Gender Neutral Nursery Decorating

Black and White

• Black and white graphic prints are available in a variety of baby products, as newborns have an easier time seeing the distinction between these two extremes than they do with more subtle color combinations. For the bedding, choose a gender-neutral pattern such as polka dots or stripes. Add simple accessories like a white lamp base with a black shade or a pair of white curtains with black ties. For added contrast, include gray or red in your color choices. When baby arrives, for girls you can add a black and white floral print throw pillow or blanket and for boys you can include a black and white sports jersey on the wall.

Animals

• Several animal prints come in gender-neutral styles. Choose a zoo theme, with safari and jungle animals all over the walls and bedding. Include bright colors such as greens and golds in this palette, which will work for either gender. For another animal spin, take your nursery to the farm with classic barnyard animals and themes. Include a mobile made of sheep baby can count as he drifts off to sleep at night. Popular animal themes such as birds and owls also work well with either gender; keep them neutral with a color palette of green, yellow or orange, and add a coordinating accent of purple or navy when the baby arrives.

Candy Land

• Show your baby you think she's sweet with a candy-themed bedroom. Deck out the room like Willy Wonka himself designed it, including brightly-colored paint on the walls in shades like orange or lime green and bold, solid or patterned bedding in coordinating shades of purple or blue. Use a candy garland from a Christmas tree to decorate the upper edge of the walls, or hang it over the curtain rods on the windows. Glue plastic or glass artificial candies around the shades on the lamps and purchase wall decals that resemble bright lollipops and gumdrops.

Neutral Neutrals

• If you want gender-neutral, opt for neutral colors. Baby's room can look crisp and clean when you keep white as the main color in the palette, and then add small accessories with subtle pops of other colors such as an embroidered quilt on the bed or a lampshade with ric rac trim. If you're worried about keeping an all-white room clean day in and day out, try another neutral shade like brown. Put khaki on the walls and highlight it with brightly-colored picture frames in red, yellow and green. Or choose a darker brown, using a tan on the walls and a chocolate colored rug and bed. Accent this color brown with a pale yellow or a teal color that can work for boys and girls.