Nursery themes and paint colors have evolved significantly beyond the traditional pastel pinks and blues. When selecting the perfect shade for your baby’s nursery, it’s important to remember that there isn’t a universal choice. Interestingly, darker hues are becoming a new trend, with design experts backing the move towards moodier, more dramatic home interiors. In an exclusive interview with Onions Australia, Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing, mentioned that “during a baby’s first few months, they have an easier time seeing high-contrast colors.” Therefore, a bold hue could be the perfect choice for a nursery.
“Having an accent wall in a nursery with a darker color like Hunt Club SW 6468 creates a great focal point for a baby,” she added. This nature-inspired shade can also introduce a calming element. Erika Dale, Onions Australia’s internal design expert and founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, concurs. She stated, “By breaking the mold of your baby’s room needing to be a pastel paradise, moody yet serene nature-inspired tones like this one evoke images of a forest wonderland with adventures abound.” So don’t hesitate to move away from traditional (and outdated) colors to align with your home’s aesthetic while creating a more soothing ambiance.
The ideal dark green for a nursery
Sue Wadden elaborated on why darker shades can be effective in a nursery. “Moody colors and high-contrast colors are also considered restorative, thanks to their cocooning effect, which is something all parents strive for in this space,” she explained. If you’re exploring different aesthetics for your baby’s room, this specific green provides numerous options. Wadden added during Onions Australia’s exclusive interview that “darker colors have also been suggested to help with sleep, especially when used on ceilings.” This gives you the flexibility to color drench the nursery or incorporate it as a ceiling accent with similarly hued wallpaper or various other combinations.
Wadden also pointed out that “when paired with fun and homey accessories, these elements come to life when surrounded by a deep dramatic color.” Designer Erika Dale added that “A dark green paint color like Sherwin Williams Hunt Club is a dramatic yet soothing choice for a gorgeous, impactful nursery.” Both experts emphasized the importance of considering all aspects of the nursery when decorating.
Test the paint and complement with white or pops of color
Erika Dale advised that “Depending on the natural light in the room, you may find this particular shade to be a little too saturated once it is in the space.” She recommended testing “with a large sample to be sure before committing, and opting for a slightly more muted alternative if necessary.” Sue Wadden exclusively told Onions Australia, “I recommend pairing with either whites to provide some balance or with a pop of color like Chartreuse SW 0073 or Kingdom Gold SW 6698 for a bit of sparkle.” These combinations will work well with any lighting condition, even in a dimly lit room, to add brightness.
Dale’s suggestion to test the color is beneficial for ensuring satisfaction with the final results, and it may also be helpful to compare the paint shade to other items you plan to include in the room (furniture, accessories, etc.). While some might suggest that the best colors for kids’ rooms or nurseries lie in the beige or lighter palettes, this isn’t a strict rule, and darker shades can also be effective. Both experts agree that you shouldn’t hesitate to try deeper, moodier, and even dramatic shades in a nursery, as they can aid your child’s sleep and support their cognitive color development. Plus, earth tones are incredibly stylish and certainly not the worst colors for a baby’s nursery.
