Spring and babies seem to go hand in hand so it is no surprise that lots of moms are hatching plans to decorate the nursery accordingly. Here are some tips to ensure your new life has a cheerful nest for romping!

Chose a spring color palette: Robin’s egg blue is great for boys and girls and Benjamin Moore has a beautiful version called Bird’s Egg. Martha Stewart paint chips are genius with tabs that flip down to reveal complementary colors. I chose Tidewater and Bone Folder and I swear I can smell fresh rain every time I walk into my son’s room.

Mix the Old and New: I used an antique dry sink as a changing table and a simple white crib from IKEA. To save money I purchased a glider on craigslist and had it re-upholstered in the softest indoor outdoor fabric I could find. After a year the chair still looks brand new!

Find Cheerful Airy Textiles: I had bumper pads and Window boxes made with fabric found at studiobontextiles.net (wired). Every time I see the little birds on the wire I smile. Chose something complementary for closet drapes and throw pillows. A soft rug is important, I recommend feeling before buying to ensure it will be soft when your little lamb starts crawling.

Form Needs Function To Survive: Take the doors off the closet so you have easy access. Hide a mini fridge for storing breast milk and snacks (mine is full of Easter candy) under a throw made from extra fabric. You will need a lamp and small table next to the glider for drinks, binkies and your cell phone.

Accessorize With Unique Finds: Antique baby rocking chairs, quilt racks for blankets and birds nests are cute ways to style the room. I collect vintage baby rattles and displayed them on a shelf with one of my favorite belly photos.

Don’t Forget Artwork: I am a photo freak so I waited to hang anything until I did a newborn shoot. There are thousands of brilliant artists on Etsy or DIY by framing fabric, words, vintage baby clothes, scrapbook paper or illustrations from children’s books. You can even purchase mismatched frames from a thrift store and paint them in a coordinating paint color (flip the ends over on the Martha Stewart paint chip).

Unless you are a Duggar, most people will not have many opportunities to decorate a nursery so have fun creating the ideal nest for your little Chickie.