Avoiding babyish pastels and choosing bright, stimulating colors creates an unthemed place that can change as the tiny resident grows into his or her own interests.

 

In the changing area, a wavy mirror catches the baby's gaze while acting as art beneath open shelves. Under the bottom shelf, a strip of low-voltage rope lights offer dim light for diaper changes in the dark.

 

For a colorful grid wall like this, paint a wall white, then mark off a grid with 1-inch painter's tape. Paint each block a different color, then remove the tape to reveal the 1-inch borders between squares. This method is easier than painting one color at a time and the white border adds a finished, windowpane look.

 

Inspired by a rug motif, the homeowners cut mod squares from plywood, painted them with leftover wall paint, then hung them in overlapping layers from thin chains screwed into the ceiling. They serve as overhead art for baby and as an eye-catcher to all who enter.

 

By painting large contrasting blocks behind framed art, small pieces look larger and visually pop from the wall.

Like what you see in this story? As of 2006, the items featured in this story were available from these manufacturers.

Rocker - Arhaus; 866-427-4287; www.arhaus.com. Palm leaf pillow - West Elm; 866-428-6468; www.westelm.com. Mini table and chairs Mammut, Light fixture Knappa, Wood frames and framed mirror on wall - IKEA; in the United States: 877-345-4532; in Canada: 888-932-4532; www.ikea.com. Changing table - Babies R Us; 800-869-7787; www.babiesrus.com. Rug Islands in Chocolate - Angela Adams; 800-255-9454; www.angelaadams.com. Wall paints for block design Cachepot Green, Tahitian Teal, Azul, Swimming Pool, and Sweet Pea from the Casual Colors collection, available through Wal-Mart; 800-925-6278; www.walmart.com (product line varies).