Welcoming a new baby is a big moment, and designing the nursery is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. It’s where you’ll share sleepy cuddles, midnight feeds, and magical firsts. With a little thought, you can create a space that feels calm, welcoming, and practical for both baby and parents. At Pat McDonnell Paints, we know how colour and design choices can transform a room — so here are our top tips to inspire you.
Choosing colours for your baby’s nursery
Neutral colour schemes remain a customer favourite for nurseries, and it’s easy to see why. They create a timeless base that you can layer with colour and personality as your child grows.
“Generally speaking, I would advise parents to use soft, warm neutral tones while their child is younger so as not to overstimulate them at bedtime. But as they get older, don't be afraid to use colour through patterns, feature walls or even stencils,” says Nicole Masterson, colour consultant in our Rathfarnham store
Popular neutrals include Lowland, Batch Loaf and Spring’s Call by Colourtrend. For a softer, feminine feel, try Powder Colour by Dulux Heritage or Calamine by Farrow & Ball. Blue-green shades such as Green Oxide (Dulux Heritage ) and Teresa’s Green (Farrow & Ball ) are also a timeless option for boys’ rooms.
Three creative paint ideas for nurseries
Idea 1: Add personality with colourful trim and furniture
If you’d rather not paint the whole room, focus on the details. A splash of colour on a cot, shelves, skirting boards, or even a door can instantly brighten the space. It’s also a budget-friendly way to upcycle hand-me-down furniture while adding personality to a neutral scheme. Low-VOC, water-based and low-odour, Ralston Aqua is the ideal trim paint for these projects.
Why we love this idea:
Instant colour pop without committing to painting all the walls.
Budget-friendly – perfect for upcycling second-hand furniture and hand-me-downs.
Quick and easy – great for parents on a time crunch.
Idea 2: Create a calm, cohesive space with colour drenching
For a nursery that feels calm, cosy, and stylish, try colour drenching. This trend involves painting everything — walls, ceiling, trim, shelving, even furniture — in the same shade for an immersive effect. It creates a subtle backdrop that lets furniture, lighting, and décor shine without visual clutter, making it perfect for a restful, relaxing space. Not only does colour drenching look stunning, but it’s also easier than you’d think — no need for perfect tape lines or endless prep, since everything is the same shade.
Product tip: Try Farrow & Ball Dead Flat — an ultra-matte finish that gives you seamless coverage across multiple surfaces, including walls, woodwork, metal and more.
Idea 3: Try a two-tone colour scheme
A two-tone wall is a clever way to introduce colour while maintaining a calm, balanced feel. In terms of colour schemes, there are a few options to choose from. You can pair a neutral with a bolder colour for soft contrast. You can also combine two tones of the same colour family for a serene, layered effect. Adventurous colour lovers can bring together contrasting shades for a fun and playful mood. Not sure what colours to combine? Our in-store colour consultants can help you create a palette that’s cohesive, calming, and baby-friendly.
Here’s how to paint a two-tone wall in your nursery:
Decide how you will divide the colours. For a classic look, install a dado rail or wall panelling. For a more modern aesthetic, simply use a good-quality masking tape, such as Deltec, to separate the colours with a clean, crisp line.
Choose your split point. Halfway up the wall gives a classic look; go closer to the ceiling for a modern, cocooned effect.
Why not tie the scheme together by also painting the trim, woodwork and ceiling?
Get more project inspiration and expert advice from Pat McDonnell Paints online, in store, and over the phone with fast and free delivery on all orders.
