COLOR
Choose a general color scheme, then stay within that scheme using various shades within that color family. An accent color or two would complement, but anymore than that may be jarring for a luxury nursery.(You do not have to settle for the baby pink, blue, or green family if you don't want to).

* WINDOW TREATMENTS
Velvet not only looks soft and luxurious, but can block out light when the baby needs a nap. Or choose silk for the curtains,hung higher and wider than the window, and falling into a romantic pile on the floor. Perhaps you'd prefer something lighter? Try billowy chiffon.

* WALL ACCENTS
Add simple picture molding in antique white to accent simple but gorgeous satin finished or color-textured walls. Or paint or hang large initials, objects, or designs either by hand or template to create a dramatic artistic effect. Murals are popular because they give a designer touch while working within budget constraints since paint is rather easy and inexpensive.

Find antique prints or old family baby photos to matte and frame in ornate moldings. Or dispalay collections of items in shadow boxes mounted side by side.

* FABRICS
Even if you pick a bedding set, accent the room with layers of varying textures of fabric such as velvet,sateen egyptian or turkish cotton,super-fine linen, yarns, raw silks, and quilted fabrics. Some easy care (i.e. washable) fabrics to consider are microsuede, microfiber,washable velvet, washable satin, and washable chenille.

* FURNITURE
Stay away from too "matchy-matchy" if you truly want a professionally designed look- this means thinking out-of-the box about furniture. Some ideas include tuffets for footstools, curio cabinet for storage, shell back chair instead of the traditional rocker, and a bombe chest with a temporary padded changing tray instead of the regular changing table. Important, though, to buy a new safety tested crib from a reputable manufacturer!!!

All you need in terms of furniture is a crib,dresser with changing top, comfy chair, side table and lamp, and small bookshelf.

When buying a crib, keep in mind the word "heirloom", and search for one that fits that look (but BUY NEW FOR SAFETY REASONS! I cannot stress this enough!).

More important than the type of crib is the type mattress. Whatever you do, get the best mattress you can buy. Your baby will sleep on this for 2-3 years,especially if you use a converible crib. You don't want back problems to start this early. Just buy the best!

*FLOOR COVERING
Choose an area rug that's very plush- brushed lambs wool combs to mind or deep shag chenille, or bold- think themed pictures,patterns, and colors. For a modern or eco-themed nursery, consider a jute or other natural fiber rug. This is an easy spot to introduce texture, color, and accenting shapes, so be creative.

* Accessories
Stay away from little nic-nacs. Aside from being dangerous for little ones, it's much better to use a few well-grouped larger pieces than many tiny ones that just become cluttery junk. However, if you have or recieve some nicnacs you couldn't bear to part with, why not buy a pretty curio cabinet for the corner of the room near the crib where you can display them in catergorized collections that can be added to over time.

Choose some classic childrens hard-cover books to display, along with an heirloom quality Christening Dress hung on a satin padded hanger.

Finally, pick a wicker doll or baby carriage or lovely complementary cradle into which you can place a few stuffed animals or rag dolls of varying sizes. Another option is to use a large baskets to hold these as your baby collects more from friends and family.

*Lighting is everything!
My advice, at minimum, is to install a dimmer switch to existing overhead lighting. But to really get the lighting right in your nursery, start by finding a beautiful chandelier or unique fixture such as japaneze lanterns or mexican stars or the like. Then, add an accent lamp on a side table or dresser with a pretty shade. Finish up with accent lighting such as recessed lights or tiny halogen accents pointed at specific details like artwork.

On a final note, to get that designer look luxury nursery, you don't have to spend a gazillion dollars, you just have to choose things that coordinate and use high-end fabrics. So, give your baby the best place to call home by selecting each piece with love.

For more ideas, check out the pictures of various nurseries below.