How to Create an Arctic-Inspired Nursery
If penguins and polar bears tickle your fancy, an arctic nursery theme may be just what you’re looking for! Take your little one to a whole new world with these tips for creating a wintery wonderland inspired by the Great White North.
Whether you prefer modern, minimalist décor or something a touch more rustic, you won’t find it very difficult to integrate your favorite design style into this fun and flexible theme. If stark and icy is your angle, aim for a more modern design, featuring cool neutrals and sharp lines. Picturing something a little cozier? Introduce rustic design elements, such as natural woods and raw textures for a look more reminiscent of a warm winter cabin. Can’t decide? Do both! That’s what makes themed décor so much fun! As long as you stay true to the theme, you can’t go wrong.
Think white is boring? Think again! This crisp, clean neutral is far more complex than it looks. Dozens of shades, featuring rich and varying undertones, make the arctic tundra a far more colorful place then you might imagine. Still, while whites, greys and blues may be the obvious choice for an arctic-inspired palette, they are not the only choice. Don’t be afraid to play with a broader spectrum of frosty pinks, purples and even greens. Want to make your icy palette really pop? Try incorporating a bold accent like red, teal or navy blue.
Potential palettes might include:
You can find more tips for decorating with white right here.
To make your baby’s wintery world look like the real thing, concentrate on incorporating authentic textures. Stone, glass and metallic accents create a fun, frosty feel. Try creating an icy accent wall using glass tile. You could even build an Igloo playhouse out of glass bricks! To create contrast, be sure to layer in lots of soft and cozy textures. Think fur throws, rich woods and other natural materials, such as wool and wicker.
Christmas is the perfect time to pick up some great, arctic-inspired accessories, but be careful not to go over the top with the holiday trappings. Think wintery wonderland - not Christmas kitsch. The goal is to incorporate holiday décor in unusual, unexpected ways. Try filling a glass vase with icy blue Christmas lights for a frosty nightlight. Drape icicle garlands across the windows, or use individual plastic icicles to make a one-of-a-kind chandelier or an elegant, light-catching mobile. You could even create a cozy little pine grove using two or three rustic-looking Christmas trees of varied size and texture. The possibilities are endless!
Snow, ice and fluffy, arctic friends make for adorable nursery décor, but if you want to up the educational value, try making science and exploration part of your theme. Stage an arctic expedition, incorporating accessories such as maps, globes and steamer trunks into your design. Stars and constellations also fit well into an arctic motif. (After all, nothing beats the view from the top of the world!) Light up the night sky with an inexpensive star projector, or dazzle your little stargazer with nature’s greatest show: The Northern Lights.
1. Incorporate your Favorite Décor Styles:
Whether you prefer modern, minimalist décor or something a touch more rustic, you won’t find it very difficult to integrate your favorite design style into this fun and flexible theme. If stark and icy is your angle, aim for a more modern design, featuring cool neutrals and sharp lines. Picturing something a little cozier? Introduce rustic design elements, such as natural woods and raw textures for a look more reminiscent of a warm winter cabin. Can’t decide? Do both! That’s what makes themed décor so much fun! As long as you stay true to the theme, you can’t go wrong.
2. Go Beyond White:
Think white is boring? Think again! This crisp, clean neutral is far more complex than it looks. Dozens of shades, featuring rich and varying undertones, make the arctic tundra a far more colorful place then you might imagine. Still, while whites, greys and blues may be the obvious choice for an arctic-inspired palette, they are not the only choice. Don’t be afraid to play with a broader spectrum of frosty pinks, purples and even greens. Want to make your icy palette really pop? Try incorporating a bold accent like red, teal or navy blue.
Potential palettes might include:
- White, violet and blue
- White, mint green and silver
- White, teal and grey
- Red, white and turquois
- Navy, white and light blue
You can find more tips for decorating with white right here.
3. Play with Texture:
To make your baby’s wintery world look like the real thing, concentrate on incorporating authentic textures. Stone, glass and metallic accents create a fun, frosty feel. Try creating an icy accent wall using glass tile. You could even build an Igloo playhouse out of glass bricks! To create contrast, be sure to layer in lots of soft and cozy textures. Think fur throws, rich woods and other natural materials, such as wool and wicker.
4. Get Creative with Christmas Decor:
Christmas is the perfect time to pick up some great, arctic-inspired accessories, but be careful not to go over the top with the holiday trappings. Think wintery wonderland - not Christmas kitsch. The goal is to incorporate holiday décor in unusual, unexpected ways. Try filling a glass vase with icy blue Christmas lights for a frosty nightlight. Drape icicle garlands across the windows, or use individual plastic icicles to make a one-of-a-kind chandelier or an elegant, light-catching mobile. You could even create a cozy little pine grove using two or three rustic-looking Christmas trees of varied size and texture. The possibilities are endless!
5. Inspire Wonder:
Snow, ice and fluffy, arctic friends make for adorable nursery décor, but if you want to up the educational value, try making science and exploration part of your theme. Stage an arctic expedition, incorporating accessories such as maps, globes and steamer trunks into your design. Stars and constellations also fit well into an arctic motif. (After all, nothing beats the view from the top of the world!) Light up the night sky with an inexpensive star projector, or dazzle your little stargazer with nature’s greatest show: The Northern Lights.
