Nielsen also recommends incorporating antiques and used items that add depth and layer, and don’t feel “too new or perfect”—an ethos designers follow for many reasons, be it the eco-friendly nature of antiques and vintage (and the quality of the materials used), the patina which wears well in children’s spaces, or the variety of silhouettes available.
Remove Low-Hanging Fruit
“Low lying, easily accessible accessories will be the first things a crawling baby will want to play with,” says interior designer, bestselling author, and mom of two Erin Gates. Wooden and woven bowls or books are safe and stylish options to have on lower shelves. Nix anything porcelain, glass, or sharp-edged in those areas.
Emilie Ghilaga Carlisle, buying director at Over the Moon and mother of a one-year-old boy, knows the importance of this all too well. “Using baskets as objets or storage is not only a safe option when it comes to keeping things out of reach, but they also add texture and a nice, natural touch to your home. Baskets are timeless and never go out of style. To that end, we have an entire wicker section on Over the Moon, dedicated to our many offerings.”
Over The Moon recently launched a baby registry overseen by Ghilaga, and their continued expansion into the children’s and nursery space includes everything from furniture and storage to textiles and toys. As Ghilaga says, “These are the building blocks for a beautiful yet practical interior that meets all of baby’s needs and those of even the most aesthetically-minded and discerning of parents.”
Low and Steady Wins the Race
This one might seem obvious, but items that can topple, anything low made out of glass, or pieces with sharp corners are a big no-no with a munchkin running around. The rules can be a little harder to implement if you’ve splurged a few years prior on an unwieldy vintage piece, so invest wisely.
“Consider a swing arm sconce for story time reading as opposed to a lamp,” says interior designer Lauren Pendleton, also a mother of three who shares wonderful tips like this on her Instagram. “There are so many chic plug-in swing arm sconce options these days, and you won’t have to worry about little ones knocking over a floor or table lamp. You can add a beautiful patterned shade to elevate the look and tie it back into your scheme.”