How to Pick the Perfect Paint Color for Your Nursery
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Back in 2013 I went shopping for a baby shower gift for one of my best friends, JK. She was expecting her first baby boy in just another month or so. At the toy gift store I bought him a book, and I got inspired for the design of my own baby's nursery. I wanted to buy a calendar of The Hungry Catepillar and frame them with large white matts to chic it up. And I knew instantly I would hang them up on a navy blue wall (perhaps with a white wainscoting below).
Fast forward to 2016 when I am actually at the paint store to pick up paint swatches with my hubby and Baby S. It was a bit funny to be picking out the paint colors with my baby (Instead of having it ready for baby's coming home, but you know how he surprised us!). I brought the crib sheets with me for my color reference.
I was busy with the baby, of course, and walked into the nursery only to see that my husband pinned my swatches all over the wall! As you can see I picked up 3 different colors in a variety of tints and shades. Of course my pre-planned navy blue is in the mix. I also chose some orange options for lots of happy energy and and a range of greens that coordinate with the crib bedding.
Well, almost instantly I knew orange was not going to make the cut. It's just too overpowering for the walls in this small room, but, it will make an excellent accent color. Maybe we'll paint the inside of the bookcase orange or display some cute orange toys?
In my heart I was really rooting for navy blue, or even the periwinkle blue would be fun, but I had to let the dream go. But it's OK! With my playful bedding from Oh Joy! 4pc Crib Bedding Set at Target I wanted a light, airy and playful feel to the room. So, that means jungle green will also be a lovely accent in the room. It would be fun to have a painted piece of furniture in a bold color. Maybe we'll paint the changing table jungle green?
Then I went to battle with myself over which shade of aqua-mint to choose. I loved the brightness of Neon Mint, but it was too neon (Haha). I feared it would make the room glow, and not in a good way. It needs some grey in it to calm the color, and make it feel a bit more neutral. I also want the hue to stand out from the aqua crib skirt. Alright, time to buy some paint testers!
My husband thought I was a bit crazy to order 4 samples that all look rather similar on the paint chips. It is so important to remember that a tiny paint chip can be deceiving when choosing the color for an entire room. It's also a good rule to remember that lighter colors will dry darker, and darker colors will dry lighter, so always allow time for the paint to dry fully. Paint large samples on your walls and look at them in the daytime and evening. Lighting in your room makes a big difference. Think about natural day light, and then artificial light from incandescent or fluorescent bulbs- Hmmm....
Finally I made it to my top two choices. The color on the left is the paint chip I felt sure about for a week before buying the paint. The color on the right is the paint chip I had dismissed earlier, but grabbed again on our way to the paint store. I just had a gut feeling about it. And I was right. The color isn't an exact duplicate from the bedding, but it flows with it. Yes, the color on the left will be perfect. That is my final answer! **And my husband rejoices**
What better motivation to kick us into gear than free labor? A best friend of mine came to visit us on Memorial Day weekend and even offered to help us out with a project in our home. Hooray! My husband and BC painted the nursery in a day. A few debates about painters tape, moldings, and electrical sockets and they were on a roll. BTW, we did provide him a bed to sleep at night, and a few drinks.
So, what do you think? I am so in love with the nursery paint color. It really is perfect. Greens are tricky to work with. I've seen so many minty rooms online that went a bit glow-in-the-dark, or too overpowering or get a scary pea soup, yellow cast when the lights are on. Distant Valley by Valspar is the perfect minty aqua in our home. It's serene, sophisticated, and playful which is perfect for all of us to relax and enjoy Baby S in his nursery.
What color is your nursery? Do you love it or can't wait to repaint? Either way, as long as baby is happy, you did a great job!
