A baby nursery does not have to be the typical pink or light blue, filled with cartoon characters, or have a mural. 

Here are some designer tips and tricks for decorating a nursery in a more sophisticated and elegant style.

photo courtesy of Angie Stalker flickr.com/photos/astalker/11737664974/No Theme
Many baby rooms have a theme.  The nursery theme may be boats, teddy bears, princess, cars, a certain cartoon character, sports, and the list goes on.

If you would like to have a sophisticated and elegant nursery for your baby, it is best to NOT use a theme.

Themed baby nursery items tend to multiply and the room ends up looking like a tacky gift shop. 

Color Scheme
The color scheme is the first thing to decide when decorating a nursery.

Some popular nursery color schemes are chocolate & light blue, chocolate & pink, chocolate & lime green, sage green & pink, black & yellow, navy & green, and red & pink.

For a more modern touch, select the colors of black and white with an accent color or two.

Be creative and select colors that you like.

Designer Bedding
For a sophisticated look, shop online at baby boutiques first.

Once you figure out what you like from shopping at high end stores, you can shop at a local baby supply store or discount store if you are more budget minded. 

Consider purchasing individual pieces instead of a pre-packaged set using multiple coordinating patterns for interest. 

Create a unique designer combination of bumper pads, top sheet, and bottom sheet that is exclusive to your nursery.

Furniture
Babies have a lot of functional furniture that is not always very attractive.

Consider putting the baby's changing table in a closet.

You can even exchange the closet door with a drape for easier access and more decorative appeal.

Instead of a traditional baby glider, shop for a vintage or antique rocking chair that would be a charming piece to add to your home once the baby gets older.

There are also lounge chairs available today that offer a hidden rocking feature.

Banish Clutter
Make sure to store kid clutter out of sight.

Consider using an open bookshelf with baskets for toy storage.

All other items should be put away.

Compliment the Rest of the House
Complete the nursery's decor as you would any other room in the house.

Select coordinating rugs, paint the walls to match with the bedding, use elegant light fixtures (perhaps a chandelier), add artwork, and select other sophisticated furniture.

Be Eco-Friendly
Try to use green and eco-friendly products in your baby's nursery whenever possible.

You can use an organic mattress and linens #ad, organic carpet, and no VOC (volatile organic compound) paints.