![]() The Stork's Nest of the Old Pueblo features this bedding set made especially for those little bundles of joy: Tulle-A-Lu by the Added Touch, which sells for $450.
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Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.02.2006
When it comes to pulling together a nursery, the biggest question to consider is this: Do you decorate for the baby or for the parents?
Sometimes the answer makes a difference, says the co-owner of the Stork's Nest of the Old Pueblo, 6825 E. Camino Principal.
Susan Luedtke relates a recent experience with a customer. The woman came in wanting to do geometric designs for her baby's nursery in keeping with the latest thinking on child development.
But as she looked around, it was clear that she was drawn to a "more romantic vision" for the room that included flowers and butterflies, Luedtke says.
Which leads to her advice to parents: "If you really have a romantic, feminine vision in your head, do what you want now."
Many of her customers seek out unique items, she says, and are still leaning toward pastels and traditional baby themes offered at the children's boutique, which sells custom bedding and stylish accessories.
Customers also want "a lot of shabby-chic design and the new geometric" patterns, she adds.
Those geometrics add a contemporary twist to nursery décor and follow the recent buzz about how simple patterns attract infants' attention.
Recent research also notes that newborns can't see pastels and instead zoom in on bright, contrasting colors.
Thus, the advice of a couple of interior designers: Stay neutral, simple and bold.
"What's more trendy is to keep the space more neutral," interior designer Michelle Carnes says, "then add bold pieces and artwork."
For instance, place a black-and-white photo of Mom and Dad near the crib and frame it with a bold color such as red.
White with black, red, blue or green is a good color scheme, interior designer Marguerite Brown suggests, and it doesn't have to be overbearing.
"It doesn't have to be as stark as walking into a crossword puzzle," Brown says.
Stripes, gingham, plaid, polka dots and checkers are some of the patterns that work well with a design plan aimed at the infant's interests and development.
Window treatments, lampshades and pillows provide opportunities for more color and patterns to soften the look.
Whether the nursery leans toward traditional or trendy, all three women agree that eventually it will change as a baby grows, so expect that whatever is done won't last long.
"We encourage people to choose something that grows with the child a little bit," Luedtke says.
● Contact freelance writer Elena Acoba at eacoba@azstarnet.com.
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