Thursday, July 15, 2010

Make A Walkin Closet A Room For Baby

Use an over-sized walk-in closet as your baby's nursery.


Turn your walk-in closet into a nursery for your new baby to keep her close and give her a private room, even if there are no bedrooms available in your home. During your baby's infancy, she won't need a lot of space to play and store numerous toys and clothes, so a walk-in closet will likely suffice as a large enough room to serve as her nursery. Use the closet as-is or make a couple of minor adjustments to completely convert the closet into a bedroom she can use for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Prepare the closet by removing any shelves or rods that will get in the way of the baby's furniture or the nursery decor. Use a hammer to remove nails; a drill or screwdriver to remove screws; and fill in any holes with touch-up plaster, or whatever is applicable.


2. Install a small window in the closet if possible to let in natural light and allow for ventilation. If it's not possible, install a couple of different light sources and a fan. Consider the temperature in the closet during warmer or cooler months to determine if any insulation or vents need to be added.


3. Paint the closet in a light, soothing color that complements the theme or color scheme you've chosen for the baby's room. Light colors work best for smaller spaces and won't overstimulate the baby. Use no-voc paint due to the lack of ventilation and avoid putting the baby in the room for a few days after you paint.


4. Hang a border or wall decor that makes the room feel more like a nursery than a closet. Use theme-related items if you're using a decorating theme or simple baby elements, such as hand or foot prints, if you aren't. Hang at least one picture or use adhesive wall decals if you don't want to (or can't) paint or install a border.


5. Place only necessary furniture in the room to avoid making it feel cramped. Use a smaller crib, dresser or a fold-out changing table to save on space if necessary. Hang floating shelves on the walls for storage if you removed all of the built-in shelves, or place a low shelf in the room under hanging clothes. Add a small rocking chair only if you need one in the room, otherwise keep the chair in your bedroom.


6. Set up ample storage in the nursery for all of your baby's things. Use shelves to hold bins and baskets full of toys, diaper supplies or even baby clothes if there isn't enough room for a shelf and dresser. Store toys on lower shelves so your baby has easy access when he's ready to play, and clothes or supplies higher where he can't get into them but they're still within your reach.


7. Accessorize the closet with small baby items that complement the decor and function in the room. Place a mobile over the baby's crib, a nightlight or small lamp across from the crib and a soft rug in the center of the room.

Tags: your baby, walk-in closet, baby room, closet into, enough room, nursery your, nursery your baby