Home improvement expert and TV host Chelsea Lipford Wolf documents home projects and interior design updates on her lifestyle blog, Checking In With Chelsea.
In one blog post, Chelsea shared how she refreshed her young daughter’s nursery to also appeal to her son. Chelsea incorporated several budget-friendly updates to give the nursery a more gender-neutral aesthetic. The updated nursery strikes the perfect balance between feminine and masculine.
Here are some of the changes she made to turn her kids’ nursery into a beautiful space on a budget. They’re simple fixes that most homeowners can make without overspending.
1. Add New Wall Decor
When refreshing your nursery’s aesthetic, swapping out wall decor is one of the easiest updates. The gallery walls in your nursery are the perfect canvas for injecting color, style, and visual interest through framed prints, canvas art, and textured accents.
Chelsea updated the gallery walls with framed prints and canvas art to give the nursery a more modern, minimalist look. She opted for black and white images plus a large abstract art canvas. The on-trend neutral color scheme and simplistic designs create an understated, sophisticated look. Chelsea also incorporated touches of metallic accents and greenery for texture and dimension. These small details add cohesive style without overwhelming the space.
2. Install Battery-Powered Sconces
Previously, the nursery lighting consisted of a basic, unattractive ceiling fixture. Chelsea added battery-operated sconces to create mood lighting and give the nursery a calming, spa-like ambiance in the evenings.
Sconces provide a warm, inviting glow for bedtime stories, late-night feedings, or evening diaper changes. One of the best parts of this DIY project is that hardwired electrical work isn’t required for these battery-operated sconces. Instead, Chelsea recommends using flameless LED candles in the sconces. They give the soothing flicker of real candles without posing a safety hazard.
3. Sew Custom Roman Shades
Chelsea sewed budget-friendly Roman shades using canvas drop cloths and cotton rope. The neutral shades blend with the color palette, adding softness to the windows.
Roman shades are safer than blinds or curtains around young kids. If possible, sew them yourself to save money — no sewing experience is needed for this easy DIY project.
However, you can also find quality premade Roman shades for around $100 per window if you want to save some time.
4. Repaint Walls
Chelsea repainted the nursery walls using the same light gray paint color but with a new, modern finish. Previously, the gray had a distressed, weathered finish. Chelsea updated the paint to a flat finish for a clean, crisp look.
If your nursery walls need more than a new coat of paint, you may need to skim-coat your walls for a smooth surface. This process levels imperfections using drywall joint compound to repair and fill in damage.
5. Update Furniture Arrangement and Accents
Chelsea moved the crib and furniture around to give the nursery a new look. She also incorporated more gender-neutral decor accents, such as new bedding and storage solutions like woven baskets. The small changes make the nursery feel fresh and updated.
And you can do the same — one of the most affordable ways to update a nursery is to simply move furniture around for a refreshed look.
So, Is Updating Your Nursery on a Budget Worthwhile?
Updating your nursery doesn’t have to cost a fortune or require major renovations. Simple changes like new wall decor, window treatments, furniture arrangement, and accent decor can give your nursery a whole new look and feel.
The projects Chelsea incorporated are DIY and beginner-friendly for the average homeowner. Sewing Roman shades takes some skill and patience but costs a fraction of buying custom shades. Repainting walls with a modern finish is an easy DIY project, and incorporating neutral, minimalist wall decor creates a soothing environment.
Best of all, the nursery refresh allows the space to grow with your kids and adapt to changing needs. Implementing a gender-neutral style also creates a room both kids can enjoy as they get older.
FAQs About Refreshing Your Nursery on a Budget
What are some easy DIY projects to refresh my nursery?
Some easy DIY refresh projects include:
- Painting the walls in a new modern finish
- Making your own Roman shades from canvas drop cloths
- Updating wall decor with gallery frames and canvas art
- Adding battery-operated sconces for mood lighting
- Rearranging furniture for a new perspective
How can I incorporate a more gender-neutral style in my nursery?
Opt for neutral colors like black, white, gray, tan, or navy. Add touches of metallic accents like gold frames or silver lighting fixtures. You can also incorporate organic textures like woven baskets and wood shelves. We recommend choosing bedding, prints, and decor in minimalist, simplistic designs.
What safety precautions should I take when refreshing my nursery?
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital recommends installing safety products like corner guards and electrical outlet covers. I also recommend choosing cordless window treatments like Roman shades or draperies to avoid injury. If you are repainting the nursery walls, use low-VOC paint, which is safer for the environment and your child. Other important steps include only using flameless LED candles in sconces and anchoring heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tipping accidents.
What are the benefits of refreshing my nursery as my kids grow?
Refreshing your nursery allows the room to adapt to your child’s changing interests and needs. It also accommodates sharing the room between siblings. Plus, small updates make the space feel new without requiring expensive renovations down the road.
How can I incorporate storage solutions when refreshing my nursery?
Woven baskets offer stylish open storage while floating shelves provide plenty of display space. We recommend purchasing under-crib storage containers that roll out to neatly store extra bedding. Other storage solutions include over-the-door hanging organizers and cubby bookcases that integrate storage and display.
