If you are painting or designing a nursery without knowing the sex of the baby, or designing a kid’s room for a boy and girl, then it’s best to use neutral colors. In the past, greens or yellows were believed to be the only neutral colors to use in a nursery or playroom. Luckily today, with the invention of more color variations, options, design ideas, and accessories, neutral colors are now extended to blue, red, orange, and purple hues. With this in mind, here are some color options you can experiment with in your new home that are neutral, as well as great options as you and your child grow through the years.
Use a Neutral Color
Black, brown, grey, and white are neutral by definition; therefore, can be used for either a boy or girl. You might be asking yourself “black?”, but black and white can be combined with bright colors to produce a gender neutral room. I would recommend using black as an accent or incorporating the color into the design versus on the walls, unless you are planning to incorporate a chalk board wall, which can add versatility to any room.
These neutral colors are great back drops for wall art, artwork, shelves, or any other decoration, but your child will be able to use these colors as he or she grows. These colors can be used monochromatically within the room, or with punches of bright colors to offset architectural elements and/or furniture.
Examples:
Grey and Grey/Blue Undertone Color Palette. (Nursery)
Brown Color Palette. Although this is designed as a boy-themed room, its color palette is universal and can be used for either gender. (Child’s Bedroom)
Soft Brown with Yellow Accents. (Nursery)
Black and White Color Palette (Tween/Teen Bedroom)
Dark Green (almost black) and Green Accents. (Nursery)
Besides pink and some soft shades of violet, most bright, vibrant colors are neutral and can be used for boys or girls. These colors reflect the personality and energy of your kids, plus, studies show that children and babies love bright colors.
Please note, when incorporating bright, vibrant colors together, it is always best to combine color compliments or a neutral color to create harmony. Be sure to keep your ceiling paint and trim neutral, unless you have a distinct design concept in mind, otherwise it will clash or be too busy.
Examples:
Blue and Purple Color Palette (Young Child Bedroom or Playroom)
Orange, Yellow and Green Color Palette (Young Child Bedroom or Playroom)
Red, Orange, and Yellow Color Palette (Young Child Bedroom or Playroom)
Green, Yellow, and Teal Palette (Young Child Bedroom or Playroom)
Red, Yellow, and Green Color Palette (Nursery)
Red, Yellow, and Blue (Tween/Teen Room)
Orange, Blue, and Yellow Palette. (Young Child Bedroom)
Deep Green, Red, Brick, and Light Blue Combination. (Tween/Teen Room)
These neutral color palettes will help you start to brain storm and develop your ideas for your baby’s nursery or child’s bedroom. Don’t forget to plan out your design before you begin by mixing and matching color samples, as well as seeing how each color will work in your space and lighting by painting 4′ X 4′ areas. Have fun, be flexible, and if possible, include your child in the decision process, too.
