I have forever been intrigued as well as challenged with the idea of designing a nursery for babies that is multi-functional. Space challenged apartment dwelling parents have the need for spaces within the home that can be used beyond their obvious intentions. For any one room, including the room designated for a baby to be used for one solitary purpose seems almost wasteful.
There are ways to design a nursery that will be used for so much more than a place where baby will sleep. Once traditional nursery furnishings like a baby crib and necessary storage are in place, put on your thinking cap and see if there are activities that you could relocate from other areas in the home for which the nursery could be used.
For instance, I've always been fond of the idea of a library combined with my baby's nursery. What better way to entertain yourself while rocking a fussy baby into the wee hours of the morning than with a riveting read? The idea of a special reading area in the bedroom appeals to me because books represent what all bedrooms should be: peaceful and quiet.
Rocking Cribs
I have tried on occasion to watch television during these late night sessions, but I found that the noise coming from the set seemed to disturb the baby. I am not a fan of giving children a television in their bedroom. If I watched television in the nursery during the early years how could I take it away later? Some parents put their computer in the nursery, but I prefer the desktop to be located in the home office. Besides, how can anybody surf the net with a newborn crying in the background.
Besides, books are so attractive and will add so much style and atmosphere to the nursery. The books that line the walls on decorative shelves can be selected according to author and theme as well as to coordinate with your color scheme. When initially making the decision on how to design the nursery, consider that a Mother Goose or other popular children's storybook theme would open the door for ways to integrate books into the decor.
The process can begin gradually beginning with a book shower or books presented as birthday or Christmas gifts. A library for your child could be built book by book alongside your own favorite reading material to be enjoyed on rainy days or sleepless nights. After your baby has outgrown the need for a nursery, a peaceful area where family members can enjoy a good book remains. What a lovely way to design a nursery with multiple uses.